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Implantable neurostimulator for chronic pain
Spine Health | Last Active: Jun 21, 2023 | Replies (334)Comment receiving replies
Hi Jim,
I had a Medtronic Stim unit implanted for over a year back in 2014 and had it removed after a year of having it adjusted over and over. I had a temporary implant that I felt helped so I went and had permanent implant. I now know that it was premature in feeling it was working. I guess I was holding on with a feeling that I was getting relief. It ended up being a false relief because I wanted it to be. I now have major scar tissue that is causing pain in different ways.
I would highly recommend that you do plenty of research, look at the surgeons results, try to get testimonials before going under the knife. Once you are cut, you can’t go back ! Good luck
Replies to "Hi Jim, I had a Medtronic Stim unit implanted for over a year back in 2014..."
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@mlross4508 Have you had the fusion or a stimulator implant? I turned my stimulator off for the month of March and felt no increase in pain. I turned it back on in April, and still felt no change in the pain. So, I guess I might as well have it removed.
Because of Covid19, my appointment with the specialist was postponed to the end of June, so I haven't talked with her about what else she would recommend before getting the drg stimulator.
Are your pain and sleep doing better? Any changes to your meds? I hope that the Covid19 hasn't put your life on hold. Except for not being able to go to church and the missed doctor appointments, my life isn't all that different from my normal routine.
After my unacceptable experience with the SCS implant surgeon, the company rep suggested that I look into the drg, and he gave me the name of a different surgeon. What an amazing difference between her and the first surgeon. I have no complaint regarding the implant itself, just the fact that I never had an appointment with him before and after the surgery. I only spoke to his staff on the phone. To my way of thinking, that's incompetent and unacceptable behavior. You listed 4 options that you could choose from, and I wonder if you've gone ahead with any of them, and if so, how effective has it been in treating your pain.
Jim