Implantable neurostimulator for chronic pain

Posted by zjandre @zjandre, Apr 13, 2016

Has anybody had an implantable neurostimulator for chronic pain?

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@lisab62

I've had the Spinal Cord Stimulator for pain of Variant Angina
It has taken care of the pain however it does not cover the pain of a heart attack or a bad spasm. Took a little while to
Get used to it but now it's part of my life and totally worth it.

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Hi Lisa, what SCS company manufactured your device? i.e., Abbot, Boston Scientific, Nevro or Stimwave?

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@alysebrunella

Hi @zjandre, and welcome to Connect. I'm tagging @ladyjane85 and @mntnlaural as both members were recently discussing neurostimulators. I would also encourage you to check out the thread Chronic pain - Let's Talk as I feel like you may find additional members to connect with in this group (https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/are-there-any-discussions-for-chronic-pain/)

Are you considering an implanted neurostimulator or did you recently have one implanted?

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I have had a Nevro stimulator for 2 years and it has help with back pain. The back pain was not or has it ever been my main complaint. For over 5 years I have had ,at times extream sciatic pain that has only gotten worse over the years. It is almost a daily thing now. In the beginning it usually occurred when driving, now reclining will set it off. I have pain that is always there but it is manageable about half the time At times the pain encompasses my entire leg along with my foot. I just talked with my surgeon and after I finish with the new Nevro settings, that is about the 6th or 7th, time we my do a trial with the Boston Scientific stimulator. Has any one had experience with the Boston Scientific stimulator?

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I used Boston Scientific last year. I had chronic pain in the toes of my right foot. All the other therapies didn't work. So I was told that I had to try SCS. The trial lasted was 5 days. The tape on the back to hold the leads in place was placed was very painful. I thought I got some relief but it was hard to tell because of the back pain. I was kind of talked into the permanent on. But, after 7 weeks, I got very little relief and had some minor back pain, I told them to take it out. 've heard that some people got some relief. with back pain using Boston Scientific My pain in the toes from 2 prior surgeries. I am now considering Abbot premium SCS. Nevro, Medtronic, and Stimwave SCS. If you choose any of these, ask your doctor if you could speak with prior patients who had success with their device before you decide. Good luck.

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@usmc6468

I have had a Nevro stimulator for 2 years and it has help with back pain. The back pain was not or has it ever been my main complaint. For over 5 years I have had ,at times extream sciatic pain that has only gotten worse over the years. It is almost a daily thing now. In the beginning it usually occurred when driving, now reclining will set it off. I have pain that is always there but it is manageable about half the time At times the pain encompasses my entire leg along with my foot. I just talked with my surgeon and after I finish with the new Nevro settings, that is about the 6th or 7th, time we my do a trial with the Boston Scientific stimulator. Has any one had experience with the Boston Scientific stimulator?

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My back problems (now “moderate to severe” spinal stenosis L5-S1 on MRI 2 years ago; I am fused for several levels above it) manifest as significant sciatic pain down R leg, “best” relief is laying down, worst is sitting, standing is so-so. Latter depends on shoes, surface, if I can move around, etc.
I refused more fusion surgery.
My Medtronics SCS seems to help quite a bit, thankfully. I just had them do some adjusting of one program today to better cover an area that sometimes bothers me when I walk. Which I haven’t been due to sub zero temps, sob. 😢
For me as someone else mentioned, the worst part of trial was all the tape (I had to request certain kinds as my skin can begin blistering and peeling) and the fact I couldn’t shower, argh!

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@martyk

I used Boston Scientific last year. I had chronic pain in the toes of my right foot. All the other therapies didn't work. So I was told that I had to try SCS. The trial lasted was 5 days. The tape on the back to hold the leads in place was placed was very painful. I thought I got some relief but it was hard to tell because of the back pain. I was kind of talked into the permanent on. But, after 7 weeks, I got very little relief and had some minor back pain, I told them to take it out. 've heard that some people got some relief. with back pain using Boston Scientific My pain in the toes from 2 prior surgeries. I am now considering Abbot premium SCS. Nevro, Medtronic, and Stimwave SCS. If you choose any of these, ask your doctor if you could speak with prior patients who had success with their device before you decide. Good luck.

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@martyk I had neuropathy causing my feet to burn and I also had lower back problems. The doc said the SCS would be "a home run" for the feet but probably not help with lower back pain. As it turned out, it didn't help my feet one bit no matter how many programs I tried, but it was a home run for my back. I'll take that! I have a Nevro (about 4 yr.)

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Thanks scruffy. I think feet are very hard to treat with SCS. I have been given a phone number of a nurse who had the Abbott DRG implanted and was told by the doctor that she got a lot of pain relief. I hope to talk to her soon.

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HI, I have had both the Abbott SCS and DRG for my feet and legs and lower back. unfortunately they both were awesome in the trial, but neither did anymore than 5% relief once I had the final installation. I had 5 revisions of the SCS with no change in effectiveness.
I recently had both of them completely removed.
I now have the Medtronic pain pump which has worked way better than any other device. Not perfect, but I am able to be up and do yard work all day long. I pay for it if I overdo it, but it still helps.
I am actually going for a revision of the pain pump in a few weeks. It was implanted to help my feet, legs, and lower back however, it has never done anything noticeable for my lower back.
As you know everyone reacts differently to treatments, it's not encouraging, but you just have to keep trying things until you find one that works.
I wish you all the best of luck.

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I'm happy to hear that the Medtronic pain pump has given you some relief. I'm assuming it has helped with the feet. Correct me if I'm wrong.

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Yes, mostly with the feet. Prior to the pump I could only be up on my feet for about 1-2 hours a day. last summer I was out working in the yard for 8-10 hours a day. Still hurt, but I could tolerate it and were able to get thigs done.

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