Medtronic Spinal Stimulator for fused Spines

What caused your severe back pain after the fusions? Was it the fusion itself or nerve pain? I had fusion and my back will not stop killing me, but it is not nerve pain.

I had a horse riding accident and have had three back surgeries leaving me with four rods and screws. I tried a Medtronic Spinal Cord Stimulator and it worked very well for one year. I was able to walk miles, which I wasn't able to do before. Almost to the year it stopped easing my pain and I couldn't walk well. It felt as if every nerve in my body was on fire.

First- before the STIM, how was the pain. After it stopped working , was the pain similar or worse than before

The pain was terrible before using the SCS and immediately after it felt as if every nerve in my body was on fire. After a while, the pain returned to how it was before.

I am using the NEvro unit, I have had great success. I had good luck with the 7-day trial and the same now with the permanent implant. I am on a moderate intensity setting and standard program. I have spinal stenosis and scoliosis.

I am very pleased to hear of your success with the Nevro unit. I thought my SCS was amazing at first, but sadly it stopped easing the pain and allowing me to walk after a year. I have four metal rods and screws in my spine, as I crushed L1. I also have numerous Tarlov Cysts.

I agree.DON'T DO IT!!!!
I had 3 attempts. Forget it. Got staph infections from the lead wires!!!
Also scar tissue had built up and the doctor had a heck of a time pulling that thing out. It caused more pain than the primary pain.

Had STS implanted, now much to my regret. It was my mistake. Had multiple spinal fusion and the only way they could insert pad with 2 electrodes is burrowing thru extensive scar tissue. Side attempting to get over effects of nerve irritation or destruction of nerves. Had battery implant because no way ws I going to allow them in near implant to remove it. Awaiting removal of metal sutures efore theey really test the gadget but most chronic pain suffers will try anything. PAin is worse than most medical diseases and you can't see it, so others are oblious. It takes away a lot- bottom line, with multiple fusions and scar tissue, avoid STS implantation.

I’m having this procedure done in a few hours and I’m nervous as can be. I’m 44 years old and overweight (because I can’t walk from excruciating pain) I’ve had 2 spinal fusions 20+ years ago so I’m desperate for relief so that I can go back to walking 30 minutes a day. Wish me luck 🍀

Good luck- make it clear if they encounter extensive scar tissue/ that they can’t easily get thru- you will have nerves damaged. Tell them, use their discretion but don’t act like surgeons with their egos-stop at that point. You don’t need to get worse