Medtronic Spinal Stimulator for fused Spines

My neighbor's partner, a 70 something lifelong farmer had good results with the trial but the final version not so helpful. He's had extensive issues and surgeries. I've been getting shots and will probably take the ablation route next year. I'm afraid of the stimulater not working correctly. I mean it's not like you can pull the plug or cut a wire.

You can always turn off the stimulator.
Just had one implanted after extensive spine fusion.
If surgeon puts it in correct location- it is up to the rep from the company to try numerous experiments with the strings until they get the correct one. You then have control over intensity. After going thru 2 one week trials, nothing but on this last try, he managed to get the area I want covered and if he couldn’t do it, company will send or fly in a top person to try regulating the battery which is actually not just a battery but similar to a cell phone is a battery but with a computer embedded that can be manipulated and changed- IN PERSON - not over phone

Thanks for the info. I don't have sciatica, I have severe stenosis, i.e. pinched nerve that goes into my legs causing my calf muscles to throb after I walk or stand. I really hope it works. My life is so disrupted by the pain and I never sleep more than 4 hrs a night.

Which one do you have ? I'm getting the trial for the Nevro HFX. The Rep said he would call me after I get home, I was hoping for an in person help ! I guess I'll see how helpful the Rep is and if he isn't I'll say I want another one. I'm a bit fed up with them and the Dr actually, although he is with a top hospital here in NYC.

I’m using Boston Scientific for my implant on 12/28. During my trial in October the rep was available by phone to instruct me on trying different programs. I just had to follow directions with using the remote. I took notes as to which programs were helpful. I also hadn’t slept through a night due to the pain and needing to move to a different position - until I had the trial stimulator.

Thanks for your info. I am getting the Nevro, I hope it works as well as yours. So the implant surgery wasn't too painful ?

Mine was not very bad!

I'm starting to worry more, after reading about negative side effects, but it seems like you and others have had no negative side effects, true ?

It's me again. I am more nervous about this. My main concern is nerve damage. I suppose the Dr would have to be very inexperienced to cause nerve damage, right ? His nurse practitioner assistant told me he does about two a week. Is that alot ? I don't know what to compare it to.
The Rep isn't very transparent.

I don’t know how many times the docs typically do this either. Yours sounds experienced in placing the leads for the trial. You should be able to call into his PA or Medical Assistant and just ask for any information that would be helpful pre trial. Also, if you have the reps phone number I’d call them too.
Besides the internal leads, some of the equipment is taped to your lower back and the part that is attached to the leads, you will carry in a pack they give you. You will also have a handheld remote control that you keep relatively close to you. Be prepared not to be able to shower during the trial so plan ahead for that.
I traveled by plane to a wedding the day after my trial was started. That wasn’t the best choice but I used a neck pillow behind my back and was comfortable enough. I couldn’t wear the dress I had planned because of the external leads into the little equipment I had to carry. So plan also on pants and tops.