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Spinal Stimulator removal after nine years concerned about potential p

Posted by californiabill @californiabill, Dec 24, 2023

Hi, I am considering removing my SCS after about 9 years. I had a new pulse unit installed in 2017 but I am concerned about adhesions when the lead in the dura is removed. It is a Precision Spectra from Boston Scientific so it has a long wire type lead up the inside of the spine in the dural space. Has anyone had one like this removed after a long or short time and did you have any problems?

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annie1 | @annie1 | Dec 29, 2023
In reply to @choosejoy "Have you had previous back surgeries? I am just wondering because sometimes MRI’s when you have..." + (show)
@choosejoy

Have you had previous back surgeries? I am just wondering because sometimes MRI’s when you have a lot of scar tissue are less diagnostic.
When I did the trial of the Boston Scientific SCS in October I did have pain on one side after removal of the leads. The doc said it likely fired up my nerves and that would get better. It lasted about 3 days so I iced the area often in the meantime. It did completely go away.
I know this does not answer your question as you have had the implant so long. Hopefully someone with more experience can answer.
Best to you and your health 🙏

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My Doctor didn't say there could be pain after the trial leads were removed. Glad I am finding this out from you! I am in worse pain since the trial leads were removed for a Nevro tial. Who is your doctor and where if you don't mind me asking. I will travel to talk to a Dr that will give me needed information. Thanks

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martyk | @martyk | Dec 31, 2023
In reply to @annie1 "I had a trial for the Nevro and it seems like the pain is worse now..." + (show)
@annie1

I had a trial for the Nevro and it seems like the pain is worse now after they took the trial out. I'm beginning to have a strong dislike for pain management doctors and the reps for these companies who tell you it's all pie in the sky.

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So true.

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cbrackle | @cbrackle | Jan 3 8:38pm

I have had 2 previous units. One St. Jude (now Abbot) for 4 years with paddle lead for the last 2 1/2 years. Also a DRG stimulator (Abbot) for 2 years. I had them both removed at the same time and had no related problems. My last revision (of 6!) for the original SCS involved a lamanectomy to move the paddle farther up in my spine past some scar tissue from previous installs. But upon removal my surgeon did not have any issues getting the paddle back down and out.
The key is getting a surgeon who is willing to schedule enough operating time to do the job right, not to fit his busy schedule.

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gsgnfl | @gsgnfl | Jan 15 8:20am
In reply to @heisenberg34 "I'm scheduled for an appointment in March to see about having my Medtronics SCS removed after..." + (show)
@heisenberg34

I'm scheduled for an appointment in March to see about having my Medtronics SCS removed after 5.5 years. It worked fine for about 3.5 years, then just stopped. Had the battery replaced with a NEVRO HFX unit. They kept the Medtronics paddle and leads, but had ot use an adapter to connect the NEVRO to the Medtroniccs lead. Did nothing for the pain. The adapter means that I can't have an MRI. With by back and butt going south, I really need an MRI to see wht's going on. I am hoping that the neurosurgeon can get the paddle and leads taken out after 5 years. My prayers are with you, my friend. This back pain stuff is no joke.

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Did your SCS help with your peripheral neuropathy pain, as well as back pain?

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1 reply
heisenberg34 | @heisenberg34 | Jan 15 8:39am
In reply to @gsgnfl "Did your SCS help with your peripheral neuropathy pain, as well as back pain?" + (show)
@gsgnfl

Did your SCS help with your peripheral neuropathy pain, as well as back pain?

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It was one of the few things that actually helped with my lower back pain. That, along with the meds that my neurologist prescribed. I had a near normal life for about 3.6 years until everything just stopped working. No one knows exactly why.

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