Anyone had an Abbott SCS put in? BurstDR strength setting?

@vincescs You seem to be pretty good at figuring out things about your spinal cord stimulator. Perhaps you have already had your follow up with your doctor and the device rep about this or that is coming very soon. That's a pretty specific question that probably should be addressed by a medical professional. I don't have any experience with these devices. I hope you'll come back and share what you learn after seeing your specialist.

How soon is your followup appointment?

My Boston WaveWriter rep is very responsive (same day) to all my questions whether I text or call them. I can also ask for an in person meeting, it doesn't need to be at a doctor appointment. This sounds like one of those questions and I would call them. I hope you get relief and comfortable with your device.

Thanks for the feedback. The Abbott device reps have been responsive when I need their help. I'm waiting for my upcoming doctor appointment to see them since my main complaint is due to the anchor hardware that secures the leads.

I have the Abbott Proclaim DRG stimulator. I’m two months post-op. I’m still in that period where I’m struggling to get and maintain pain relief. I’ll have a day where I have 60% relief, then the next day not so much. I have 2 leads for S2 and S3. I’m working with an Abbott representative, but am trying to fine tune. The Abbott reps have been very responsive when I ask them what would they do when I give them my pain symptoms. I have experienced the nerve being overstimulated, and that causes so much discomfort. I need more programs as I have only one. Right now I am trying to get Area 1 to a good level. The pain last Friday @ level 8 was not too bad, but the next day, the area was aching so I put it up to 9; now this morning, Sunday, it’s back down to 8 because of the pain. It’s very tricky, but at least I am getting some relief. I’m wondering if I should give it a day or two and go down to 7 next time. I just had x-rays done to make sure these leads are intact.

Hi my name is Joe and new to the group. I have had 10 surgeries on my spine both neck and back. Now as before I deal with chronic pain worse than before all my surgeries. One big reason is scare tissue. I was wondering if anyone has had an Abbott spinal cord stimulator put in. And if it has helped? And how long you have had it installed. I’m thinking this might be my next thing to try. Would appreciate any input you could share. Thank you!

I had the Abbott Eterna implanted in March of last year. It works great and helps manage my chronic back pain. Battery life is impressive and only requires charging every 6 or 8 weeks.

Thank you for your feedback! So glad it is helping you.

I have the Abbott Eterna. The Abbott Burst was implanted 2/23, but the battery was too big. 7/22, it was removed and the Eterna was implanted. It took five programs to find the correct setting to relieve the pain. I am happy with it.

I had the Abbot stimulator installed in February 2024.
Have not had good results on a daily basis. What is the average strength you set on your generator?

@mayran24 - I have my program strength set at 10, but I don't think you can compare across patients or implanted devices since there are so many variables. And you may still be recovering from the implant surgery.

It took me a few sessions with the device rep to get my settings right. He recommended increasing the program strength by only one number at a time and waiting several days to evaluate the impact on pain relief before increasing again. Apparently, many people increase the strength too quickly and overstimulate the nerves, which can cause irritation and more pain.

The other tip I can offer is to check your patient controller app from time to time to confirm nothing has changed. My device kept shutting itself off due to magnetic interference until the device rep disabled the magnet pairing function.