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

Posted by vincescs @vincescs, Sep 29, 2023

I'm curious to know what strength setting your spinal cord stimulator is set at for anyone implanted with an Abbott device that uses BurstDR technology.

I had a good trial and significant pain reduction after my permanent implant, but feel like the device has become less effective over time. I'm now 6 months post-op and feel like the device is no longer providing much relief at all.

I have a follow up appointment with my surgeon and the device rep in two weeks but want to experiment with different settings between now and then. However, I know it's possible to overstimulate the nerves and create irritation and pain at settings that are too high. My initial strength setting was at 7, then I increased to 8 a couple of weeks post-op. I briefly increased to 9 after a muscle spasm flare up and then returned back to 8.

I felt a little more confident experimenting with settings on my Medtronic device with tonic stimulation, but the Abbott BurstDR technology is more difficult to determine the delayed impact of adjustments due to the lack of paresthesia.

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barbarasolinski | @barbarasolinski | Mar 5 10:19am
In reply to @vincescs "@fireguy - I have seen a wide range of SCS post-op recovery plans published on the..." + (show)
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@fireguy - I have seen a wide range of SCS post-op recovery plans published on the web, but your doctor and device rep will provide you with specific information. However, this will include some time away from the golf course. There may also be some long-term restrictions. My first SCS was for cervical pain and excluded scuba diving, roller coasters, and... golf. My second SCS was for lumbar pain, and the device rep told me she had many patients who continued to golf after recovery.

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I have an Abbott scs that I've had for 4 years now. It helps me alot. Had to turn it off for an mri and after 45 minutes of laying on my back I came out in extreme pain after. Turned it back on and it took awhile to calm things down. I had taken it for granted that it was working and it has helped me alot. Recently had some problems with break through sciatica and met with an Abbott rep who turned up the amplitude and now back to working well. Mine is for lumbar pain & sciatica. Yes i think insurance requires a 5 or 7 day trial to make sure it's right for you. Best of luck to you.

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