Abbott spinal stimulator-Does it work for you?

Posted by ptvegas @ptvegas, 1 day ago

I had two back surgeries 13 yrs ago, and have had spinal pain over the years. About 6 months ago I did the test implant with Abbott SCS and it seemed to work. Although during the test they told me not bend too much or lift heavy objects.
So, I had the implant done,and really have had very minimal results. :The Rep had repeatedly readjusted the device, have tried continuous, on and off , and continuous with separate area adjustments. I don't seem to see any difference. Sitting and , thank goodness, laying down in bed, no pain. But, standing , walking , and doing any labor I have substantial pain. It does seem to go away faster with the stimulator, but still have times of heavy pain. I have adjusted the paint monitor to various settings to get it to the highest I can take without getting that tingling on my side.
So, it does have a sleep timer to turn off at night and I am wondering how that affects the working of the device during the daytime when it's on. does it then reduce the effectiveness when it's on during the day? .. Anyway any suggestions would be helpful. Thanks

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vincescs | @vincescs | 20 hours ago

I have the Abbott Eterna. It took me a long time to get it set up so that it provided relief from my back pain. The biggest improvement for me came from when I switched from Burst mode to traditional tonic stimulation. In Burst mode it was difficult to know if I was under stimulating or over stimulating. In tonic mode the feedback is more real time.

My biggest recommendation to you is to stop turning the system off overnight. I turn my strength setting down whenever I'm lying down since the stimulation changes with position. But I never turn my system off. You're losing out on 8 hours of potential pain management every day if you turn it off when you are sleeping.

marshasacks | @marshasacks | 15 hours ago

I’ve had mine for a month. So far I’ve gotten 2 programs. I don’t even know how many or what the difference is between them. I can’t see any difference between program 1 and 2.
It seems I have to contact the rep as she hasn’t reached out to me. They were very attentive when they wanted to buy the device.
So, can’t really tell if it’s working or not. Still have back pain but I don’t think as much.
What’s really hurting me is the back incision near the middle of my back. That hurts worse than my lower back pain. I’ve called the doctor twice and he says it’s the healing process. Hoping that’s the case.

ptvegas | @ptvegas | 14 hours ago

First, thanks vincescs for the recommendations. I will do that. A little more detail. The Abbott rep. has been very good, He meets with me regularly to make adjustments, but they don't seem to do any difference. He now has me with an "area controlled" program. I can control how much stimulation goes to my leg and my back. I had the spinal fusion because of Sciatica on my right leg, I have rods and pins put in and the fusion. But when the surgeon did the surgery, he nicked a nerve and now I have a dropped foot on both feet. I ware AFO's on both legs which is fine, I can get around good and drive with no issues. But have the back and leg pain when ever I do any labor or stand for a long time,, (more than 10 mins.) or walk any distance. I wish I could attach a picture, but the screen has the back and leg split and has an adjustment for how much stimulation goes to each area. I can have more go to the back, and less to the leg,, depending on how I feel. Anyway, still after 6 mos. I still have a lot of pain mainly in my lower back, regardless. Again the Abbott rep has been good, just can't seem to get this thing working as expected.
Thanks

PS: How often do you have to charge your device? I have to do mine about every 3 weeks,, depending on the strength it's set at.

ptvegas | @ptvegas | 14 hours ago

In reply to @marshasacks "I’ve had mine for a month. So far I’ve gotten 2 programs. I don’t even know..." + (show)

What brand is the device? Abbott or some other? Also, yes, the surgery healing takes some time, my incisions were sore for a while, but, I'd keep on them if I were you. You may need to call the company if you are not getting the service you feel you should from the device company rep.