What's your experience: Boston Scientific Spinal Cord Simulator?

@kenc, I think you've probably seen this related discussion:
- Comparison of Spinal Cord Stimulators from Boston Sci., Nevro: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/comparison-of-spinal-cord-stimulators-from-boston-sci-nevro/

@baq315a @donw200 @steeldove @tigreyes2004 @cordy @samcphie @martyk might have personal first-hand experiences to share with you.

Ken, what has led you to consider this brand over another?

Thank you for the links. They will be very helpful in my research on the matter. The neurosurgeon recommended the Boston Scientific model.

Hi! I just had a Boston Scientific implant done on the 14th of March. The temporary implant was incredible !

I did my homework on about five different implants. It was a “no brained”…Boston Scientific was the one for me. The only issue I’m running into is something is causing mine to turn off at this moment. It happens only at home. Our home butts up to an 87 acre solar farm. When I leave the house there are absolutely no problems. I spoke with a gal that had their implant and she’s running marathons and raises llamas. She’s in her early 70’s. I’m up there, too. I am able to walk , drive and ride with mine but I’m still in the no “BLT” time frame. (No bending, lifting or twisting. Not supposed to raise my arms over my head.) It takes about 9 months for the scar tissue to fuse around the wire to hold them permanently in place. Would I do it again? YOU BET!

The company sent me information about the implant and answered my questions. The rep has been extremely helpful. My physician is very familiar with it. Again, I was able to choose the implant based on my homework and advice of my physician.

I can get an MRI with mine. Not so with the other ones. My battery pack is in my flank under the right ribs. My unit is rechargeable and at this moment it’s on my back recharging for the first time.

Do your homework. Call the companies your doctor has recommended.

I have a Boston Scientific wavewriter Alpha & it takes 50% of chronic pain but it will not help with severe spasms if you have those.My experience with having it.Good luck on whatever you decide.

Hi there @kenc, I'm sorry for just now seeing this. I went thru the trial back in October and I got 85% relief across the board with it, so it was definitely a 'go' for me. December '22, I got the permanent implant placed (for my arms, mostly, but I do have widespread pain). I got 100% relief for 3 weeks, then it kinda bounced up 'n' down a bit. It really DOES help tho! It's been a huge game changer for me, and I'd highly recommend it to you or anyone else who is considering it. What do you have to lose? Also, I'm considering having more leads placed on my current stim to address my lower half and see how it goes, but I'll have to go thru another trial period. May wait a while for that, but at least I know I have the option to do so. I'm wishing you all the best, and if you have any questions at all, please feel free to reach out to me and others! We are here to support and help you in any way possible 🙂

Has anyone had complications from having the Boston scientific spinal cord stimulator implanted in their spine? Because I have!!!

Hi @beth55, I moved your post about your experience with the Boston scientific spinal cord stimulator to this existing discussion where you can connect with others:
- What's your experience: Boston Scientific Spinal Cord Simulator? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/boston-scientific-spinal-cord-simulator/

You may also be interested in these related discussions:
- Spinal Stimulator removal after nine years: Concerned https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/spinal-stimulator-removal-after-nine-years-concerned-about-potential-p/
- Comparison of Spinal Cord Stimulators from Boston Sci., Nevro: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/comparison-of-spinal-cord-stimulators-from-boston-sci-nevro/

I had a lumbar stimulator put in in January then Spril had the leads removed and paddles put in. I can’t feel it in my fusion area or between the shoulder blades where the paddles are. I’m still numb between the shoulder blades . I started having temporal headaches and starting to wonder if it’s the stimulator so rep advised me to turn it off a few days until I return to have it adjusted. I spent 5 days in the hospital because of the Headaches , with stimulator off no change in headaches. After paddles were placed my thumb tip went numb and tingling, I was told it’s from a pinched nerve in my neck but when stimulator was turned off numbness went away but now I have clicking and pain in that thumb. I noticed something else that my left foot turned cold after I turned the stimulator off and the toenails on that foot aren’t growing as fast as the other foot someone made the comment their fingernails were doing the same after a cervical stimulator ( what’s up with that ) . Anyone have anymore odd findings to share ? I’m still numb in the taped off area

Hello @sbtheplumber1,

I combined your discussion with an existing discussion on the Boston Scientific spinal cord stiumaltor:

"What's your experience: Boston Scientific spinal cord stimulator?"
- https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/boston-scientific-spinal-cord-simulator/

@beth55, @rivermaya34 and @harris73 shared their experiences with the stimulator that may be helpful to read through while we wait for others to join the discussion.

Not positive. I shut mine off.