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Implantable neurostimulator for chronic pain
Has anybody had an implantable neurostimulator for chronic pain?
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Has anybody had an implantable neurostimulator for chronic pain?
Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Spine Health Support Group.
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@cjpeterson
Cathy,
Many thanks for all the information. It gives me a lot to consider.
Thank you for your replies, Jim, Justin and cjpeterson (Sorry, I can't see if you've signed your name.). I am seeing my neurologist this week, and will definitely be asking him his thoughts on the neurostimulator. He retired a few years ago, was bored and returned to work in a private group practice, so I assume no longer has the same access to the Montreal Neurological Institute that he had, but is still full of ideas. He knows all the meds, interventions and alternative treatments I've tried. I very much hope his opinion of whether or not the stimulator is appropriate differs from the pain clinic doctor I asked, several years ago.
I find it very helpful to have this chronic pain chat group. As so many of you have said, it's hard to keep telling your thoughts, questions, etc., to people who don't experience it - without feeling that I must be boring them silly!
Good luck to all - Gillian
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3 ReactionsGreat. I've learned to be nearly obsessive about research, and recommend it to all. You might Google Burst DR before your appointment. I always like to go to my appointments as informed and prepared as I can.
As I'm sure you've heard many times that everyone responds to treatments differently. Option A might be wonderful to some and terrible to others. Option B might just be a total scam. I think that when it comes to medicine, we all keep practicing it until we find what works. It's not just doctors who practice medicine. (Smiley face here)
I hope you have a productive appointment, @miro - Gillian.
Jim
Yes, a Boston Scientific for almost 10 yrs. Finally had it removed this year since I received no relief from it.
The neuropathy in my feet and ankles is getting worse, and is painful at night. Walking is pure muscle memory now, and shoes are very uncomfortable. Summer is great as I can wear open sandals.
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1 ReactionWell, I had my appointment with my neurologist today and before I lose the little energy left in me, he also said I was not a candidate for a neurostimulator as no one (& I've consulted so many) knows the origin of the neuropathic pain and the reason for its intermittency - i.e. every evening & night but not every day - makes it even more confounding.
I was quite content being boring & predictable...but I guess that was not going to be forever! Back to strong coffee & scotch as the best helpers. Could be worse, right?
@miro,
That is a bummer that you did not get the answer you were hoping for, but it must be encouraging that the opinions seem to agree and you won't have to undergo a surgery or procedure. Did the neurosurgeon have any new ideas for you regarding your pain or pain management?
I had the stimulator installed for neuropathy in my legs and feet caused by a back injury. It was put in Jan 3rd, 2018. Today is the 18th. I need to know if any one of you got hives after having it put in? I stopped taking the antibiotics and muscle relaxers I was given post surgery because I am covered in huge welts that burn and itch to the bone! My Dr ordered me prednisone to help but its not helping. They're worse than ever.
I can't imagine whats caused this as I am using the same products as always and cant think of anything I. May have ingested or come in contact with that would have caused hives.
Has anyone else experienced this after receiving the implant stimulator?
Omg! You're telling my story. The only difference is I just had this surgery on Jan 3rd , 2018. I feel like I was rushed into this surgery and also felt threatened by my pain management Dr. I feel like I was pushed into have ing that surgery. Since the surgery, I have been in horrible pain and am covered in hives from my scalp to my toes. I've never had them in my life and they keep getting worse despite medicine to get rid of them.
I've never felt so alone and helpless in my life.
I just had it installed Jan 3rd, 2018. Ive never been so miserable and uncomfortable in my life. Five days ago I developed hives. I've changed nothing in my daily living that would have caused the hives.
I can't help but think it has something to do with the surgery.
Sounds to me ,your body is rejecting it .Think about having it removed. Not everyone is made the same ,but with hives that s an allergy,so you decide but I recommend having it removed.