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I’ve had backache pain for over 10 years and have tried everything.
I’ve had backache pain for over 10 years, 24x7. 5 years ago I had the Abbott SMS implanted. It was adjusted to go to my feet (I have neuropathy) and back. I think it’s helped my feet a bit. So the quandary now is - put a new Abbott one in, put a different brand’s in - and do I try it first? (More surgeries). I’m 82 and don’t like the idea of more anesthesias. Suggestions are welcome.
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Have you tried the Calmare scrambler therapy? It's somewhat new but works for some people. Providers are hard to find but if you are lucky enough to find one that just happens to be trained on the technique you might be in for a surprise. Google it and look for someone connected with the originator in Italy, not some whack job who has attended a marketing seminar. Watch out for the snake oil salesmen who just started out, if they have just "opened up a shop" on the technique, run for the hills.
Scrambler therapy was developed by a Dr. Miller at Johns-Hopkins. I went to a provider in New Jersey last year. Four sessions produced no relief, so they discontinued me. It does, apparently, help some people. However, it is not yet covered by insurance and is pricey. If I had not tried it, I would always wondered... "What if?".
I also tried scrambler. Got relief first time for an hour then nothing. I'm giving accupuncture a try for nerve pain from a failed laminectomy. Maybe a bit of relief from it. I go on support groups through US pain foundation that are helpful with the psychological/ mental aspect of chronic pain. Good luck
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2 ReactionsI did try TENS machine - seems like Scrambler is similar. It didn’t really help. I also tried acupuncture & also a failed laminectomy.
I go to care givers meetings for my husband who has PSP and is in Memory Care now. Most of them focus and both me and my husband But never thought of one just for my chronic pain. I’ll look up the US Pain Foundation.
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To. @heisenberg34
Seems to me Scrambler is similar to TENS machine. Is it? TENS did not really help.
Have you tried Radio frequency nerve ablation of the lumbar spinal nerves?
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1 Reaction@meryl1cohen I suppose there are similarities, but I think Scrambler therapy, as I remember it, uses multiple leads placed at key regions on your body according to the pain in your body. The electrical frequencies are likely different as well. Do an online search to find out more specific information.
If lower back then enough is enough, hate to say this but only relief is going to be either a Cervical Stenosis or Fusion of vertebrae, both of which i had. 4 back surgeries in early 90s by a NUROSURGEON ,not Orthopedic, after 3 Stenosis surgeries I felt pretty good but I was a Full Tilt Home Remodeler after surgery I go right back work ruin the job Dr.Comey did. So decided best thing would be Fusion of L4-5 vertebrae And that was that Pain free since 94 Well lower back pain. I suggest talking to a neurosurgeon, also both types of surgeries are kinda fast, easy with post op therapy be up and running no time. Up to u ,how much longer u want deal with it? Im really surprised it wasn't recommended when you first was experiencing a problem. Good Luck
at 82 if you can't do opiods or surgery, an excellent recliner chair or couch and a heating pad is where its at! My friend had surgery at 80 and she is now 97 or 98 and very happy with her back!
@loriesco
I finally convinced my pain management doc to give me some OXY. I’m only taking it for three days and it has lightened the pain for sure. But I’m gonna go off of it tomorrow just to see what’s happening.
I do have a nice recliner and two heating pads in different places. When I lay there, I do feel a little relieved, but I can’t lay there all day. Thanks for your comments.