Medtronic Spinal Cord Stimulator for a 36 yo w/low back pain/epilepsy

It's unfortunate that your X-rays and MRIs aren't showing a root cause for your low back pain and conservative treatment isn't helping. The nice thing about SCS technology is that you can "try before you buy", meaning that you would undergo a one-week trial before deciding whether or not to proceed with a permanent implant. I received my first implant in 2017. The technology isn't perfect, but if you can reduce your pain by at least 50% then it's a win.

The newer technology using burst stimulation is reported to provide superior pain relief, but the programming is more difficult. The system I have now (Abbott Eterna) is designed and promoted to run in burst mode, but I use it exclusively in tonic. For me, tonic mode provides better feedback on program settings and strength and helps me get better pain relief. SCS in general, however, require a commitment and some perseverance to work with your device rep and optimize settings. Even a year and a half after receiving my current system we are still tweaking programs and making improvements.

I'm wondering if you have had a work up by a great neurologist.

I hope things work out for you. I’m sitting here waiting for my 20 min post-fact joint injection to work. Last one lasted ~10 days.

Had 4 rhizotomies (ablations) 2 per side at L5/S1 a few months back that works pretty well, except I now have l sciatica since the rhizotomy. It is intermittent, so hopefully it’s due to inflammation from burning the nerves.

Good luck.
K

Fact=facet

@vincescs , Just curious. What was your pain level)1-10) pre and post implant?Are you also on meds?
Thanks

I got a 50% reduction in pain from my stimulator implant. Still taking prescription NSAIDs, but no longer taking any opioids or muscle relaxers.

That’s great! I am waiting to get a trial of Boston Scientific Alpha WaveRider. I have tried just about everything, including a pain pump. That has never given me any pain relief.

Hello. I am 73 years old and am having severe sciatica. I have scoliosis, with a 48 degree curvature. I have had the temporary SCS implanted and when it was removed, I realized it had given me about 50% pain relief. After removal, I am experiencing severe sciatica, which has affected my ability to walk, without the use of a cane. I am going to have the SCS permanently implanted and would like to hear from if any of you have had this implant and if so, was it successful. Thanks

I had the Medtronic SCS implanted back in 2018. The trial gave me about 80% pain relief. The permanent implant gave me about 50% relief. Along with my meds it made an almost normal life possible...back to cycling, skiing, working around the property, etc. Then, in 2021, it just stopped working. There was some thought that the paddle mayhave moved or some of the electrodes on the paddle had shorted out. If you are out of other options, I would say to go for it. Preferable to back surgery which is a coin toss. Mat the Lord be with you.

Thanks for your response. Did you get the rechargeable unit? Are you planning on having it replaced?
I was very active, i.e., worked out X4 a week, bowling, walking and have been unable to do anything since this sciatica flareup. I am hoping this implant will allow me to return to these activities. Thanks again for this information.