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Possible reason SCS quits working
Possible reasons SCS “quits working?”
I had good results with my SCS at first. It eliminated burning pudendal pain and lessened other pain across my left “lower back”(buttock). Then I sat several hours a day for 6 days in front of my computer on a project. This is something I never would have done without excruciating pain before receiving my SCS. At the end of 6 days I got a sudden agonizing pain in the sitting area and the SCS could not overcome it. Now I am going through a reset procedure. It seems to me that I must go back to my pre-SCS protective regimen of always sitting on a cushion, changing position often and laying down instead of sitting when watching TV etc, even when I get the SCS adjusted right again and I am not feeling pain. This will not feel necessary but maybe it is. Has anyone had a similar reaction or was the SCS failure due to something besides limits on what it can do?
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You probably know that the target for SCS is at least 50% reduction in pain. This may allow you to reduce pain meds, cut back on therapy, and return to activities that previously triggered pain. But you might not be able to do all these things at once. I felt so good after my permanent implant that I pretty much stopped doing my home therapy program. Then, once my recovery was complete and my activity restrictions were removed, I became more physically active than I had been in years. This triggered pain. Not as much as before the SCS implant, but enough to get my attention. I found that resuming a reduced home therapy program and cutting back slightly on my physical activity level was enough to restore some balance to my life and reduce pain to manageable levels.
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3 ReactionsI was always having pain in my legs and my buttocks. I tried everything but finally found a PT who did dry needle. After weekly appointments with him the pain I have been having for years was and is still completely gone. I swear by it, it made all the difference in my life. Usually I would avoid anything that was going to make me sit down for long periods of time.......going on vacation, or to visit a friend.
I don't know the medical mechanics of dry needle but look around for a physical Therapist who practices it.
Best of luck and prayers coming your way.
Kind Regards, Michele
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1 ReactionBunny bear I read your post and was surprised you’re slaving yourself to a computer. I did the same and ruined my low back. Since you’ve got a bad back requiring the SCS device shouldn’t you stop the cause of the pain? Just thinking of your backs future.
@jenatsky I can’t figure out what you are referring to. I rarely use a computer except to do my taxes. Bring me up to date if you remember what this referred to. Thanks!
Wish I knew the answer. I had scs 6 weeks ago; I can stand and sit without having excruciating pain but can only tolerate 5-10 minutes of standing/walking but just had surgery 6 weeks ago. Reo tells me it can take months. Hope things improve for you.
What is your home therapy program. I had a scs 6 weeks ago and have some relief and have been told by rep it may take months. The temp scs gave me 80% relief!!!!! Wow, wished I could have thar ling term. I am still hopeful for more improvement.