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How to get an objective expert opinion on spine stimulators?
I had a Boston Scientific stimulator for fifteen years. I gave me about 70% reduction in back pain (sacral). Terrific! Unfortunately, it broke and had to be replaced. My pain doctor (anethesiologist) put a new Medtronic stimulator in. He put the leads in the same place as the Boston Scientific. The tingling felt very different and the there was no reduction in pain. The Medtronic rep adjusted the unit but it still had no effect. My pain med doctor just removed the stimulator. Q: Has anyone had a similar experience, namely; good success with one, followed by no success with a replacement? I thought all stimulators were the same and that the Medtronic would be the same as the Boston Scientific (or Abbott or any other for that matter). Q2: Is there anyone I can talk to who is an objective expert in SCS? I am finding that everyone I ask is either defending or selling a brand. Any help is appreciated. Thank you.
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Thanks for your reply. Hope you get some relief ASAP. My sciatica pain is not in my back but in my leg. Maybe the device will help. I don't know what to do.
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1 ReactionI know the feeling of the sciatica in the legs. Mines bad I would almost have the stimulator put in just for that relief but if somethings wrong with the sacrum causing it I’d rather fix it. So the stimulator might help you . Hopefully we can find some relief soon!
Thanks for your response. My wife has a similar pain, so the question is: Who adjusts the sacrum? What type of doctor?
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1 ReactionI'm participating in a trial for a spinal stimulator that is supposed to be better than what is out there at present. In the papers I was given explaining the procedure, it said that they give you a trial first. They place the leads but do not implant the stimulator. You carry it in a pouch for a week or so, to make sure it will give you enough relief before the final implantation. Perhaps they will do the same with you? I hope you get relief soon. It's awful to be in sciatic pain. I deal with a lot of different kinds of pain, and I think sciatic is one of the hardest to cope with.
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2 ReactionsThat’s how they do all of them I believe and was going to do mine that way until he decided to believe me that somethings wrong. I hope you the best and that you get the relief that’s needed. I might have to give in and try it
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1 ReactionI was sent to a pelvic therapist which is hard to find for men. I know I wouldn’t want that job setting with a finger up your butt that’s in your face but it was helping I’m waiting to see if insurance is going to extend the visits.
That's how it is adjusted? OY!!!!
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1 Reactionlol I came to the conclusion if it helps then I’ll do whatever it takes. Now I’m fighting with insurance to get more visits!
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2 ReactionsGood luck with fighting the insurance devils.
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1 ReactionI hear that, after last year and the start of this year they’re not liking m. I meet my $4500 out of pocket last year by March and had $100k back surgery in April plus 4-6 appointments between doctors and therapy a week for several months. I don’t know how many MRI’s and CT’s I had last year.