SC Stimulator Removal

Posted by calofmichigan @calofmichigan, Feb 8 2:44pm

Has anyone had their spinal cord stimulator removed?
For what reason?
How long did you have it in?
What was recovery like after removal?

I had my SCS (Boston Scientific) placed December 15, 2025. At the two- week follow up, severe back spasms along the leads (not paddles) created a hard painful ridge of muscle. They adjusted the settings twice.

Finally I just turned the battery off with some relief but I am still left with serious muscle spasms along the leads. I cannot walk or stand for more than 5 minutes without debilitating pain.

I’m on all the normal medications: narcotics which merely take the edge off, two different muscle relaxants, and gabapentin. I only get complete relief from lying down.

Finally I asked the surgeon to remove the hardware which he is willing to do, probably occurring in the next month.

If you’ve had your hardware removed, when did you start feeling better?? What was recovery like?

Thank you.
Christine

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calofmichigan | @calofmichigan | Feb 25 7:00pm

In reply to @elteec98 "I also want my SCS removed. I’ve had it for years and after the permanent with..." + (show)

@elteec98
I just had mine removed yesterday by a neurosurgeon. I only lasted about 2 months with it before I insisted it be taken out. The anesthesia has worn off and recovery today is painful, but it’s too early to tell the outcome yet. I’ll need to wait 8-12 weeks to give you an accurate report of the pain and what I can do. I should be able to walk and exercise without harming things in about 2-3 weeks. It’s hard not to push it along. Patience was never my strong suit. I’ll try to reach back out in a few weeks.