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Spinal Cord Implant
I had a Boston Scientific spinal cord stimulator implanted to treat CRPS for approximately four years. I want to share an update regarding my experience. My CRPS has gone into remission, which I believe is primarily due to eliminating sugar and gluten from my diet. My guiding principle was, if God didn’t make it, I didn’t eat it. Additionally, I stopped eating red meats, much to my satisfaction. Again, currently I am in remission.
Despite this positive development, I want to share my experience with thediscomfort related to the Boston Scientific spinal cord stimulator, which was designed to stimulate my legs and feet. The device was implanted in my flank, on my back. During the time I had the stimulator in place, I noticed several issues that I now realize were directly caused by the device.
Firstly, I experienced severe backaches—both localized around the implant site and radiating into the surrounding area. These pains intensified after the stimulator’s battery depleted and I began recharging it. Secondly, I struggled with an incontinence issue, characterized by minimal warning before needing to race to the bathroom. After the stimulator was recently removed, both the backache and the incontinence problem completely resolved.
Another significant issue was the development of severe tendinitis in both legs and feet. Remarkably, this condition has improved significantly since the device was taken out. I firmly believe that the placement of the stimulator should have been in my buttocks rather than near my internal organs.
Since I feel it would be unproductive to discuss my concerns with Boston Scientific directly, I am sharing my thoughts here in case others with flank-placed stimulators encounter similar issues.
A few months prior, I consulted with my pain management specialist, who brought in a representative from Boston Scientific. That representative claimed to be unaware of anyone experiencing the problems I described. When I followed up and requested the removal of the implant, the rep arrived late for my appointment—likely due to heavy traffic—and initially dismissed my concerns. However, upon further discussion, she acknowledged that she was aware of similar issues.
While I am grateful for having had the stimulator, I am equally relieved that it has now been removed. If I could go back in time, I would have the device re-implanted but insisted that it be placed in my gluteal area instead of near my internal organs.
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I am so sorry to hear this. You should contact higher up, that is unacceptable. I have a SCS and I have had it for going on 6 years, I just had it swapped out for the newer model Medtronic's Inceptive, I'm doing well, except for the weather, with the front coming in it has been bad. But I read on here and there are soo many that have it worse I feel bad for complaining.
@jpj1952 I'm sorry to hear this, and hope you are doing better. I have the Medtronics SCS and have had it for going on 6 years. I just had the battery swapped out for the new Medtronics Inceptiv stimulator. So far I am having good results. I have never had that experience of feeling it when I sit back, I hope this gets better. I don't have to charge mine for 5-6 days now. I love the new one.
Oh no, this is very concerning. I have had it suggested that I get a pain pump. Is that what you all are talking about? Who is BS?
@georgiaw BS is Boston Scientific. I was scheduled to have a SCS implanted in my back this month, but I canceled the surgery.
My husband has a Biotronik stimulator to address his spinal stenosis and lower back pain. We were both encouraged by the trial he underwent to see if the device would work; he genuinely felt a significant reduction in pain. But after he had "the real thing" put in....nothing. It's been three months now, and no relief. Biotronik assigned a wonderful liaison to us who tries out different settings, but nothing has helped. At one point my husband just let the battery die out, because what's the point? Yet the doctors still believe they can make this work, so they got the battery charged up again. Next step is for him to get a CT scan to see if that reveals anything that might point them in the right direction. It hasn't exactly been encouraging to hear the comments in this forum!
Like so many other posts I have not had the positive expected results from the Neuvro spinal implant placed after testing about 5 months ago. I was very surprised and relieved to hear exactly symptoms from others who have had low to no benefits. I am relieved because I was led to believe my pain after implant was just me. I really want to hear from people who have had it taken out. Were there negative results or harm upon removal. I want it removed but hesitate because I don't want further problems. WOULD SOMEONE TELL ME THEIR EXPERIENCE UPON REMOVAL? THANKS
@nikatnyte4
I am in the same boat as your husband. The trial relieved my pain. Got the permanent surgery and nothing for the last year. The back surgeon says this is not unusual. Very disappointing. I have awful pain.
@debelli I had the stimulator implanted for the test period for severe lower back pain. During and After the test period I had no reduction in the pain, so it was removed. I was told that 25% to 30% on the individuals that had stimulators implanted did not get any relief. Prior to the stimulator, I also had injections. They relieved the pain about 80%, however, that only lasted for two (2) days and the severe pain returned. I have not found anything that has eliminated or reduced the pain since it began after back surgery four (4) years ago. Including seven (7) different secession of PT from different organizations and trying a chiropractor, nothing has worked.
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