Anyone tried Spinal Cord Stimulation for Chronic Pain?

I'm a 39yo/M. I've had the Medtronic SCS for almost 2 years now. I was amazed at how much relief it gave me from my neuropathy almost immediately after having the temporary implant. Because of this I opted for the permanent implant. I then noticed it gave me more function than I've ever had in my life. What i mean by this is that I was able to walk faster and for a longer period of time and it even slightly corrected my gait. My significant other teased me that I started to walk faster then they do-- which is only relevant because I'm 6in shorter and drag my ankles. LoL I was a bunny rabbit for sure.

Anyways, I recovered from paraplegia as a kid after being diagnosed with Transverse Myelitis (TM). Then I recovered from partial paralysis after suffering with Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES) throughout the Covid19 pandemic. When my state (California) got more strict on meds, I was taken off 75% of them and was essentially forced to get a SCS device and switch to Belbuca; or go untreated. Fast forward to this month (March 2025), my SCS lead has come loose and migrated- causing severe discomfort. Because the SCS works well for some things but offers me almost ZERO relief from bone and muscle pain, my doctor is removing the migrated lead and my complete SCS device and putting in a pain pump instead. I'm both scared and excited because it comes with a whole new adventure of surgeries and med changes that have pros and cons.

Would I recommend an SCS device? Yes. Absolutely. For neuropathic pain and for someone seeking improved function. However, it absolutely comes with it's own adventure of challenges and risks.

I have an appointment with a doctor coming up that puts stimulators in. Please tag me @robin57 if you are able to provide updates on how your procedure goes. As well as how you are doing.

I wish I could tell you something positive, although it may work for you. I go to a pain specialist who has tried 10 different procedures to ease up my back pain after a failed spinal fusion 10 years ago. I had high hopes with the stimulator because I did talk to people that had success with it. Unfortunately, it did not work for me. But give it a try. It may work for you.

Good for you. It didn't work for my back pain, but my neurosurgeon said to get for my new neuropathy that I just developed after a minimally evasive surgery that I'm sorry I had. I always had back pain and this surgeon said he thought he could help me. Sorry that I had it done. My pain specialist warned me. Saw the surgeon today and said to walk and exercise for the neuropathy and could not explain why his surgery didn't help me. I may try the stimulator again. I hate the neuropathy.