Spinal Cord Stimulator Removal

Posted by heisenberg34 @heisenberg34, Aug 5, 2023

My Medtronics SCS stopped working after about three years. A NEVRO rep talked me into having one of theirs implanted. They had to use an adapter to connect Nevro unit to Medtronics lead. As a result, I cannot have an MRI. Also, the Nevro did not help at all. I would like to have all the SCS stuff removed (or, at least, the NEVRO battery replaced with a Medtronics) so I can have the MRI that my pain specialists seem to want very badly. Anyone out there have this experience this?

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The pain is really killing me , the 2nd stroke chronic pain in my both shoulders, right at the top joints and the pain in my hands, and down arms I can’t explain the pain as hands are extremely hard to touch .. I’m worse off now..

But thanks , for u comment ..

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I have a spinal stimulator four about 5 years now. It never really helped. I’ve had 3 spine surgeries. The last one where the dr fusied my lower spine. That took 3 months to recover from. My back still hurts.

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Profile picture for nawnaw1 @nawnaw1

I have a spinal stimulator four about 5 years now. It never really helped. I’ve had 3 spine surgeries. The last one where the dr fusied my lower spine. That took 3 months to recover from. My back still hurts.

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I had a spinal fusion on L5/S1 10 years ago. The pain is still here. My pain specialist has me on Norco for 5 years. Its the only thing that helps me do my daily tasks. I live alone in a big house.
He also tried the spinal stimulator on me and after trying 6 programs, he removed it because no programs helped. This is what is going with my body. So people have better luck than I did.

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Profile picture for linda6101 @linda6101

I had a spinal fusion on L5/S1 10 years ago. The pain is still here. My pain specialist has me on Norco for 5 years. Its the only thing that helps me do my daily tasks. I live alone in a big house.
He also tried the spinal stimulator on me and after trying 6 programs, he removed it because no programs helped. This is what is going with my body. So people have better luck than I did.

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@linda6101 I had the same fusion 9 years ago. Like you, it did not relieve my pain. Had Medtronics spinal cord stimulator implanted in 2018. It helped quite a bit. Then, in 2021 it just stopped working. In 2023 I had a pain pump implanted. I’ve had one day of decent pain relief just over a month ago. Nothing since. I’m going back tomorrow to get pump checked out. Until nine years ago I was in perfect health. This constant pain is a real bummer. Hope you can find some relief.

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I had a L4 and L5 fusion in Feb. 2025. I done ok for awhile but now I can’t stand for ten minutes without having excruciating pain in my legs and still use the walker.

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I had an Abbot spinal scs implanted 2023. In 2024 I had IT, removed as it was defective.(recall) so then, being in different State(Fl to Az) I had it replaced w Abbot paddle lead scs. I had nothing but problems with proper location for pain management and after MANY appointments w Abbot reps to reprogram, without success and WITH excessive electrical jolts with them trying! It’s now shut off. However now it seems the battery moves enough it causes extreme pain. Boston Science wants a shot at replacing the battery and trying their luck. I’m not biting! It’s time to remove it, I’ve been on same amount of pain meds since this whole thing started… where’s the relief. It was a bit noticeable with the trial, but since that.. nuttin.

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Anyone familiar with SprintPNS? It's used for 2 months then removed.

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Profile picture for gcranor @gcranor

I had my Metronic’s stimulator removed after 4 to 6 months; the Metronic’s reps (in my opinion) are not qualified or have enough staff to support the stimulators. I have have a Metronic’s pain pump implanted five (5) years ago and since there is no aftercare my Metronic’s as my doctor manages the amount, type, and settings it’s been my life saver compared to other pain pills prior to the implant. Yes I need to have the pain pump replaced this year but that is not a concern for me.

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@gcranor : What do you mean by a pain pump? Is this a Morphine pain pump ??

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Profile picture for rivermaya34 @rivermaya34

@heisenberg34 Hey there, I have a Boston Scientific Alpha WaveWriter and I love it, and have had no problems with it thus far *crossing fingers*. It is also MRI safe, fyi. I would check into this company - they're big enough to uphold their reputation, and their people are wonderful. Just sayin. Good luck to you - let me know if you have any questions! That really stinks about having it removed ... 🙁

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@rivermaya34 : is this Boston Scientific Alpha WaveWriter something that can interact when a total lumbar L5-1 have been fused/caged?

My concern, I think both my motor nerves & sensory/pain receptor nerves are pissed... ideas for solution?

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Profile picture for rivermaya34 @rivermaya34

@heisenberg34 Hey there, I have a Boston Scientific Alpha WaveWriter and I love it, and have had no problems with it thus far *crossing fingers*. It is also MRI safe, fyi. I would check into this company - they're big enough to uphold their reputation, and their people are wonderful. Just sayin. Good luck to you - let me know if you have any questions! That really stinks about having it removed ... 🙁

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@rivermaya34 I tried to do a trial with it but had too much scar tissue to get the leads in the “sweet spot”.

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