Spinal stim implants? Do they

Posted by charc @charc, Aug 25 6:53pm

Hi , i have been to mayo before for back stuff, i had a laminectomy. I have had many back surgeries and have fusions and hardware along with stimulator. Iv had it replaced 3 times now and the last time they sd they almost didnt get new leads back in? But the one i have now has quit and we cannot find any drs in colo that are willing to do it? Im also wanting to try the new nevro one? I have a st judes now? I was wondering if they have drs that do the stimulator implants and all that? Before i get an appt to go? Im about 13 hrs from scottsdale. Any knfo would be appreciated. I have a medicare setaside account that pays 100 percent of anything back related. Thank u in advance.

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harrie123 | @harrie123 | Aug 28 11:38am

Contact your rep from the manufacturer for doctor recommendations. I have a replacement for dying battery in one of my SCS. ACTUALLY, I have an appointment with the surgeon recommended by my rep next Tuesday. I am a proponent for spinal cord stimulator. I certainly support your decision concerning treatment, but I have found them to be very effective. Good luck.

cecilyl | @cecilyl | Aug 28 5:52pm

Backs are tough!
I had a TKR in July of 2022. Unfortunately I fell into the 20-30 per cent group where they don't work as hoped.
I later learned that the hardware is based on male anatomy and for most women they get a knee replacement post menopause when our estrogen is kaput. I could go on a rant about estrogen and so on but won't!
A few months ago I had a Curonix implanted after the trial period proved successful.
For me, both procedures (trial and permanent implant) were quite painful; not always as painful as for others.
I was told Tylenol would be enough which was bs in both cases.
I wish they could do this for my SI joint but they don't.
The doctor was good technically but didn't seem to believe how much pain I had. That part is over and it has worked for me but knees are quite different than backs.
Have you tried nerve ablation or targeted pain injections? Or long term pain blocks?
Maybe some places in CA would be good but I'm not familiar with the hospitals there.

It sounds like you've been through hell and back with your surgeries.
Cleveland Clinic is good; I don't know what they do re backs. Mayo, Johns Hopkins?

Wish you luck. I hope you find a good solution; pain has so many effects on us that aren't recognized as "real".