I personally haven't had it done but I know someone who has and they swear by it. says they no longer have to take pain medication because it provides so much relief, they are able to walk and exercise with little to no pain, the best decision they have ever made. I think if your a good candidate for it then I would at least give it a try. they implant one externally before they do the real thing to make sure your going to get relief from it before doing something major. good luck with whatever you decide.

I WOULD RUN TO HAVE THIS DONE IF IT WORKED, BUT MY DR TOLD ME RELIEF FROM THE PAIN WOULD CAUSE ME TO HURT MYSELF IN THE LONG RUN..THE PAIN WAS PROTECTING ME!! FIGURE AN ANSWER TO THAT ONE!

I have spent the last 3 hours reading..there are 3 different machine options..the choice seems to be about batteries..but also all three companies say a pschological test is a must to see if it will really help..all there reasons for the test are on their website.but the manufacturerers insist it is the first step to see if you qualify and then they also post the negatives which do occur(complicatiions)due to implantation..the longest battery is 5 yrs so you have to go back for multiple surgeries to change out the battery

Also the Medtronic machine has a recall for a defective lead wire, 5 people have died(but they had the implant to regulate their heart ...I wonder if they use the same wire for the back to carry the electrical signal? You just might not get any signal...this is onging current news story

http://www.rsdfoundation.org/en/UpdateSCS.html this is the web site that informs about all 3 products available

I had a neurostimulator installed near a year ago. It is a lengthy processed before they install. Once the decision was made to do this, it was near a year later before we actually did. The main obstacle is getting appts.. I had to go to a phycologist testing, which was quite long. Mine was about 3 hours. Seems as though there was over 500 questions I had to answer, as well as talk phycologist. Once you are approved on this, then its scheduling an appt. with a neurosurgeon and another 2 month wait. I guess it all just takes time.
I have not, as yet, had any success. I still have the same amount of pain and taking pain meds. They tell me not to give up, that there are thousands of programs that can be programmed in and try-its all in finding what works for you. They tell me alot of people do find instant relief once they have done but I'm unfortunately, the small percentage that it hasn't. They explained to me because I've been in the pain I'm in for a long time and all thats been done to me, it may take awhile before we find what works for me. I have to admit, I've been quite discouraged and about to give up trying anything, anymore. Maybe it has helped with my endurance and able to do more with each thing I try to do but still by mid day, I reach my peak of pain, where nothing helps.
This is only my experience with neurostimulator and as I said, they say it does help alot of people and generally you get instant relief. I would recommend you try, and if you find relief, will be well worth your efforts. Good luck and hope it does help you. Just keep in mind, it does take time from when decision is made to do, to when you actually have done.

Thanks MrsJ., I am seriously leaning towards getting the stimulator. I wish it had worked better for you, maybe it still will if they find the right setting. I hope your pain lessens. We all need some relief, don't we?
Bee