This surgery has made a huge difference in my quality of life! I really hope that you have the same results that I have. I had continued pain after a discectomy and spinal fusion L5-S1. In February 2009, I had my trial which lasted 2 days and the permanent done that same week. My surgeon said that someone who is dealing with chronic back pain will know right away if this is something that will work for them or not. The surgery is a piece of cake. The only strange thing is that they wake you up in the middle of surgery to make sure that the stimulator is "painting" the areas where you have pain. They put you back asleep for the rest of the surgery after they are sure they have the coverage you need. Pain wasn't too bad after the surgery. Just the general incision soreness. Remember, you will have two incision sites! Listen carefully to your doctor's advice and follow all of the restrictions carefully. You will be fine! Good luck!

During your trial period, they usually give you some restrictions -- make sure you follow those, but make SURE that you give your SCS a REALLY GOOD trial. My trial was a bust because they gave me SO MANY restrictions that I didn't get a good assessment of pain -- I didn't know if it was going to work or not!!! I shouldn't have followed the restrictions. Make sure you go on about your daily routine and don't just loll around the house. Give it a good go. After mine was implanted I found out that it wasn't covering the pain at ALL -- it was making things worse!! I kept mine in for 6 months -- and then due to other problems, I had to have mine removed.

I hope this works for you cause thousands of people have gotten their lives back because of the SCS. So give your trial a good go.

Also, the implant surgery is a snap. NO problem at all - you're just a tiny bit sore, but it's nothing you can't deal with. You do have to be careful for the first few weeks cause you don't want the leads to move so you can't twist, reach, etc. Your doc will tell you what your restrictions are.

I wish you the very best of luck. God bless. Hugs, Lee

Everyone, I can't thank you enough for the advice and peace of mind you are all blessing me with. My trial lasts six days and I'm hoping the permanent one will be implanted shortly after. I can only imagine that finding relief and having it taken away for any time would be "most painful". My insurance is fast at approving ( health net) Yet, Hmo ( beaver ) is notorious at taking sweet time and even denial of the simplest things. I'm sure you all have had the same story!! Again, Thank you all...I've been worried about trying to prepare food and everyday life stuff so I'm able to follow Dr's orders. This puts me at ease! Hope all my new friends have an amazing pain-free weekend.

Yes keep us posted because im about to try the trial as well...xoxoxo THANKS!

I am so happy you are having your trial. I had two 12 months ago. We decided not to go ahead, as they felt there was more going on with mechanical pain, that the SCS would not help. Just be prepared, the drive home with the trial unit in was really traumatic for me. The technician had set it up in the docs office, when I was still groggy from the pain meds. I don't think I gave heim the right answers to get the settings just right and felt really stressed and overwelhemed when my husband and I left the hospital. The setting up process is stressful. A lot of "does this feel better' " up or down" better now of before, harder, softer, buzzing,tapping etc. Just make them take thier time, don't leave the doc offcice / hosp until you feel they have the settings right and you feel comfortable. After the first 24 hours I got it under control and enjoyed the benefit it gaveme for that week. Slept better, could sit in a chair longer etc. Any questions send me a message. Also I got lots of info from a web blog called "bringing bionic back" a girl that has been through the full implant and updated her progress step by step. Made me feel more comfortable knowing what to expect.

I had my stimulator put in December of last year, it has done wonders for me it is controlling the constant pain i have dealt with for nearly 10 years, the only downfall from this product is the placement of the battery pack, mine was put in on my right hip/buttocks. right on my belt line. due to that it is very uncomfortable and causing issues. my doctor said it wouldnt be a issue to move it to a new place, just have to wait on approval, you know how that goes, hopefully soon. good luck, ask questions about possible issues after the inplant is in. find the most comfortable area to place it.