Chronic Pain Support Group

Physicians and professionalsdefine pain as chronic if it lasts longer than three to six months and is persistent. It's distinct from acute pain that is a direct result of injury or trauma. This support group is dedicated to those suffering from chronic pain. Discuss treatments that have worked for you, find advice for your specific experience, and find support. You're not...

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Brain & Nervous System
/ Chronic Pain Support Group

Spinal Cord Stimulator

m1078744
m1078744
Hi Guys,

I met with my active release provider and he said that he's been talking with my pain management doctor about implanting a spinal cord stimulator. He said he thought I'd be a good candidate. I am going today to get set up with a portable TENS unit. I guess I will talk more with the pain doc about the SCS on Friday.

How beneficial has it been for those of you who have had one or currently use one? I have problems in my lumbar spine (bulging discs, arthritis, degeneration of facet joints) and in my neck (herniated discs and nerve impingement). I am concerned though in that if I have it implanted, I won't be able to have MRIs done. What do they do imaging wise if MRIs are out of the question?

Thank you guys very much,
Megan
deleted_user
deleted_user
Hi Megan....I have the Medtronic unit you mentioned. Some of my sensors...like the stabilizer aren't on yet. They are waiting for some scar tissue to form around that lead then will add more settings and flip the switch for the stabilizer at my 6 week check up. I'm still very hopeful that I'll get better pain controls even though I've had a hard time up to date. Honestly it seems more a question of the surgeons skill....not the unit itself.

Though if I have anymore problems with lead migration it's coming out;-)

Deb
m1078744
m1078744
I have some news about the Spinal Cord Stimulator. My Dad told my Mom that he'd consider going through with the procedure if I could find out our cost and what insurance would cover. Not having specific orders in front of the billing department, they had to give me a ball park figure.

I just called my Mom and she said to go ahead and make an appointment with the pain people to learn more about the model and to get orders written so we could figure out cost. I meet with my doctor next Friday, May 31st. I am interested in the Medtronic one like you have Deb. It is FDA compatible with MRI scans of the brain. A huge selling point for me.

~Megan~
deleted_user
deleted_user
Hi Megan ,

I just had my SCS put in in January and I love it, it has made a huge differance in my life I can more than I could still have to go slow but I can do more. before that I had a TENS as well.

I like mine to because I do not always have to take off the sticky pads from the tens pads.

Cathy
deleted_user
deleted_user
Great news Megan! Best of luck. Please keep me posted of your progress if you don't mind. Interested in hearing about your experiences.

Deb
deleted_user
deleted_user
Hi Megan, I 've had a SCS for about a year now. It does help, but not has much as I had hoped. I have it in cervical spine for arm pain. It helps about 30% of the time - which of course when your suffering from 9 - 10 pain level, any % relief is welcome so I am thankful that I chose to get it. It definitely helps keep my pain manageable but I have not been able to reduce any meds, or return to work. And, understand when the doc says it may help 50% - the % refers to the AMOUNT OF TIME it helps, and not necessarily a % decrease in the LEVEL OF PAIN. During my consultation, I thought 50% help would take my pain from a level 10 to level 5 - but not the case for me.

Funny, I actually realize how much it does help me when the battery runs out and needs to be charged - I keep it set and don't adjust it very often so sometimes the battery runs out before I realize it needs to be charged. I'll first notice my increased pain and then realize it's because the SCS stopped.

Regarding MRIs - I was ok with not being able to get any more because my mind was set that I didn't want any additional surgeries under any circumstances. Also, CT Scans can still be performed.

I wish you luck In making your decision! Feel free to message me any time!