So Spinal Cord Stimulators work well?

[Nancya0418]

HI, In May of 2006 I had a fusion of L5-S1.  Since the surgery I have continued to have a lot of back pain and pain in the buttocks and down both my legs (especially my left side). Since surgery I have 2 epidurals,  2 medial branch blocks and a radiofrequency lesioning procedure.  I still have the same amount of pain and have to take Kadian and hydrocodone to control the pain.  The doctor  is now suggesting in order to lower my medication to have a spinal cord stimulator put in.  I am just not sure what to do.  I have always been willing to do whatever it takes to get rid of my pain so I can have my life back, but I don't know what I should do at this point. Do you think having one put in is a good idea?  Have many people had positive results with this being implanted?   The doctor at one time also mentioned that it could be that the hardware itself is causing me problems and that having it taken out may help.  A morphine pump was also mentioned.  So many avenues but not sure which one I should take.
Thank you!

[Charles Rosen, MD]

Dear Nancy,

I think it’s premature to consider a last ditch salvage procedure like a stimulator.  (They only work half the time anyway.)  What you really need is a diagnosis as to why you are having pain!  This may require repeat tests or diagnostic injections.  It sounds like you still have nerve compression someplace, and maybe something still causing backpain.  Get other opinions until you get a diagnosis!

Dr. Rosen

Charles Rosen, MD
Clinical Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery
Spine Surgery
University of California, Irvine, College of Medicine
Founding Director, UCI Spine Center  
Orange, California

[adams01]

Hi! I just read your post and have the same situation as you are in.  if you would like  to chat more you can email me at ***@****

[Nancya0418]

What have you had done?  I am just not sure what to do at this point.  Now I think I need to find out what exactly are diagnostic injections?  Maybe that would help to pinpoint the problem.  The last MRI is not showing why I am having the pain.  You put your email but they take it off so you will have to write to me on here.  Thanks

[Nancya0418]

They did an MRI a year after my surgery but it did not show any reason why I still have so much pain.  I have no doubt that there is some form of nerve compression even though for some reason it is not showing.  I think because I am on workmans comp it would be a lot easier for them to try to get something to just deal with the pain instead of continue to spend money on finding the reason for the pain.  I am just frustrated after trying many things that have not helped.  What exactly is diagnostic injections and do you feel they would help to find the reason for my pain?  Or is that the injection I got when I had the MRI?  Any info is helpful.  Thank you for your time.

[momtofourboys]

I have a spinal nerve stimulator put in my back. I have significant nerve damage due to nerve sheath tumors (NF 1) they are mainly in my foot. I have been on eery pain medication available and my body just can't handle the mediacations. I was even on morphine, meth, darvon and lyrica at once. nothing was touching the extreme pain. I have been fighting for some relief for 18 years. I am a candidate for a SNS and had the temp. put in and it wroked great. I had the permanet one put in and it worked great until I feel the first week after I had it done.  I am schedule to have it put in more with a bone being used.  
The recovery can be approx. 10 eweks. no lifting, not even your arms over your head no bending over or anything like that.  I feel it is worth it. I am sick of the pain and I also have 4 young sons that I need to take care of. The pain clinic I go to had me go to a psychological eveal to make sure that mentally stable to make this choice and they have to meet with several other doctors to make sure taht all other ave,. are covered prior to making the choice to go a head. this is the final step they say.
If they didn't do this then I would demand taht they cut off my leg.

good luck
Michelle