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spinal stimulator

Anyone out there have a spinal stimulator?  Would like to know if it really works and the pros and cons of it.  

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648944 tn?1241469694
Hi, fairyshee.

I had an SCS for about 15 months.  I have mixed feelings about it.  For the first 6 weeks, it helped me a lot--I was able to stop most of my pain meds.  Then something happened...one of the wires moved.  We could see that clearly on before and after x-rays, though it took quite a while for anyone to think of looking at them.  Medtronics also got involved, and we tested a lot of settings.  No help, and the conclusion was that the moved wire was pressing on a nerve, and making the pain worse, not better.  The doctor offered to reset the wire, but I opted for removal.

My decision to have it removed was largely based on the wire problem, and my concern that the wire movement could happen again.  However, there was another issue as well, which is that the SCS is a fussy device.  It needs regular re-charging, which in and of itself is not a problem.  The recharging process, though, was, at least for me, very fussy--mainly in that the efficiency of the charging mechanism depended heavily on finding the right position in which to place it.  It worked, but it required a lot of patience.

So bottom line:  it didn't work very well for me for the reasons listed.  However, I have heard from others that it worked well for them.

Good luck, whatever you decide.  fpainestam
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667015 tn?1268595478
Hi,
   I have had my SCS unit for about 7months now and for me its a big help. I was also like you and wanted to talk to ppl about the unit and what it does for them and also if they have any problems before I had the unit installed, but I didnt find this great place till after I had the unit installed. I use my unit all the time its on 24/7 if i turn it off the pain comes back in about 20 min or less. I have a 16 node lead and a RF rechargable unit from medtronics. I will say that you have to get use to having the unit and what it does.

Have you used a tens unit yet? And if you have did it work for you?  If you had a good run with the tens unit then the next step is the trial SCS unit. This is an internal/external SCS unit. THe lead is internal and the controler is external. This is the best chance to see if the unit will work for you. If it does then you should be good to go. If you dont like the feeling it gives you or if it does not cover the pain good enough. (50% and higher) I have heard is what Dr's want to hear for the implant. I hope that this helps you. If you need or would like to PM me and I will be happy to answer any questions you might have.

R/
Adam
Helpful - 0
171791 tn?1358214381
no I dont but I use the tens unit.  Thats the only place you cant use it is on the spine.  However I had it prescribed due to bk problems , had herniated disc, some bulging disc spurs, DDD, arthritis, Surgery was in Feb,  I love this unit.  Do a yahoo search on it and I am sure you will find all the pros and cons for what your looking for.
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Avatar universal
Hi...I just had my scs system implanted about a week and a half ago...so far it's okay. It does help with my rsd pain. Some pain isn't covered by it. Since it's so new for me, I'm still adjusting to it. I still have alot of flucuations(?)   in the stim. My best advice would be to find out from your dr. the company they use, and get info from them. Also your dr should have alot of info on it.
Be careful if you do a search for spinal cord stim. There's alot of info out there. some good, some not good. Do alot of research, make a list of questions and make sure your dr or a rep from the company answers them.  
Best of luck to you and please feel free to message me if you'd like to talk, or if you have any questions.
   As i get further along in my recovery, I might be able to answer any questions more.      Take care  Tresa
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