Neuro-stimulator

[tanglewood]

Has anyone had any experience with a neuro-stimulator implanted in the back? I am supposed to have a test in January where probes will be put near my spine; the wires will come out of my back for the test and if the stimulator doesn't help, then that's the end of that possiblity. If the test is successful in controlling my pain they will remove everything and wait three to four weeks until I'm completely healed; then they will implant the stimulator and wires and probes permanently. According to my pain doc the success rate is greater than 80%. I would sure love to hear from people who have had experience with the device. thanks

[tanglewood]

Thanks, Adam - no, I have not tried the tens unit on my neck; they gave me a number to call to order it and I did not follow up. I used a tens unit on my lower back and did not feel like I got enough relief to justify all the trouble of trying to use the unit. I kept it for about two months then sent it back. My insurance paid part, but it was costing me to keep it and I didn't feel like it was helping much. But, that was my lower back and about two years ago. I should probably get it and try it on my neck.
Thanks for the follow-up. I will let you know how things go. Right now I'm using Hydro and Lyrica to control the pain; it's a roller coaster.

Take care,
Jerry

[HawktheSlayer]

Hi Jerry,

   Just wanted to check in with you and see how things are going? Hey did you first try the TENS unit? you didnt mention it in you first post. I know that it was my first step to the SCS unit implant. Its helped me and that lead to the SCS trial unit, then the implant. I sure do hope that everything is going well for you and the process of finding you pain reduction. Please let us know how things go with the trial.

R/
Adam

[Sunflower1975]

I thought s/he was talking about Meth, not Methadone. If its methadone, then I apologize for misunderstanding.

[worried878]

methadone is a safer drug than bu11loads of other opiates if someone is gonna be on it long term...just another opiate/without the euphoria so less abused,,,if it were tons of fun to taking meth..there would be linesevery morn at the clinics...not to say it is not some's doc  but not as a rule ...persoanlly i would rather take 10 mgs of meth in the am and another in the pm than take 12-15 hydros a day and fry my liver...everyone is different and choices are different as well...but looking down a methadone user is like looking down on a fentanyl patch user, oxy slow release..a sub user..all have long half lives and wds sux

i think this implant sounds like a good plan...i would take 50% pain relief.,,we are going to try botox i think in my neck and should...deadens nerves and helps pain and spasm..tho temporarily..i will take it!

[Tuckamore]

Methadone when used as prescribed is actually a safer opiate than many others. There are several research studies out that prove that statement. I know patients that have taken Meth for years for CP, as prescribed without any major side effects. They look no different than the average person on the street.

But everyone has their own opinion and they are entitled to them. They are horror stories with all the major opiates as well as withdrawal horror stories with all of them. What I beleive is important is your quality of life and Meth offers that for many CP patients.

Peace,
Tuck

[Sunflower1975]

No, meth is not way to go. Meth will KILL you. Please google and type Meth Faces. This what it will happen to you. Its not worth it. Please don't use Meth. There is more medications to try until it works, perhaps cocktail of drugs like pain meds with relaxer, and stuff like that and make your pain manageable, maybe little pain. You can't expect pain to be gone 100%. Its better to have less pain than severe pain, you know?