spinal cord stimulators

[tresa47]

I'm seriously considering scs for my rsd....has anyone had any experience..good or bad with them. Or any advice?
Thanks tresa47

[kellySI]

Hi, I am a terrible typer so I have been pretty quite on this site except for two questions I typed out of desperation ! I was looking again today at this site ( as I do every day a few times a day I must admit). I find it helpful to read other peoples situations and advice. Today, I feel like I have to contribute even though it takes me forever to type. I have been dealing with chronic pain now for a year and a half. My pm doctor today suggested I should have a spinal cord stimulator implanted also. I like you am trying to find out more info on it and of course the pros and cons.Please know that if I do find out anything I feel would be helpful to you ,I promise I will take some time out and poke away at the keyboard one key at a time to share my info!! Good luck and I hope to hear from you or anyone that might read this. kellySI

[tresa47]

Thanks to all who replied to my question on scs...at this point i've deceided to go with the trial..I recently switched to a new pm doctor who is very good...he takes the time and is patient to answer all my questions. I usually go in with a list. I don't tolerate med's very well, and at this  point they really aren't helping that much...even a 50 % reduction in pain would be nice..
If anyone would like to share their story with me on this, please message  me...Thanks again to all...this site has been a total blessing!  lol  tresa

[Cookie122]

Spinal cord stimulators are definitely not for everyone and do not work on every type of pain! Doctors tend to talk patients up about them promising them the stim will take away all of their pain and/or cure them. They are not a cure all and will not take away 100% of your pain. There is a trial for the stim that lasts from 3 days to about a week. Doctors call anything 50% or above in pain reduction a success for the trial and will strongly suggest the patient go for a permanent implant. Some patients opt to get a stim even though they get less than 50% pain reduction because they feel anything is better than nothing.

Read as much as you can about stims and talk to as many people as you can that have experience with them. Make sure you have realistic expectations of what it can do for you and ask any and all questions that come to mind no matter how silly they may seem.

I know of a few resources that I can share with people who want more information on SCS. Message me if you would like me to share them with you.

[Tuckamore]

I have heard more bad than good but I have no personal experience. I'm not sure if it depends on the medical condition, the location of the SCS or the skill of the medical provider. I would weight the pros and cons and if after careful consideration I thought it was best for me I would certainly elect the SCS. I'm sorry I do have have more definative information for you. Best of luck to you. Tuck

[sandee1818]

There have been several members here with experiences , if you would like to read their stories you can look in the archives or use the search feature.
I will post information also:)