Need info on spinal stimulator/pump

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thumbi67

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Hey All,

I am new here I've had three failed back surgeries and
have done P.T,pain management, all different kinRAB of pain
meRAB,and steroid injections and nothing now doc want me to
consider the spinal stimulator or pump looking for any info
that I get PLEASE

James:confused:
 
I have the spinal stimulator and am glad that I have it. As far as the procedure goes, you 1st have a trial put in and use it for 3-5 days. If it works, they take the trial out and schedule you for the permanent implantation. For me, the trial was done in my Pain Managemnt's office and the implant was done in the hospital. I have read that some people have their permanent one also done in their PM's office.

The trial is done either under concious sedation (preferable;) ) but mine only used Valium. It was not my worse procedure, and like I said I was completley awake for it, and it was pretty uncomfortable. For the removal of the trial...there was no pain at all. I had to ask if they were done, because I had not felt anything up to that point. Then, the permanent one was done undr sedation and I don't remeraber anything until I woke up in the hospital room. I was there for 5 days, but I think most people are there for about 3. I have 2 incisions...one where they went in to do the laminectomy and help place the lead in (around T7-9). Then there is a small incision on my lower back of my right hip. This is where the battery pack is put, just under the skin. The band that I have, has a charger that you place over your skin and it charges the battery pack, right through you skin. I charge it about once every 4-6 weeks, by sticking the charger to my skin and then go about my day. There is very little that you can not do, with the unit turned on. You can bathe, excercise, sleep etc. with out having to change anything.

Let me know if you have any specific questions, and I'd be happy to help you.

Lorie:angel:
 
Hi James and Lorie;
I'm in a similar situation with my back. As soon as I finish jumping through all the hoops my insurance company has put up, I'll be testing the stimulator. My PM doctor will be using a Boston Scientific model.
My main question is how long was your recovery from the permanent surgery?
Thanks, Bill
 
It wasn't anything like the fusion recovery...thank goodness, right? I was in the hospital for a week (which was a few extra days because I live alone and had no one at home to help me). Then, once I got home, I did not go back to work or church, for 2 more weeks. Then, I started getting back to things, little by little.

Lorie:angel:
 
I have had the pain pump for about 4 years now and it has been worth its weight in gold. I had my second fusion in l997 after which I continued to have lots of pain even tho I fused completely. I spend a couple of years under the care of my surgeon and was then referred to a papin management specialist where I underwsent several procedures. That's when the pump was suggested. It took me 2 years before I agreed to it, and I could kick my butt for waiting and being stubborn. What I really like is that there are no highs and lows, just steady pain management for the L5-S1 area.

Doctors are now talking to me about the spinal cord stimulator but that wouldn't be a good choice for me as I cannot tolerate the buzzing. For you, it may be a good choice. I suggest you read all you can on both devices and then make your decision bases on what will work best for you.

Carol
 
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