Questions about implanted stimulators.

[Vicky67]

I have a couple of questions that I hope you guys and gals can help me out with. I'm facing this decision as we speak and I have so much tripidation about it. See I've lost my faith in doctors the one that did my fusion/lami L4/L5 til this day has not come out and told me that I really have failed back syndrome his explanation is my pain is muscle pain. He must think I'm stupid or crazy because this is way beyond muscle pain. I went to a Neuro doc for a second opinion and he inform me yesterday that I officially have failed back syndrome and suggested that I go for the trail. I'm on Worker's Comp. and have to go to another IME before they approve anything. With that said my question is what is the trail like? Do you have to walk around with wires hanging out of you? What brand name are you guys using I ask this because some are more popular than other's and if I do it I want the best. When it comes time for implanting how does that process go I didn't know that you have to stay in the hospital. I hate hospitals.

 

[StephM]

Vicki,

I'm so sorry for you. I, too, have Failed Back Surgery Syndrome. I just got the stimulator implanted about 4 weeks ago permanently.

The trial was okay. You can find a lot about it if you look at the different branRAB' websites. My temp placement was trickier, and longer and more painful, than most because I have tons of scar tissue from previous surgeries. Once they placed it in and programmed it, I had such relief!!! Amazing relief of the major nerve pain in my feet and legs! HEAVEN!

Yes, I did have wires coming out of my back, but they were all taped down. The whole area looked like it was a mess of tape. That's all I could see. After about 4 days, the leaRAB on my spine slipped and then I had no more heaven. No more pain relief.

I have Advanced Bionics Precision Stimulator. The perm placement has been eventful, as I had a post op infection, cellulitis. I am just now getting over that pain. But the nerve pain has disappeared since the placement. Heaven again.

Make sure you follow all postop instructions so the leaRAB don't slip. I hope you get relief, and I hope yours goes more smoothly. You know what, though? I would do it all over again even with the complications!

Best of luck!
Stephanie

 

[shawley]

Hi Vicky , i posted to you in Lories thread about models , I believe the BEST stimulator out there is the Advanced Bionics , this was told to me by a few doctors and from what I read on other forums everyone seems to love them more . I have the Medtronic Stim and it works great for my hip and leg pain , but my back pain is still bad .. From the Bionics I think you'll get more releif of back pain as well as leg pain . Some may argue , but I believe its a better unit ( Bionics) Some doctors may only have one model . But if this was the case I would tell my Dr. to either get me a Bionics or I'll go elsewhere for a Bionic implant.. Sorry folks but I was told by alot of people the ANS model is junk compared to the Bionic / Medtronic. But hey if it works thats great. Hope you find releif soon , I'm on comp too , but here in PA. if the Dr. says you could benefit with the stim they have to pay for it. I think your w/c insurance comp. would pay . Good Luck