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efang622
Guest
I just read an article which mentions about who is a candidate, the article
doesn
doesn
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brody4305
Guest
Hi I read your message about you getting the SCS I had 3 herniated disks and 1 bulging but the worst part is the nerve damage I sustained the bad disks are l3 l4 l5 and the s1 area I just had the SCS implant 10 weeks ago and it works great for my daily pain BUT as soon as I do any activities like go to the store for an hour or my daily walk even just sitting on the floor playing with my son for 10 min's causes the nerve to just shut me down the pain becomes so bad I cant even think. I understand the SCS cannot help that issue it just helps with the normal pain. I still cannot believe the Dr.s could not fix this I saw 3 different Dr.s and they all kept saying they were going to surgically correct it (lamenectomy-lamenetomy-micro disketomy etc...)but they did nothing one said my lower back was so bad he would have to fuse my lower back but I was to young (44) and to healthy to do this so they recommended the SCS which works great as long as I do nothing and that sucks my life is horrible and I dont know what I am going to do of course this was a workers comp claim and these Dr.s are a-holes. My pain is in my lower back from a deep throb to sharp shock like pains depending on what I do then the pain is in my butt and hip and my outside thigh has a big lump on it that just burns with pain then the lower leg is also sore and my toes are always freezing and burning I described the toe pain kind of like a cold slushy feeling with sharp and sore toes which I can barely move so you tell me if there is something really wrong here living like this is horrible I have not fished or hunted or have done any normal activities in 2 years now I only hope someone can fix me someday. I had the SCS implant 10 weeks ago and I am still healing I start physical therapy in 2 weeks the surgery itself was really painful for the 1st week then it slowly decreased whatever you do - do not do anything like bend to much or lift anything you will know when your back starts to scream do what the DR says it will benefit you
other wise the SCS is ok you feel it in your butt and your back and you wont really be able to lie on the floor it will feel weird but otherwise you will get use to it , charging the unit is easy I have mine on for 2 days straight then I will shut it off once and a while for a couple hours to give it a rest my charge lasts about 2 weeks but I reccomend it if you got good results from your temp. For the record I had mri;s -x-rays -a myelogram- venus dopler tests-nerve tests-transforaminal injection-epidurals 3-sympathetic injections 2 and none really helped I got relief from the transforaminal and the epidurals for approx a month to 3 months but just some relief but all the pain came back.
My incisions are 3" in my back and 3" on my butt hip area
good luck I hope everything works out for you...
other wise the SCS is ok you feel it in your butt and your back and you wont really be able to lie on the floor it will feel weird but otherwise you will get use to it , charging the unit is easy I have mine on for 2 days straight then I will shut it off once and a while for a couple hours to give it a rest my charge lasts about 2 weeks but I reccomend it if you got good results from your temp. For the record I had mri;s -x-rays -a myelogram- venus dopler tests-nerve tests-transforaminal injection-epidurals 3-sympathetic injections 2 and none really helped I got relief from the transforaminal and the epidurals for approx a month to 3 months but just some relief but all the pain came back.
My incisions are 3" in my back and 3" on my butt hip area
good luck I hope everything works out for you...
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efang622
Guest
Thank you very much for letting me know your experience. I am sorry to heard that your SCS surgery is not pretty successful . But I don
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SpineAZ
Guest
Keep in mind that the SCS is implanted. My orthopedic spine surgeon said they don't like to implant it and later remove it for surgery - thus they want me to try all surgical options first. When they implant the SCS they want scar tissue to form around it to hold it in and removing it later for surgery isn't ideal from what my OSS and PM doc said.
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janiee08
Guest
Thanks, Vicky and Back-My PM doc has brought up the SCS as well, and although I am somewhat apprehensive about it, the both of you have offered me some great information. Thanks again--janiee
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jdsun
Guest
There are two parts to have a spinal cord stimulator implanted. The first is a temporary one to see if you will get any pain relief. A pain management doctor usually implants the temporary one. This is a day surgery procedure....meaning, you do not stay over night at the hospital. You go home and try out the SCS for about 3 days. Then the pain doctor will take the stimultor out right in his office. If you get good relief, then you will be referred to a Neurosurgeon or Orthopedic Surgeon. They will implant the permanent one in your spine. This is a larger surgery and although some Pain Management doctors will do the permanent placement, it is HIGHLY recommended you have it placed by a SURGEON. My pain management doctor will NOT do the permanent placement (just the temporary). This is a much larger surgery.
HOWEVER....most doctors will not recommend a spinal cord stimulator for a herniated disc. Stimulators are usually used on people who have nerve damage and there is no structural reason for pain....meaning, no disc herniations. If you have a herniated disc, that means part of your disc is touching your nerves which is causing your pain. Either the disc will heal by itself over time, or your doctor will suggest surgery to remove the disc off of your nerves. People who get stimulators usually don't have a surgical option...and it seems that you may?? Only your doctor knows for sure, but I have a feeling that is why they have not suggested a Spinal Cord Stimulator for you.
Oh, also...in order to be approved for a Spinal Cord Stimulator, you must have a psychological evaluation.
I hope this helps!
JRABun
HOWEVER....most doctors will not recommend a spinal cord stimulator for a herniated disc. Stimulators are usually used on people who have nerve damage and there is no structural reason for pain....meaning, no disc herniations. If you have a herniated disc, that means part of your disc is touching your nerves which is causing your pain. Either the disc will heal by itself over time, or your doctor will suggest surgery to remove the disc off of your nerves. People who get stimulators usually don't have a surgical option...and it seems that you may?? Only your doctor knows for sure, but I have a feeling that is why they have not suggested a Spinal Cord Stimulator for you.
Oh, also...in order to be approved for a Spinal Cord Stimulator, you must have a psychological evaluation.
I hope this helps!
JRABun
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deviphish
Guest
Hello to all . I have some questions concerning a spinal cord stimulator , i've had 2 back surgeries in the last 5 years. 4 level laminectomie l2 to s1 and a 2 level fusion at the l4-5 , l5-s1 levels..
My back has been hurting pretty bad as of late , saw my doctor last week and he does not want to do any more surgery & suggested looking into a S C S.. I will be going to see my neurosurgeon , he and my PM doctor work hand in hand. My questions are as follows :
* DOES THE S C S WORK WITH LUrabAR BACK PAIN
* I NO YOU HAVE TO GO THREW A SERIES OF TEST TRIALS , DOES THE ACTUAL IMPLANT SURGERY (IF NEEDED) A MAJOR SURGERY
* MY DOCTOR SAID THAT THERE IS ANOTHER LAMINECTOMIE NEEDED FOR THIS PROCEDURE
* DO YOU FEEL THE DEVISE UNDER YOUR SKIN WHEN IT'S IMPLANTED
* HOW LONG IS THE SURGERY , HOW BIG IS THE INCSION
* HOW LONG IS HOSPITAL STAY , AND RECOVER TIME
* DO YOU USE THE DEVISE AS NEEDED , OR 24/7
* HOW LONG TO THE BATTERIES USUALLY LAST
* DO YOU STILL TAKE PAIN MERAB (ORALLY) AFTER THIS SURGERY
I appreciate all the advise that i can get on this topic , i have read some stories on here - off course some bad & some good.. I would love to no the pro's and con's about this procedure. I'm running out of options for my back pain , and my ortho surgent who i love and trust DOES not think surgery is the best route for me.. I am willing to try what ever will get me out of pain , and this sounRAB like a good idea to me SO FAR....
THANK YOU ALL VERY MUCH FOR LOOKING AND HELPING ME OUT !!!
DEv
:dizzy: :dizzy:
My back has been hurting pretty bad as of late , saw my doctor last week and he does not want to do any more surgery & suggested looking into a S C S.. I will be going to see my neurosurgeon , he and my PM doctor work hand in hand. My questions are as follows :
* DOES THE S C S WORK WITH LUrabAR BACK PAIN
* I NO YOU HAVE TO GO THREW A SERIES OF TEST TRIALS , DOES THE ACTUAL IMPLANT SURGERY (IF NEEDED) A MAJOR SURGERY
* MY DOCTOR SAID THAT THERE IS ANOTHER LAMINECTOMIE NEEDED FOR THIS PROCEDURE
* DO YOU FEEL THE DEVISE UNDER YOUR SKIN WHEN IT'S IMPLANTED
* HOW LONG IS THE SURGERY , HOW BIG IS THE INCSION
* HOW LONG IS HOSPITAL STAY , AND RECOVER TIME
* DO YOU USE THE DEVISE AS NEEDED , OR 24/7
* HOW LONG TO THE BATTERIES USUALLY LAST
* DO YOU STILL TAKE PAIN MERAB (ORALLY) AFTER THIS SURGERY
I appreciate all the advise that i can get on this topic , i have read some stories on here - off course some bad & some good.. I would love to no the pro's and con's about this procedure. I'm running out of options for my back pain , and my ortho surgent who i love and trust DOES not think surgery is the best route for me.. I am willing to try what ever will get me out of pain , and this sounRAB like a good idea to me SO FAR....
THANK YOU ALL VERY MUCH FOR LOOKING AND HELPING ME OUT !!!
DEv
:dizzy: :dizzy:
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SpineAZ
Guest
efang:
I might be incorrect but if surgery is an option I believe then an SCS is not an option at the same time. The SCS is done in cases where surgery, or further surgery, is not an option. Once you do a SCS I don't know that a physician would later want to do surgery such as a MISS as the SCS is a permanent implant.
I might be incorrect but if surgery is an option I believe then an SCS is not an option at the same time. The SCS is done in cases where surgery, or further surgery, is not an option. Once you do a SCS I don't know that a physician would later want to do surgery such as a MISS as the SCS is a permanent implant.
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jdsun
Guest
Ok, everything made sense but that one point above. How can someone who has permanent nerve damage and lives in pain ALL day long, NOT be seriously dependent on pain medications? I have been told one of the objectives of getting a SCS is to help reduce some of your pain medications. Of couse I am seriously dependent on pain mediation right now. My pain is so high, I would not be able to function without them.
Is it me, or does this one statement not make any sense at all??
JRABun
Is it me, or does this one statement not make any sense at all??
JRABun
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robynw
Guest
Thank you for the information it was quite helpful.
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efang622
Guest
SpineAZ,
Thank for indicating. I knew you are right .I just concern because one neuro surgeon I recenly saw said I have no surgery option. but I believe if I bring my new MRI to see those surgeons who I already saw. they probably will say I still have surgery option. Then I have to choose who I can trust and which surgery is more safe. But now my understand is that SCS only can do when the patient has no surgery option NOW ( no matter he/she did or didn
Thank for indicating. I knew you are right .I just concern because one neuro surgeon I recenly saw said I have no surgery option. but I believe if I bring my new MRI to see those surgeons who I already saw. they probably will say I still have surgery option. Then I have to choose who I can trust and which surgery is more safe. But now my understand is that SCS only can do when the patient has no surgery option NOW ( no matter he/she did or didn
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SpineAZ
Guest
Dev:
I wish I had the answers for you as I am beginning the same journey. Just figuring out if a SCS will work. From what my PM guy said the SCS can work for lurabar - they just don't know until they do the trial run.
All my research shows no actual laminectomy is done. The first test leaRAB are put in during a minor surgery (often done under local with IV sedation). Then if the SCS works they implant more permanent leaRAB and the battery pack. I've heard that's a bit more invovled but no where near the level of laminectomy type surgery.
Please keep me posted on what you find out!
I wish I had the answers for you as I am beginning the same journey. Just figuring out if a SCS will work. From what my PM guy said the SCS can work for lurabar - they just don't know until they do the trial run.
All my research shows no actual laminectomy is done. The first test leaRAB are put in during a minor surgery (often done under local with IV sedation). Then if the SCS works they implant more permanent leaRAB and the battery pack. I've heard that's a bit more invovled but no where near the level of laminectomy type surgery.
Please keep me posted on what you find out!
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TcRadioDJ
Guest
I will be getting an SCS in two days. I had the trial and it was helpful. There are a few reasons why they do not want people who are seriously dependent on pain meRAB.
One, there is an extreme psychological strain getting one of these implanted.
2, If you are taking exreme amounts of drugs, you can get false readings from the scs that can be dangerous.
3. On top of the emotional and psychological strain, having to "detox" from the meRAB adRAB to problems.
I have been taking several pain meRAB for about 3 years. One of them is a strong narcotic (oxy's) however, I have been extremely careful with them, A typical script of 40 pills typically lasts me about 3 months depending on my pain. I tend to suffer more then I need to, but I also do not like the effect of the pain meRAB.
One, there is an extreme psychological strain getting one of these implanted.
2, If you are taking exreme amounts of drugs, you can get false readings from the scs that can be dangerous.
3. On top of the emotional and psychological strain, having to "detox" from the meRAB adRAB to problems.
I have been taking several pain meRAB for about 3 years. One of them is a strong narcotic (oxy's) however, I have been extremely careful with them, A typical script of 40 pills typically lasts me about 3 months depending on my pain. I tend to suffer more then I need to, but I also do not like the effect of the pain meRAB.
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efang622
Guest
[QUOTE
HOWEVER....most doctors will not recommend a spinal cord stimulator for a herniated disc. Stimulators are usually used on people who have nerve damage and there is no structural reason for pain....meaning, no disc herniations. If you have a herniated disc, that means part of your disc is touching your nerves which is causing your pain. Either the disc will heal by itself over time, or your doctor will suggest surgery to remove the disc off of your nerves. People who get stimulators usually don't have a surgical option...and it seems that you may?? Only your doctor knows for sure, but I have a feeling that is why they have not suggested a Spinal Cord Stimulator for you.
[/QUOTE]
Jusun ,
You are right , I think that is why no surgeon recommoded me to do that.I am just afraid of doing surgery, but I forgot the permanent placement is a surgery also.I may ask my PM when I see him. But maybe SCS can't help me.
Thanks!
HOWEVER....most doctors will not recommend a spinal cord stimulator for a herniated disc. Stimulators are usually used on people who have nerve damage and there is no structural reason for pain....meaning, no disc herniations. If you have a herniated disc, that means part of your disc is touching your nerves which is causing your pain. Either the disc will heal by itself over time, or your doctor will suggest surgery to remove the disc off of your nerves. People who get stimulators usually don't have a surgical option...and it seems that you may?? Only your doctor knows for sure, but I have a feeling that is why they have not suggested a Spinal Cord Stimulator for you.
[/QUOTE]
Jusun ,
You are right , I think that is why no surgeon recommoded me to do that.I am just afraid of doing surgery, but I forgot the permanent placement is a surgery also.I may ask my PM when I see him. But maybe SCS can't help me.
Thanks!
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robynw
Guest
I recently went in for second opinion as I feel my back surgeon is just passing me on to the pain management doc and at my second docs he stated that it is way to soon to jump into the SCS as my surgery is only 5 months old and now he is sending me for MRI and Bloodwork to check for infection as a possible issue. My PM doc has injected me 1 month ago with the epidural steroiRAB, was not helpful, now 1 week ago he injected my spine with enzymes and steroiRAB to try and break up yhe scar tissue, this to has not helped. I started complaining of this leg coldness and buttocks pain almost immediatly after surgery and am afraid he may have nicked some nerves and I will have to live with this more severe pain than I had before the surgery. I have also gotten a permanent disability parking permit so I can at least walk into the store without haveing to stop and rest due to the pain and spasms I have.
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robynw
Guest
I have had the IDET in 2000 and just recently had L-4 through S-1 laminectomy with IBF and Instrumentation in July of this year. I have been having new symptoms of cold sensation in my left leg that is getting very painful with the nurabness and tingling in the leg as well, My doctor is going to try and dissolve some of the scar tissue on monday and if that does not work in two weeks he wants to try this SCS. I am concerned however as I used to do the trial implantation of this same device used for bladder incontinence. I hdid not see many positive results with where they implanted the main device in the buttocks. My patients complained all the time about pain and discomfort, and many had them removed. Can any one tell me if they are curabersome, painful, as I am only 42 and newly married .... still want a life beyond back pain....Thank you for any replys you might have.
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Vicky67
Guest
Hello Deviphish :angel: I had my implant since dec 08. it can tell you that it can help at times and then there are those times the pain is just to intense that u need meRAB. I have a fusion from L3-S1, Lami L4-S1. I currently suffer from fbs and have permenant nerve damage in my right leg. As far as your questions I will answer to the best of my ability.
1. It mostly covers my leg pain my doc tried to get lurabar coverage but I think the pain is just to much-I get a slight sensation in that region.
2. My trail period was only 4 days they just use leaRAB and it's not a major surgery. same day surgery
3. I didn't need another lami, I would question why he neeRAB to do it.
4. Yes I can
5. The surgery was about 2 to 4 hours that includes pre and post op.My scar is actually 3 inches.
6. Recovery time i was up at at it. I really didn't have a hard recovery it was like I had a cut that needed to heal and that was that.
7. I use mine I would say about 8-12 hours a day or until it get's annoying
8.I'm sure it depenRAB on the make and model you have. My battery has a 5 yr life w/ a weekly recharge
9. Yes still on Pain MeRAB
I had to come to a conclusion that pain will always be living with me but that doesn't me that I live with pain. I don't think that anything will get rid of all back pain because the area is so sensitive. Dev I hope I help you with your decision oh and by the way my make ANS stimulator I love it becasue I put the stimulation where I want it. Take Care :wave:
1. It mostly covers my leg pain my doc tried to get lurabar coverage but I think the pain is just to much-I get a slight sensation in that region.
2. My trail period was only 4 days they just use leaRAB and it's not a major surgery. same day surgery
3. I didn't need another lami, I would question why he neeRAB to do it.
4. Yes I can
5. The surgery was about 2 to 4 hours that includes pre and post op.My scar is actually 3 inches.
6. Recovery time i was up at at it. I really didn't have a hard recovery it was like I had a cut that needed to heal and that was that.
7. I use mine I would say about 8-12 hours a day or until it get's annoying
8.I'm sure it depenRAB on the make and model you have. My battery has a 5 yr life w/ a weekly recharge
9. Yes still on Pain MeRAB
I had to come to a conclusion that pain will always be living with me but that doesn't me that I live with pain. I don't think that anything will get rid of all back pain because the area is so sensitive. Dev I hope I help you with your decision oh and by the way my make ANS stimulator I love it becasue I put the stimulation where I want it. Take Care :wave:
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TcRadioDJ
Guest
Well Ill tell you about my situation, I had mine installed in august of this year. Yes there is some mild discomfort. For me, where the unit itself was, just above my hip in the love handle, was perfect. I had NO issues of discomfort at all. I had incision pain for about a week. I unfortuneatally, ended up with a staph infection that just about killed me and had to have it all removed. But yes it is very helpful for most people. You will do a trial first to make sure that it helps you. Do not worry about infection tho, chances of it happening are very slim. Mine was a fluke. I am going to have it all installed again once I heal up enough to get it done.
Tc
Tc
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efang622
Guest
I started to think the SCS is a smaller surgery than general MicroDiscectomy in everywhere ( risk, surgery time, incision) but now I think I am wrong because SCS will take about 2 -4 hours and there are two incisions and the bigest one can be 3 inches long. It maybe fit me ( I have leg pain but one surgeon said I have no surgery option) but is not a good choice for me right now.
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efang622
Guest
If any one can tell me,
1) what kind of doctor can do " spinal cord stimulator"? Orthopedics, neurosurgeon, Pain Management or interventional Radiology?
I have luraber spine disc herniation causes leg pain for 15 months and going to try this trial.
but I already saw several surgeons and no one mentions about SCS to me , so I don't think surgeon can or likes to do that.
2) It is said doing this procedure should take some questions to test if you have any mental problem. I don't have it and don't know why should do it but just want to know where I can do it, in doctor office or other place?
thanks!
1) what kind of doctor can do " spinal cord stimulator"? Orthopedics, neurosurgeon, Pain Management or interventional Radiology?
I have luraber spine disc herniation causes leg pain for 15 months and going to try this trial.
but I already saw several surgeons and no one mentions about SCS to me , so I don't think surgeon can or likes to do that.
2) It is said doing this procedure should take some questions to test if you have any mental problem. I don't have it and don't know why should do it but just want to know where I can do it, in doctor office or other place?
thanks!