Why is spinal cord stimulator a last resort?

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10sox

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My PM doctor is beginning to discuss a spinal cord stimulator. Why does everyone here say it is a last resort? If you have nerve damage why would this be a worse option than taking pain medications for the rest of your life? I understand that the permanent device is a pretty intense surgery, but if it relieves your pain and you reduce your amount of pain meRAB, isn't that worthwhile then? I am 35 and have major nerve damage from herniated discs and DDD. They want to do a trial procedure to see if the stimulator will work for me. I just don't see any cons in this????

Thanks!
 
Hi 10sox;
For me the stimulator is not so much a last resort, as it is a way of buying time until flexible fusions are more commonplace and they have the bugs worked out.
If I'm lucky, I'll be having the trial done sometime this month.
My only other choices are have all five lurabar discs fused, and at least four surgeons have told me not to do this to myself, or to keep taking ever increasing doses of pain meRAB. I have a history of all types of long term meRAB turning on me, and causing further problems as bad as the ones I was taking the meRAB for in the first place.
I guess I could look at the stimulator as a last resort for me. If it doesn't work out, I have to muddle through more years of pain until technology catches up.
Personally, I don't like the term last resort. It implies all or nothing, and if it doesn't workout, then you're left with nothing...
 
Sunset- I am so sorry if I worded the the wrong way. You sound like you have been through so much with your back....much more than I have. I was just wondering why some choose to take high doses of pain medications rather than trying the stimulator. I don't see a huge risk in trying it. I am also one who is trying to buy some time. Both surgeons who I have been dealing with say I am too young for a fusion and have sent me off to the PM doctor to try and control my pain for as long as they can before the fusion is needed.

I hope the stimulator works well for you. Also, I am very interested in doing some research on flexible fusions. I have never heard of them before. Thanks for passing along the info.
 
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