Neuro Stimulator

[kristoff]

This should be in the Medical Section, but this category gets many more views.

I have been dealing for a long time with low back and left leg radicular pain. It has gotten to the point where the docs have recommended trial and possible permanent placement of a neurostimular for my low spine.

Does anyone here have any experience with this device? What was your experience?

K

[Slammr (imported)]

My daughter, who has several vertebrae in her neck fused, uses one. I guess it helps, but I think she still has a lot of pain. It's hard to tell; she never lets on that she is in pain. On a recent trip to see her - she had started using it since my last trip - I didn't see her rubbing her neck or arm as much as before. I think it's helping.

[kristoff]

Well, next Wednesday 08 June I will have a trial run with a neuro-stim. Implant will be for 5-7 days, then decide if it is working OK. After that, assuming all works OK, permanent implant. They tell me it works pretty well for leg pain, but not so much for low back. Some is better than none, I guess. Concerns me greatly, but last option before being SOL. I guess I'll set off the alarms at the airport now...

[Riverwind (imported)]

Maybe that's what I need as I can't feel my feet much anymore.

I hope it works for you Kristoff, let us know.

River

[kristoff]

Did the procedure today. so far mixed results. Cuts the leg pain pretty good. misses the low back pain and the foot. Hits hard in left middle back where Nothing is a problem. Wonder if the stim wire moved?

batting about 40%. Will talk with the clinic tomorrow. at least it is a trial run for 5 days!

[kristoff]

Maybe that's what I need as I can't feel my feet much anymore.

I hope it works for you Kristoff, let us know.

River

Have you had your doc check you for diabetes? Your age and weight suggest it! Would hate to see you lose a foot or two!

[kristoff]

When I went it after trial, folks realized that they had mis-programmed device. Upon correction, it worked perfectly. So we decided to go ahead with the permanent unit.

Did the permanent implant yesterday. I swear the stitching and especially the banages and excessive taping are more painful than any old incision I've ever had before. Wrapped very tight. Have to go in again on Monday to check on programming and check positioning of the leads. Maybe get rid of some tape. No showers for 10 days until the staples are out - yechh.

[moi621 (imported)]

When I went it after trial, folks realized that they had mis-programmed device. Upon correction, it worked perfectly. So we decided to go ahead with the permanent unit.

Did the permanent implant yesterday. I swear the stitching and especially the banages and excessive taping are more painful than any old incision I've ever had before. Wrapped very tight. Have to go in again on Monday to check on programming and check positioning of the leads. Maybe get rid of some tape. No showers for 10 days until the staples are out - yechh.

And in 100F in Minneapolis time. You must be getting ripe already.

Good news about the pain relief with proper programing.

The bandages and extra special wound care I suspect is because they implanted a "foreign body" that your body is naturally going to want to reject as well as the increased chances for infection with an implanted foreign body. Sounds like you are receiving good care, surgically. Try not to perspire as this inhibits healing. Stay cool. Good Luck.

Moi

[Paolo]

Maybe he can't feel his feet because they're in the shade all the time?

[Wolf-Pup (imported)]

I tried a stim in 2001. For my back pain it didn't do anything. I felt the pain, and next to the line of pain I felt a line of tingling. After that we did a different trial with an Intrathecal Morphine pump. It delivers a very low dose drip of morphine into my spinal fluid. It works wonderfully, although I still live in pain. Without the pump I'd be in a fetal ball quivering on the bed. I also still need a slug of drugs to help keep the pain in check, and to control ridiculopathy and neuropathy in my leg and feet. The good thing about the pump is that it has no mental effects as it goes into the spinal fluid first and not the bloodstream. Prior to having it I was on 80mg Oxycontin 3 time per day. I don't remember much of the year 2000...