r/spinalcordstimulator

Had my trial implant done April 8th resulting in success. Today I get a call that the surgeon my pain management doc referred me to cannot do the procedure because he is an orthopedic surgeon and not pain management. My pain management doc cant install the paddle as there are ortho procedure that have to be done to attach the paddle to my spine. As well, they can get me into a surgeon at a different health organization that installs a completely different implant from a different manufacturer. This is unacceptable to me. I WILL NOT have percutaneous leads for long term due to migration issues and i will not have anything less than the Nevro HFX because it does its job without the tingle that stimulators produce.

Does anyone know if Medicare covers Nevro's HFX with paddle? It is looking like if i went that route i could keep he same med group that did my trial, has all my records, etc.jJust another great disappointment from the United States Veterans Affairs...

I’m having my permanent implantation this Tuesday and I wanted to ask y’all if any of you were able to choose a battery placement that was different than what doctors default to. I know they usually do it on the upper part of the butt/hip but I would rather have the battery placed on my chest, kind of like where pacemaker batteries are put.

My job involves physical labor and animals, and I feel like my upper chest area would be the least likely to get hit by tools or animals. If you wanted a specific placement for the battery, did your doctor let you do that? Or did they insist on doing the usual spot?

I’m curious what you other girls have done post op for a bra. I really prefer to wear one even at home. I’ve seen suggestions for front closing ones and I physically cannot do a zipper or front clasp. I don’t think the bra itself would interfere with my wounds, it’s more the raising my arms over my head. That is the only way I’ve ever been able to put on a bra. Thanks for any recs!

Anyone got a spinal cord stimulator over seas? I have chronic hypertonic pelvic pain which keeps coming back with a vengeance. I live in the UK waitlist are insane. Even a GP appointment is 4 weeks. I've tried all meds TCA - SSRIs, currently doing PT and they work for a bit and then the symptoms keep coming back and the side affects are awful from the medication weight gain to memory issues, heart palpitations and I've just had enough. I feel like nobody is listening…..here in the UK I think they cost around 40-50k for a dorsal root ganglion which is the best I've heard for pelvic pain but when I ask to pay for just a trail they can't give me a quote or answer even if I'm self-paying they just give me a quote for the whole process. A lot of people go to turkey to jump queues can anyone recommend anywhere outside of the UK and USA for clinics where you got a spinal cord stimulator ?I'm willing to try anything and het my life back…..

Having a trial done and want to know if anyone has had success relieving or partially relieving severe deep aching pain. I have a long history. Five previous back surgery’s. Two fusions. After 9 years left with deep low back pain with any physical activity. I’ve now worn out the two disc above old fusion. So want to avoid a massive 5 level fusion.
From what I have read a high frequency or burst stimulator would be best. I’m not sure what brand to go with. So any info would be helpful. First hand experience is the best. What do you like or dislike about your stim. Thank you.

Just wanted to see if any of you have had luck with a spinal cord stimulator for deep aching pain due to three level fusion? Had a three level spinal fusion at L2,3,4, with two titanium spacers in 2017, followed by Laminectomy at L2, followed by SI joint fusion and also removal of spinal fusion hardware. Now 9 years out I have been suffering with terrible deep aching in my low back. With some sharp shooting pains on left side and radiating burning pain into right buttock. I’m an avid gardener. The more I walk, bend, lift, twist etc the back ache gets worse and worse along with other pains I mentioned.
I saw my doctor yesterday because my recent MRI and CT scan shows that I have completely worn the disc out at L1,2. Which I knew would probably happen. He informed me I would now need a 5 level fusion to T10 to correct and stabilize my back. I would also need this done due to curvature of spine. If he just fused L1,and 2, due to the stress and pressure placed on T12 I could blow out that vertebra and have a fractured back and possible paralysis. Oh crap, I started crying. I’m a 71 year old woman who is strong and tough as nails but I don’t think I would tolerate the surgery. Day 4 through 7 of my last fusion was dreadful. Had to be readmitted and given morphine until swelling subsided in back. So my only other option is a cord stimulator. What I have read is that deep aching pain is hard to cover. It recommend high frequency or burst stimulator. Just wanted to know if anyone has had success. I would be happy as hell with 50% reduction in aching. I do take three Percocet 5/325, but only works 4 to 5 hours at best if I’m outside working. I’m miserable and have no social life.