My Mom has had persistent back problems for nearly 10 years now. Despite two operations (cervical laminectomy and spinal decompression) she is still suffering greatly. She had a pump (I believe it was dispensing fentanyl topical and/or morphine) but that had to be removed due to complications. No big deal as it was far from 100% effective. I think the problem is that of crumbling bone and perhaps spinal stenosis. She is 72 years old but looks and feels older due to years of pain. Basically she is becoming very depressed as she sees no way out of this now. I am looking for ideas or suggestions as to what else she can try. My mom lives in the UK whereas I live in the USA. Despite the obvious expense, I am considering bringing her over here for treatment. Maybe there are different ideas or approaches over here that may work better for her. I don't really know where to start though. Any help/advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. MJ.

Hi,
I see she had the pump, but has she heard of the spinal cord stimulator implant, they say they work wonderful, even Jerry lewis has one, he was talking about it on his telethon this week end. He had pain for years and says the implant made him feel like a new person. It doesn't hurt to look in to it for her, nothing worse than being in constant pain.
Hope all goes well
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