Spinal Stimulator and Neuropathy??? - Pain Management Message Board

captinsane1 · 09-30-2006, 05:47 PM

I am scheduled to do a week long trial period with a spinal stimulator to help manage my pain from neuropathy in both feet. Have tried most of the meds for this and modst havnt heled at all, am currently on Norco which doesnt do a whole lot but it does take the edge off. Pain doctor says he has had some success with stimulator for neuropathy. was wondering if anybody has any info at all on spinal stimulators and neuropathy, also has anybody heard of methadone for neurropathy. would appreciate any info at all.

sweettea2 · 10-04-2006, 07:37 PM

Hi bolrjax:

I also have neuropathy in both feet. It is very painful. Mine is from my back and I have been scheduled for surgery this summer, but I have done so well with the methadone that I have put the surgery off for a little while. The methadone has helped with the pain along with the neurontin and lyrica. It has made such a difference in my life. I can even walk around in the mall. Maybe it will help you. If you can tolerate it. You must work up to the dose that works best. I am also supposed to get a spinal stimulator, but I don't need it now.

sweettea

MissKitty856 · 10-05-2006, 10:23 PM

Hi bolr,

I have radicular neurapathy and other spinal nerve damage due to a broken L5.and have had a stimulator for over 7 years. It is a God-send. I have the older 2 lead SCS. When this battery runs out I will get the new rechargeable one. Yippie!

I think they are a wonderful tool, but unfortunately, don't work well for everyone. Some people find they work for a couple of years, then the relief subsides. Has your Dr. let you speak to other patients who have implants for neuroapathy? I would ask if I could call some of them...

I am now on Lyrica, rather than Topomax or Neurontin. I don't seem to have the side effects I did with the others.

I am on opioids as well. I also have fibromyalgia and CRPS/RSD.

I had been doing pretty well for a while, but now things are not so good...I am going in for nerve root injections soon. I hope they help.

Good Luck,

Maria

Monty44 · 10-06-2006, 03:14 PM

I had the SCS implanted in February of this year and can only say that I have mixed feelings. The stimulator is for Intercoastal Neuropaphy in the thorasic region caused by a nerve being severed during thorasic disc surgery in 2004. Initially, I was getting some pain relief, but I have become tolerant to the stimulator and now get little relief from it. If I adjust it up higher (it has a remote control), it causes my right leg to buckle! As far as the surgery, it was no big deal and can be done without an overnight if you don't want to stay in the hospital. Some doctors might want you to stay at least overnight. You have to be VERY careful for a couple of weeks after the surgery or the lead could move and will require another surgery to correct it. That is what happened to me, so I actually had it installed twice. If you have any more questions, I'll try to answer them for you. Good luck, Monty.