Questions about Spinal Cord Stimulators - Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Message Board

LeftyKid · 08-24-2005, 02:42 PM

Hello all! It's been a long time! I went to a new pain clinic yesterday and the doc strongly suggested a spinal cord stimulator. He told me about the procedure and gave me a video to watch. I have a few questions that the video didn't answer and will ask my doc them, but wanted to hear from anyone here who has an SCS.
My doc wants to implant the type of SCS with the internal battery. I understand that when the battery wears down, I would have to undergo surgery again to replace/recharge the battery. How long does the battery typically last? Also, the video said to avoid excessive stretching, lifting, bending and twisting b/c the leads could be damaged or come off. Has anyone had this happen? It sems to me that the SCS is very high maintenance with repeated surgeries to replace the battery and also it seems that there are many activity restrictions. My doc also said that I should expect a maximum of 40% relief. For these reasons, and a few others, it doesn't seem like a good option for me. However, I would very much like to hear from those of you who have (or have had) a SCS and how it has worked for you. I don't want to completely dismiss this procedure without getting feedback first. Thank you!

brighteyes_007 · 08-25-2005, 01:27 PM

I can't answer your questions becuase I am in the same boat as you are right now. My pain management doctor has suggested the same thing and I dont know what to do..

I am not very active now and was hoping to become the active person I was in the past.

If you get answers pls let me know.

GOD BLESS,

BRIGHTEYES

LeftyKid · 08-25-2005, 02:19 PM

Bright Eyes:
Well at least we have each other's company in this boat.

I am also not very active right now b/c of the RSD, and the activity restrictions of a SCS seem as though they would keep me relatively inactive even if the pain is decreased. One of things I think we both want is to be more active again, but I don't understand the point of decreasing the pain with a SCS if it's only going to contribute to decreased activity. Will let you know if I get more info.

Budko · 08-26-2005, 04:49 PM

Lefty,

When I first read your post, I really had no comments or information. Well, Guess What? I will be going through some steps to get a Spinal Cord Stimulator. UGH! My 5th Block, today, hurt like mad and did nothing. He said it was painful due to the Trauma of the Needle. He will give me 2 more Blocks, then a Epidural, then the Trial Stim, if all is well with the Epidural. Here is the crazy thing! He is talking to a Fellow Doc and is asking him if it amatomically possible to insert the Lead into the Stellate Ganglion instead of Behind the neck and into the Head. "AHHHHH! KIM'S A LAB RAT"
He will have to insert a smaller battery, becuase I am so skinny, the lIfe Span of the Battery is 7-9 years (which will need to be replace, not charged), with a larger battery, the life is 10-15 years. He showed me the lead and battery. It does not look too bad, but I am not sure If I can handle feeling the battery under my skin. I am going to have to think about this.

My PMD gave me a Video to watch. So, I will start there.

Wishing you and I a ZERO,
Kim

cookie51 · 08-26-2005, 05:21 PM

Hi All,
My drs. all think I need a spinal cord implant, I have nerve pain since back surgery in 2002, butI also have lower back pain and hip pain on top of the nerve pain. One dr. said the impant will not help with back and hip pain only nerve pain, and then another dr. says it will help with back and hip pain, so who do you believe? I am very afraid of it, I think it is very invasive and not sure if it will work any way. I had foot surgery last year and had a blood clot, so I am also afraid of that happening again. cookie