Spinal Cord Stimulator Effective or Not?

[WPKat]

After months and 5 denial letters, my insurance company finally approved a spinal cord stimulator (SCS) by Boston Scientific. I have several questions for you.

• Does anyone on the Forum have a SCS - has it provided significant relief for you?
• Justin, I read in one of your posts that SCS's do not help with facet joint degeneration - correct? This is a bit unnerving because severe facet joint degeneration is one of my three big problems. Would you be willing to post a link so I can read up it?
• If I had a SCS installed, would it limit my ability to have surgery?
• Can you have an MRI, x-ray, etc., done with the device installed?

Of course, I can ask my pain specialist some of these questions, but I really would appreciate hearing from anyone who has one one installed or knows of someone who has one - does it provide significant relief?

Although I know it wouldn't fix a thing, if I could make it through a grocery store or go for a walk with my dog, then at least my world would expand beyond the confines of the four walls of my home.

Thanks,

K

[Jack-of-all-trades]

I had the trial for one of the three lead variety but was unable to get it tuned to the spot causing the pain in my lower back. I was suggested that a paddle lead might work but this would involve a laminectomy. I decided that if I had to have surgery I wanted to get the problem fixed, not just made numb.

[Cindylou]

WPKat, daveinaustin had one installed last year and you could try to PM him. He hasn't been on the boards in awhile as he had another surgery about 12 weeks ago, approximately. My understanding was he did not receive major relief from it, hence his additional surgery, but you could get alot more details from him if he is up to responding. Good luck!! Everyone deserves a shot at pain free living. I hope you get yours.

[WPKat]

Jack,

Lucky for me, I've already had a multi-level laminectomy (not). I have mixed feelings about it. I was once told it "was my ONLY option." But now that I know that's not entirely accurate and I am looking into minimally invasive surgical options, I really would like to finish that process before I go through the trial and implant of a SCS.

Cindylou,

Thanks for the tip!

K