Help from a Spinal Cord Stimulator

General
1

Does anyone currently have a Spinal Cord Stimulator (SCS) for help with the pain, burning, and other symptoms in your legs or feet? Or, has anyone participated in the 5-day trial with the SCS before it is implanted? It has been recommended and I have concerns about the whole process. Just looking for some feedback...
Thank you & Happy New Year,
Little Sister

2

I think someone in the Yahoo group recently got one and likes it, but I think her dx is CRPS rather than EM. She doesn't post much, but checks messages sometimes and responds.

3

I had a Spinal Cork Stimulator implanted in 2009 after a successful 5 day trial. I was able to get some relief for about 18 months. The pain in my lower legs and feet increased to such a high level that the SCS wasn't able to cover it. When I increased the intensity of the SCS to even get close to matching the pain, my body wasn't able to tolerate the severe buzzing generated by the SCS. I quit using it and don't really miss it. Now it's 2013 and the SCS with the dead battery are still implanted in my back. I would like to get them removed but the right time to do that has yet to surface.

4

I do not.

However I do have with the foot spa, first a treatment, then I purchased one from AMAZON, $99.99 plus shipping etc.

My own personal results have been good. I do not over-use the foot spa, just a couple of treatments per month.

Also I use one gallon zip-lock bags for my feet in "COOL" NOT COLD water, before bedtime, and yes it does help! :O)

Mr. D

5

Hi Kentuckian,

Thank you for the follow up,

Little Sister

Kentuckian said:

I think someone in the Yahoo group recently got one and likes it, but I think her dx is CRPS rather than EM. She doesn't post much, but checks messages sometimes and responds.

6

Hi R. Mike,

Thank you . That is valuable information to learn. I'm still in the uncertaintly phase. I know the trial will be very helpful to determine if I can get some relief at all, it's the long-term that is concerning. So, I appreciate the follow up.

Little Sister

R. Mike said:

I had a Spinal Cork Stimulator implanted in 2009 after a successful 5 day trial. I was able to get some relief for about 18 months. The pain in my lower legs and feet increased to such a high level that the SCS wasn't able to cover it. When I increased the intensity of the SCS to even get close to matching the pain, my body wasn't able to tolerate the severe buzzing generated by the SCS. I quit using it and don't really miss it. Now it's 2013 and the SCS with the dead battery are still implanted in my back. I would like to get them removed but the right time to do that has yet to surface.

7

Hi there.
I am getting the trial done in the next few weeks. I am just waiting for my doctors to develop a plan for my coumadin. I’m not sure if it is related but I keep getting blood clots so I have to take blood thinners. I am quite nervous but I’m desperate for some pain relief. I will post after it is done. Take care
Alina

8

I used to get lumbar sympathetic nerve block injections which were helpful. I was told that a SCS would have the same effect but I choose not to do it because I wouldn’t be able to lift my grandson, who I babysit. (Lifting too much can cause the electrode to move out of place). So maybe you could try the injections and see how much it helps.