Phantom Pains

[legless7397]

I underwent a clinical trial surgery on Monday 2nd March to implant a device called a Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulator into my lower back, the idea behind this is to try to reduce or even stop the brain receiving pain signals from the feet that I do not have(Bilateral below knee amputee), the implant sends electrical pulses into the nerve that travels into my feet, this is achieved by having electrodes placed at the nerve ending at L5 in the lower back, obviously it is very early days yet and it is going to take some tinkering to try to get the device to do what I need it to do, I am hopeful that in time my phantom pains will be managed enough for me to either stop or greatly reduce the medications that I take on a daily basis.

[StrawberryCream]

Very interesting legless. That sounds good that you have been able to take part in a clinical trial that could be something to make a positive difference to the pain you experience in you absent limbs. Hope it does start to make a difference.

Best wishes

[legless7397 in reply to StrawberryCream]

I am hoping that I can get some benefits from this device and that the information that I provide by way of feedback and also working with the manufacturer to program the device for maximum benefit, I have been informed that it could take up to 6 months before I get any real benefits from the device and I am hopeful that other amputees can in future benefit from this technology