Hi everyone, I went to see a new pain specialist on Monday and he has refered me over to the Leeds Spinal Unit for test to see if I would be

[sharonb45]

able to have a nerve pain stimulator fitted as he thinks im a good candidate for one to be fitted,does anyone have any info on this as I would be very grateful?

Thanks everyone.

Sharon x

[Hidden]

Hello

BOB here,

Yes I have heard about this, a stimulator is inserted in spine under skin.

Some people are happy regarding this, although if it is not a success it can be more problems than what it is worth.

Have it done for the right reasons, and discuss until you become happy with the procedure. I do not know of your proper treatment plan, so good luck.

All the best

BOB

[Dillys]

Hi there, I had a spinal cord stimulator fitted in 2001. I had to stay in hospital for 3 weeks as they did half the operation i.e. put the electrodes on your spinal cord and have a lead coming out of your back to an external 'box' to see if it works for you. If it does they will do the second part which involves bringing the leads from your electrodes to the battery which will be placed in a pocket under your skin in your stomach. Mine was great whilst ever it worked but obviously when the battery goes it means another op, but I think they have rechargeable batteries now so that's much better. I had mine taken out last year as I had lots of problems with it, but that doesn't mean you would have and once you get used to the sensation you get instead of the pain, I'm sure you will be happy with it. Do not assume its like an internal tens machine, which it was loads of people said to me, its not, its much more effective, and when it was working it really helped with the nerve pain. I hope this helps.

[sharonb45 in reply to Dillys]

Hi

Thanks for your reply,i had been told it was like an internal tens but after reading up on it found it not to be like that at all.Think some things might have changed since you had yours fitted as I have been told I will be in for a day then see how its works for up to 5 days if it does help they will then implant

it into me and send me home the same day,dont think I would like to be in for 3 weeks lol!! shame you have had to have yours taken out as mine is for nerve pain I realy think this is my last chance of getting any help with the pain I suffer from.Thanks again.x

[Dillys in reply to sharonb45]

Being in for 3 weeks was awful but I suppose it was preferable to them spending the money on the full op if it wasn't going to work for me. Mine was for nerve pain too and as I said it did help, I just wish it had worked for longer. I just feel like im back at square one now which is awful, but you just have to keep going. I wish you all the best with yours and I really hope it works for you.

[sharonb45]

Thankyou.x

[costabuck]

Hi Sharon, yes I've had a nerve stimulator fitted. I was one of the first to have it done in the UK back over 25yrs ago. Since then I have had an upgrade to a newer model as well as more electrodes fitted. Basically I wouldn't be here now if I hadn't had the operation as its been a huge benefit to me and my pain. I have severe chronic pain in both legs, lower back (L3 - S1 disc hernias repair & fusion finally); nerve damage to T6-10 as well as a few other things. The nerve stimulator has been fitted directly to my spine and I also have additional electrodes roughly just below my shoulder blades into either side of my spine. It is like having an internal tens machine but it's more like its the daddy of all tens machines! If you are in severe pain and have tried everything else then yes, I would have it done. It doesn't get rid of the pain but masks it but gives you some control back. Any questions let me know