Nerve pain stimulator

[sharonb45]

Hi,has anyone had a nerve pain stimulator fitted (hopefully)and at the moment im having lots of test done to see if im sutible,has anyone else had one fitted and if so does it work and how long does it take to fit ect? i live with awful nerve pain every day and my doctor has said this is my last chance for any relief,also if anyone could give me any other advise for nerve pain i would be very grateful.

Thanks in advance.

Sharon x

[pinknosedcat]

Hi, the only things I've found any good are meditation and relaxation exercises. Good luck with your treatment and I would be interested to see how you get on. X

[Calceolaria]

Is this a spinal cord stimulator? I know someone who has one. The op was straightforward but the benefit limited in his case. Its like a tens unit applied direct to spinal cord and controlled by hand held device.

[purpledm10]

are you being seen in a pain clinic? have you had any diagnosis for what the pain is eg CRPS?

[Susan1942]

I had the implant about 22 years ago The origional one was turned on and off with a magnet but nowadays I have a remote control to do this. My pain in neuropathetic from damage I had been I had a problem forceps delivery with my son in 1971. I would say that this has reduced by pain by about 50% so I have been able to reduce the amount of medication I take The operation was straight forward Mine was inserted by a Neurosurgeon I had a temporary unit where the box was on the outside with a manual box so I could turn it up and down When I had the operation I was taken to Xray and a marker was put into my back under xray I remained face down when being transferred to theatre. I was fine op wise but initially it appeared that the implant was not going to work My Consultant made a decision to move the electrode by 1 millemeter and was confident enough to implant the battery

Over the years I have had new batteries implanted the first lasted about 7 years and since then 5 years 6 and the current one implanted about 3 years ago , I had a problem with what they decided was metal fatigue The origional electrode was fixed and has been left in situ I had a new electrode inserted by my Pain Consultant and this was about 6 years ago It is working well

Origionally I used to switch it off at night but nowadays I sleep with it on and although the stimulation is much stronger when I lie on my back or turn over but I am able to tolerate it and have got used to it. I do so for the benefit is worth it.

The operation itself was simple but I was in Hospital for around a week while it was trial and error When I had it replaced I was kept in overnight When the battery is changed I am usually discharged on the same day, Hope this helps any other questions please ask

[costabuck]

Hi just wondering where you are having the pain and where you live. Only asking as I have been fitted with a nerve stimulator and I have to say it's the best thing I have had done to me for my pain. Honestly, I don't think I would be here now if I hadn't had the operation. I was one of the first in the country to have one fisted by the surgeon that invented the system and for me, I wouldn't be without it. It eases the intense pain I get in both my legs due to severe nerve damage and have had my unit in for over 25 years. Once the operation has been done, you will know if the operation has worked once you are over the operation and for me it was tested 2 days after the operation and worked! After a few trials and errors we got the right programs and combinations of frequencies right and it's worked. So you'll know fairly soon after the operation if it has worked.If y need any more inf then please let me know.