Spinal Cord Stimulater

[SFNhurts]

I have a condition called Sensory Ganglionopathy and suffer severe nerve pain throughout my body 24/7. I am currently on Fentanyl patches which help a little and recently had two courses of Lidocaine infusions neither of which helped. I am considering discussing a spinal cord stimulator with my pain consultant and was wondering whether anyone had any advice to give me or experience of a stimulator?

[SouthernSally]

I have not had one placed but I’ve gone through the psych evaluation and considered a fit. I’m not eager to do it and I’m trying to exhaust all other possibilities.

I’m sorry for your pain. Are you on FaceBook? There’s a group called Spinal Stimulator Success Stories. One of the members also has a YouTube channel where she has a playlist of all the steps involved. It’s called The Will to Walk. The FB Success group really is not just about successes. People post about their failures too.

[Taigh in reply to SouthernSally]

Hi I had the S C S Fitted June of this year after having to wait nearly two years due to Covid I was due to have it at Guys and St Thomas hospital in London .Since I had the S C S fitted it has reduced the severe Complex Pain Syndrome by about 90% the beauty of the implant is the control you have over it with the Remote control it was well worth the wait and the Tests and Phyc interviews and the traveling from the midlands every month but I would recommend having it done it’s worth it good luck .

[Christinecove]

Hi, well I have been through exactly the same as you after 6 very painful years since my operation went wrong, especially at night hardly any sleep etc. I decided after a long awaited discussions that I would give the SCS a go. Well all I can say is for me it has changed my life especially at night. I still have funny sensations throughout but not pain like I had before. Infact if I do get any pain I just use the remote and it eases. I just wanted to let you know my story, although I do know it doesn’t work for everyone. I do wish you well and I hope the choice you make is good for you because nerve pain is terrible. Oh and by the way I was and glad to say am now an active 71year old. I just had to give it a try I couldn’t stand the thought of however long I’ve got left living in pain as I was, good luck Chrissy

[SpudyM82 in reply to Christinecove]

Hi Christine, I have AS, RA, degenerative disc disease, stenosis of mid and base of spine I'm 43 and was a joiner from leaving school. I'm now unfit for work. Due to pain. I used to use a tens machine taped to my back to help me through the day at work . And still even now I use it but I've looked into SCS but I'm in Northern Ireland and they haven't placed one in nearly ten years from what I gather. Sorry to go on so much , but my question is did you use a tens machine before the SCS and is the relief comparable. Thanks Will.

[StaticNomad]

Hello there .I had SCS in October 2017 and my experience has been extremely positive. If you need any info about what the process and procedure entail or my personal experience of the surgery and the subsequent effects, please don't hesitate to ask .

Best wishes.

[Susan1942]

I have had mine since 1991 and it along with medication has reduced my pain by about 40-50% but that is good for me..I always knew that I would never be pain free. I can manage my life and lead a pretty normal life so I would say go for it. I felt I had nothing to lose.