You are so right! Great information here, Jen! I have an Abbott/St. Jude Proclaim SCS. It has helped me more since the time of implantation. It was a rough surgery and extremely painful recovery for me (the asinine laws prohibited me from getting the necessary quantity for pain relief) BUT I am SO glad I had it done! It’s true...I got to the point I was in so much pain and I needed relief! I had nothing to lose by having the procedure! I keep you in my prayers! ❤️🙏
I’m so sorry you weren’t given enough pain meds from recovery...something a lot of us are encountering with the fight to eliminate opiates, even for those of us who need them to survive. I’m so glad to hear you are doing well ❤️❤️ Thank you so much for the prayers ❤️🙏🏻❤️
Thank you so much for your kind words ❤️ I try my very best to give the real picture instead of just the positive side of outcomes because that’s what patients need in order to make informed decisions. My health has really declined in the 3 years since this video, as CRPS caused me to become nearly septic by burning my foot and leg to the point that they had to amputate below the knee. I’m having surgery on Tuesday to remove my DRG stimulator because it was meant for that part of my body and has unfortunately been burning my insides for the last 2 months. I’m scared and tired, as this is my 13th surgery in just a handful of years, but I’m hoping that there will be better days ahead
Jen, I just want to say you’re doing great with the videos! Short and sweet, one topic (usually) per video. It’s hard to watch knowing you’re hurting, but they’re very informative and helpful.
Thank you so much! I got into the habit of shorter videos when a graphic designer friend was telling me that the best way to capture an audience was to cram a lot of great content into a short package. They have also made it possible for me to continue making them cuz require less editing, which is getting harder and harder as my pain increases
I had my trial done on September 16th with huge relief soon after surgery. I hated when they had taken it out, but looking forward to the permanent nerve stimulator in November.
@@sweetsunshineplaytime so happy to hear about your successful trial! It’s a catch-22 because it’s awesome that the trial provided much-needed relief, but it’s frustrating to have to wait for the permanent implant to get it back. Don’t be worried or surprised if your pain spikes a bit during this time because your body is gonna have to adjust to life without the relief provided by the trial; I call this “rebound pain.” I hope time flies and your permanent implant date is here before you know it! ❤️🙏🏻
Your testimony is very helpful to me.I wish the best in your future endeavors for pain relief/ control and confidence. I have been introduced to this type of system. I don't think this is the avenue that I don't want to go down for reasons that you have experienced. I will live with my chronic pain..over the counter ibuprofen, tens machine..hot and cold treatments. This type of surgery scares me due to scar tissue damage, shifting in the paddle..etc. I have other health issues and you have to pick your battles. .diabetes , eye issues..due to old age..shoulder/ knee pain..many items to contend too.I wish all the best of health..sincerely Michael V
So glad to hear that the video helped! Pain Doctors are pushing these on patients with any amount of pain, which is frustrating because this should be a “last resort” option due to the risks that come with the surgery. Unfortunately, we have a lot of doctors and company reps out there who are downplaying the gravity of this surgery as well as many people who have gotten a stimulator when their pain could have been managed by a much less extreme treatment 👎🏻🤕
I've had chronic pain for 10+ years. I've had every procedure a pain Dr offers, including a Medtronics SCS. Zero help!! Finally I went to a orthopedic surgeon. He let me know my left hip was Bone-on-Bone. I got a new hip. Now the 10+ years of pain is GONE !!
Hi i am on my Abbott trial at the moment. I had to have dressing changed today and told the rep the pain had gone Do not think she believed me. I have bern in pain since i was 20 I am now 61. Have implant on 30th Aug. I am praying for you and others who have scs.
I am so glad to hear that your trial has gone so well! It must be amazing to feel relief after 40+ years in pain. I know it was like night and day for me before my trial and then once the trial was put in. Glad to hear that the permanent is scheduled so soon after your trial 👍🏻 Don’t be surprised if you have some intense “rebound pain” after the trial is removed because many do. It’s just your body freaking out because the relief is gone, but before you know it, you will have it back. Hang in there! Wishing you a very successful permanent implant!! ❤️❤️
@@thewilltowalk6651 thank you have had my implant in since 30th Aug. I am amazed that i have no real pain. One scar not healed well but getting there. I am now able to walk with no leg or back pain.
Bless your heart....sounds like you have been through tough times...hang in there and stay strong. I am scheduled for a scs by Medtronics next Friday March 12th....hoping it can give me some relief..........
I just had a Medtronic SCS trail unit implanted this morning,so far love it,I have a lot of Spinal issues cervical & thoracic fusion, Lumbar L4 vertebrae 90% compressed,hope it helps long-term.
So sorry you are still having so many problems after your surgery. Thank you for sharing your story. I am currently trying to decide if I should get a SCS device or not. I'm in so much pain I can relate to that sentiment you described as "having nothing to lose"
It is a difficult decision to make, but if you do your research and it seems like a good fit, you thankfully have the option to trial the device before committing to anything. Wishing you all the best!
I had my Medtronic stimulator implanted a few days ago for knee pain that got worse after my knee replacement. My pain has been cut by 50-60% in my knee which is amazing after suffering with it for over 21 years. Of course with that pain cut down I’m feeling pain a lot more In other Areas of my body like my SI joints, lower back, elbows, and wrist. Now just have to start treating these areas with injections to hopefully help with that pain.
🎉🎉Congrats on making it through those first few weeks! Still lots of healing to take place, and always remember: when in doubt, call your doctor or rep 👍🏻
I know this was 3 years ago. I hope you're doing well. I had 3 lumber fusions, a great deal of nerve pain left foot and lower back from fusions. They implanted my boston scs after the great results from trial. I had the 1st revision 4 months from implanted to make the pocket bigger for device. 4 months after that the leads moved , another 3 months of waiting for the 2nd revision which they did the entire implant over . Now I'm 4 months from that now not getting coverage to my left foot. The leads are good . I'm getting it removed before the first of year.
@@waterhead1359 I’m sorry to hear that you’ve been through so much with your device. While my original SCS continues to work without any issue, I actually needed my second stimulator to be removed a couple months back when the battery began burning me internally. That wasn’t much of a loss, though, as it was meant to cover the pain in my foot/leg that I lost to a series of destructive CRPS flares in 2022. I’m slowly catching up on responding to comments, as I’ve been struggling with a bad flare up of my endometriosis and searching everywhere for help. Wishing you all the best with the upcoming surgery! ❤️🙏🏻
Thank you for telling your story. I broke my T12 spine in 8/2021 and I am struggling with pain ever since b/c I have 2 forms of scoliosis, crooked shoulders, 6 multiple disk bulges protruding into nerves, emg show pinched nerves and abnormal reflexes too, sciatica, and dried disks, pelvic tilt of 3 mm, lost 2 inches of height, etc. I am having a nerve block and ablation surgery where they kill the nerve. I was thinking about trying the implanted stimulator and after seeing this I don’t know if it worth it at all. Had epidurals and they didn’t work. All of these procedures are band aids, and almost thinking of scoliosis multiple fusion surgery or disk replacement surgery. It is really upsetting bc I loose movement in my back but I am in daily 24/7 pain.
I am one month in with my SCS I have had ups and downs with mine and i don't understand. With my trial i got 100 %. But this permanent one is just not the same. I am praying it will get better. And everyone that is about to have one i pray you have a good outcome. I had no choice but to try the stimulator cause i had severe nerve damage from a botched back surgery where the dr. left something in my back and it layed on some nerves and damaged them severely. But i do get relief from this and i know things will get better.
The relief you get from the trial often is different than or takes longer to achieve with the permanent because the permanent simply cannot be placed in the same exact anatomical space the trial was after it was removed, and your body needs time to heal and adapt to the permanent device. Unfortunately, doctors and reps put people under the Impression that this will be quick and easy with immediate relief obtained. However, spine surgery is incredibly dangerous, and it often takes time to find a program or programs that fit you pain needs. Not only is your body trying to scar all that was implanted into place, but the nerves in your spine need to adapt to having something permanently interacting with them. Try your best to be patient. It took me a year to get so,I’d relief from my first stimulator, but I trusted the process and understood that I would only know the final result once my body was fully-healed
Im 43 year old, medically retired from law enforcement. I have severe nerve damage from my T4-S1. Im supposed to being having an SCS trial implant sometime within the next 30 days.
@@paulettepuryear4973 I hope all goes well and would highly recommend you checking out my “Spinal Cord Stimulator Basics” series to get a better breakdown of the process. Wishing you all the best! ❤️🙏🏻
It very well could. I’ve heard of paraplegics getting movement back from getting a SCS. I hope that’s the case for you 🙏🏻 I just did a quick search that said, “Research suggests that activating the nerves of the spine with a spinal cord stimulator can boost affected signals enough to enable communication between the brain and paralyzed parts of the body.” 🎉
I researched all the companies to see which had a device and lead/paddle portfolio that would likely address my pain need best. While Medtronic had a lot of good qualities, I decided that the Boston Scientific WaveWriter with the 32 contact paddle would be best due to the size of my pain area. I really wish doctors and reps would provide patients with educational materials from all companies so that an informed decision can be made
@Anna Lee, I'm on Day 3 of trial with Abbott DRG spinal cord stimulator. I'm not getting relief in my calves or feet! I wonder if I should do the Alpha Wavewriter instead! I have neuropathy in feet and pain in calves from Compartment Syndrome. I don't want to do the permanent placement if trial isn't helping. Does it take time for it to work? I want the right device put in! Scared!!!
My Dr is suggesting the stimulator im doing my research and I hear a lot of testimony of people and a lot of them they saying that they passing for a lot of pain that they regret to put the stimulator. My question is how you being feeling since then l? Do you recommend me to put the stimulator l!? I don't want to put a device inside then start having complications. I prefer the Dr remove my disc that is pitching my nerve on the S1 I already have the Fusion on L4 & L5. Is been a year and im still having problems on my back.
You are so right! Great information here, Jen! I have an Abbott/St. Jude Proclaim SCS. It has helped me more since the time of implantation. It was a rough surgery and extremely painful recovery for me (the asinine laws prohibited me from getting the necessary quantity for pain relief) BUT I am SO glad I had it done! It’s true...I got to the point I was in so much pain and I needed relief! I had nothing to lose by having the procedure! I keep you in my prayers! ❤️🙏
I’m so sorry you weren’t given enough pain meds from recovery...something a lot of us are encountering with the fight to eliminate opiates, even for those of us who need them to survive. I’m so glad to hear you are doing well ❤️❤️ Thank you so much for the prayers ❤️🙏🏻❤️
Thank you for your honesty. I wish for you is a total healing!!
Thank you so much for your kind words ❤️ I try my very best to give the real picture instead of just the positive side of outcomes because that’s what patients need in order to make informed decisions. My health has really declined in the 3 years since this video, as CRPS caused me to become nearly septic by burning my foot and leg to the point that they had to amputate below the knee. I’m having surgery on Tuesday to remove my DRG stimulator because it was meant for that part of my body and has unfortunately been burning my insides for the last 2 months. I’m scared and tired, as this is my 13th surgery in just a handful of years, but I’m hoping that there will be better days ahead
Jen, I just want to say you’re doing great with the videos! Short and sweet, one topic (usually) per video. It’s hard to watch knowing you’re hurting, but they’re very informative and helpful.
Thank you so much! I got into the habit of shorter videos when a graphic designer friend was telling me that the best way to capture an audience was to cram a lot of great content into a short package. They have also made it possible for me to continue making them cuz require less editing, which is getting harder and harder as my pain increases
Brave soul. You're serving as a mentor for me. Thanks.
So glad to be a help! Never want anyone to feel alone in this scary journey through the SCS process and chronic pain in general ❤️🫂
I had my trial done on September 16th with huge relief soon after surgery. I hated when they had taken it out, but looking forward to the permanent nerve stimulator in November.
@@sweetsunshineplaytime so happy to hear about your successful trial! It’s a catch-22 because it’s awesome that the trial provided much-needed relief, but it’s frustrating to have to wait for the permanent implant to get it back. Don’t be worried or surprised if your pain spikes a bit during this time because your body is gonna have to adjust to life without the relief provided by the trial; I call this “rebound pain.” I hope time flies and your permanent implant date is here before you know it! ❤️🙏🏻
Your testimony is very helpful to me.I wish the best in your future endeavors for pain relief/ control and confidence. I have been introduced to this type of system. I don't think this is the avenue that I don't want to go down for reasons that you have experienced. I will live with my chronic pain..over the counter ibuprofen, tens machine..hot and cold treatments. This type of surgery scares me due to scar tissue damage, shifting in the paddle..etc. I have other health issues and you have to pick your battles. .diabetes , eye issues..due to old age..shoulder/ knee pain..many items to contend too.I wish all the best of health..sincerely Michael V
So glad to hear that the video helped! Pain Doctors are pushing these on patients with any amount of pain, which is frustrating because this should be a “last resort” option due to the risks that come with the surgery. Unfortunately, we have a lot of doctors and company reps out there who are downplaying the gravity of this surgery as well as many people who have gotten a stimulator when their pain could have been managed by a much less extreme treatment 👎🏻🤕
I've had chronic pain for 10+ years. I've had every procedure a pain Dr offers, including a Medtronics SCS. Zero help!! Finally I went to a orthopedic surgeon. He let me know my left hip was Bone-on-Bone. I got a new hip. Now the 10+ years of pain is GONE !!
Hi i am on my Abbott trial at the moment. I had to have dressing changed today and told the rep the pain had gone Do not think she believed me. I have bern in pain since i was 20 I am now 61.
Have implant on 30th Aug. I am praying for you and others who have scs.
I am so glad to hear that your trial has gone so well! It must be amazing to feel relief after 40+ years in pain. I know it was like night and day for me before my trial and then once the trial was put in. Glad to hear that the permanent is scheduled so soon after your trial 👍🏻 Don’t be surprised if you have some intense “rebound pain” after the trial is removed because many do. It’s just your body freaking out because the relief is gone, but before you know it, you will have it back. Hang in there! Wishing you a very successful permanent implant!! ❤️❤️
@@thewilltowalk6651 thank you have had my implant in since 30th Aug. I am amazed that i have no real pain. One scar not healed well but getting there. I am now able to walk with no leg or back pain.
@@annelee4035Thank you for sharing that, both of you. I have a visit for my trial on Oct 17. I’m ready to get the ball rolling I guess.
any updates?
Bless your heart....sounds like you have been through tough times...hang in there and stay strong. I am scheduled for a scs by Medtronics next Friday March 12th....hoping it can give me some relief..........
I really hope your trial is a success 🙏🏻🙏🏻❤️❤️
I just had a Medtronic SCS trail unit implanted this morning,so far love it,I have a lot of Spinal issues cervical & thoracic fusion, Lumbar L4 vertebrae 90% compressed,hope it helps long-term.
So sorry you are still having so many problems after your surgery. Thank you for sharing your story. I am currently trying to decide if I should get a SCS device or not. I'm in so much pain I can relate to that sentiment you described as "having nothing to lose"
It is a difficult decision to make, but if you do your research and it seems like a good fit, you thankfully have the option to trial the device before committing to anything. Wishing you all the best!
Praying and following your journey. I’m in a similar journey
Thank you ❤️🙏🏻
I had my Medtronic stimulator implanted a few days ago for knee pain that got worse after my knee replacement. My pain has been cut by 50-60% in my knee which is amazing after suffering with it for over 21 years. Of course with that pain cut down I’m feeling pain a lot more In other Areas of my body like my SI joints, lower back, elbows, and wrist. Now just have to start treating these areas with injections to hopefully help with that pain.
Thank you for all the useful information. I will be very careful. Just into my 3rd week.
🎉🎉Congrats on making it through those first few weeks! Still lots of healing to take place, and always remember: when in doubt, call your doctor or rep 👍🏻
I know this was 3 years ago. I hope you're doing well. I had 3 lumber fusions, a great deal of nerve pain left foot and lower back from fusions. They implanted my boston scs after the great results from trial. I had the 1st revision 4 months from implanted to make the pocket bigger for device. 4 months after that the leads moved , another 3 months of waiting for the 2nd revision which they did the entire implant over . Now I'm 4 months from that now not getting coverage to my left foot. The leads are good . I'm getting it removed before the first of year.
@@waterhead1359 I’m sorry to hear that you’ve been through so much with your device. While my original SCS continues to work without any issue, I actually needed my second stimulator to be removed a couple months back when the battery began burning me internally. That wasn’t much of a loss, though, as it was meant to cover the pain in my foot/leg that I lost to a series of destructive CRPS flares in 2022. I’m slowly catching up on responding to comments, as I’ve been struggling with a bad flare up of my endometriosis and searching everywhere for help. Wishing you all the best with the upcoming surgery! ❤️🙏🏻
Thank you for telling your story. I broke my T12 spine in 8/2021 and I am struggling with pain ever since b/c I have 2 forms of scoliosis, crooked shoulders, 6 multiple disk bulges protruding into nerves, emg show pinched nerves and abnormal reflexes too, sciatica, and dried disks, pelvic tilt of 3 mm, lost 2 inches of height, etc. I am having a nerve block and ablation surgery where they kill the nerve. I was thinking about trying the implanted stimulator and after seeing this I don’t know if it worth it at all. Had epidurals and they didn’t work. All of these procedures are band aids, and almost thinking of scoliosis multiple fusion surgery or disk replacement surgery. It is really upsetting bc I loose movement in my back but I am in daily 24/7 pain.
I am one month in with my SCS
I have had ups and downs with mine and i don't understand. With my trial i got 100 %. But this permanent one is just not the same. I am praying it will get better. And everyone that is about to have one i pray you have a good outcome. I had no choice but to try the stimulator cause i had severe nerve damage from a botched back surgery where the dr. left something in my back and it layed on some nerves and damaged them severely. But i do get relief from this and i know things will get better.
The relief you get from the trial often is different than or takes longer to achieve with the permanent because the permanent simply cannot be placed in the same exact anatomical space the trial was after it was removed, and your body needs time to heal and adapt to the permanent device. Unfortunately, doctors and reps put people under the Impression that this will be quick and easy with immediate relief obtained. However, spine surgery is incredibly dangerous, and it often takes time to find a program or programs that fit you pain needs. Not only is your body trying to scar all that was implanted into place, but the nerves in your spine need to adapt to having something permanently interacting with them. Try your best to be patient. It took me a year to get so,I’d relief from my first stimulator, but I trusted the process and understood that I would only know the final result once my body was fully-healed
Im 43 year old, medically retired from law enforcement. I have severe nerve damage from my T4-S1. Im supposed to being having an SCS trial implant sometime within the next 30 days.
Wishing you all the best!
any updates?
I'm about to start my journey on August the 9th with the stimulator
@@paulettepuryear4973 I hope all goes well and would highly recommend you checking out my “Spinal Cord Stimulator Basics” series to get a better breakdown of the process. Wishing you all the best! ❤️🙏🏻
How brave you are. I wish youthe best ❤ 2024,and progress. Did you think it's help me in recovering movement and functions from a spinal cord injury?
It very well could. I’ve heard of paraplegics getting movement back from getting a SCS. I hope that’s the case for you 🙏🏻 I just did a quick search that said, “Research suggests that activating the nerves of the spine with a spinal cord stimulator can boost affected signals enough to enable communication between the brain and paralyzed parts of the body.” 🎉
Thanks for the response. I wish you a happy year filled with love and happiness❤
Thank you for sharing with us! Did you consider the Metronics device?
I researched all the companies to see which had a device and lead/paddle portfolio that would likely address my pain need best. While Medtronic had a lot of good qualities, I decided that the Boston Scientific WaveWriter with the 32 contact paddle would be best due to the size of my pain area. I really wish doctors and reps would provide patients with educational materials from all companies so that an informed decision can be made
@Anna Lee, I'm on Day 3 of trial with Abbott DRG spinal cord stimulator. I'm not getting relief in my calves or feet! I wonder if I should do the Alpha Wavewriter instead! I have neuropathy in feet and pain in calves from Compartment Syndrome. I don't want to do the permanent placement if trial isn't helping. Does it take time for it to work? I want the right device put in! Scared!!!
My Dr is suggesting the stimulator im doing my research and I hear a lot of testimony of people and a lot of them they saying that they passing for a lot of pain that they regret to put the stimulator. My question is how you being feeling since then l? Do you recommend me to put the stimulator l!? I don't want to put a device inside then start having complications. I prefer the Dr remove my disc that is pitching my nerve on the S1 I already have the Fusion on L4 & L5. Is been a year and im still having problems on my back.
How long before driving
any update? did you get your device fixed?
can you get an mri?