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        New Message Board Archives >> 2005 General Board Posts >> Spinal Nerve Stimulator (OT)
        
(Message started by: Renee on Jun 1^st, 2005, 6:26am)

Title: Spinal Nerve Stimulator (OT)
Post by Renee on Jun 1^st, 2005, 6:26am

My cervical surgery in March has brought on chronic and neuropathic pain. I have neurotransmitters misfiring all throughout the body and remain on pain meds that are not stopping the pain but only controlling it.

The neurosurgeon wants to implant a spinal nerve stimulator in my neck next week to cut down on the pain. This will be where the leads are placed at the sheaths of origins of the nerves and then the leads will run under the skin to my abdomen where they will connect to an implanted device that controls the stimulation.

From what I've read this appears to be highly successful in decreasing such chronic neuropathic pain by as much as 50%.

Does anyone have any experience/knowledge of spinal nerve stimulators they can share with me? All input appreciated.

Thanks,
Renee

Title: Re: Spinal Nerve Stimulator (OT)
Post by Jonny on Jun 1^st, 2005, 4:14pm

ROYAL BUMP........Anyone?

Title: Re: Spinal Nerve Stimulator (OT)
Post by Donna_D. on Jun 1^st, 2005, 6:33pm

I've been doing my homework on this one and should have something to you in your inbox by tomorrow.

Hope it helps!

DD

Title: Re: Spinal Nerve Stimulator (OT)
Post by Charlie on Jun 1^st, 2005, 8:37pm

Probably a Cyberonics thing like a VNS stimulator for my brain. My little twerp neurologist wanted me to look into it. Cyberonics called me twice a week trying to sell it to me. In my case, the operation takes 45 minutes, can be done by any good surgeon...not just neurosurgeons, costs from $10,000-$30,000, and doesn't entirely eliminate epileptic seizures......They have to be kidding. WTF is with that pricetag? I have real doubts that my HMO would go for it; don't you? Jeeze.

I'm told that 30,000 epileptics have had success with the thing though.

Your thing is probably something far removed though. VNS stimulator is for seizures. Maybe it's just fine but take your time. Take your time. Find a message board and see how it works for others. I'm sure one exists.

Not trying to scare you. I just hope you can proceed with caution. I just don't like Cyberonics way of doing business by phoning me twice a week. Not good.

Charlie

Title: Re: Spinal Nerve Stimulator (OT)
Post by Jonny on Jun 1^st, 2005, 8:41pm

on 06/01/05 at 20:37:25, Charlie wrote:

but take your time. Take your time. Find a message board and see how it works for others. I'm sure one exists.

Excellent advice, Charlie!!

Title: Re: Spinal Nerve Stimulator (OT)
Post by Renee on Jun 1^st, 2005, 9:27pm

Thanks for the posts and I've been a member of a pain chat board for about 3 months now.

Most have had 50 - 75% decrease in pain with it.

I am gonna ask the doc to place one of the leads on the occipital nerve during the trial and see what it does to the beast.

Awaiting your homework, DD. ;)

I had the duragesic increased significantly today and was given Lunesta to battle the pain induced insomnia.

I have a broken hypothalamajingy!