Len, that was a great post and there are two people in my life I'll be sharing it with as they are battling severe spinal pain, too. Maybe this option can help them. God bless you on your journey to find relief and get your normal life back.
That is wonderful news! I am so happy you have hope for relief.Some of you know me through this forum and have had personal conversations with me on hunting, shooting, reloading and PAIN Management. I am writing this because it may help some of you now or in the future. I had a sever spinal cord injury years ago and didn't really know how bad it was until I had an MRI done. The surgeon said that if I didn't have immediate surgery in my neck C-2 & C-3 that I could be paralyzed. Well I had the surgery and ended up paralyzed, had to have another operation to correct that and let me in sever Chronic pain. I had to have a third operation which fused C-2 To C-7in my spinal cord (neck section). After that operation it left me in worse pain and disabled. I ended up losing my employment as well as my everyday lifestyle. This has been going on for FIVE years now.
I was given every pain medication out there in extremely high doses. My body is immune to Opioids so that did not take the pain away. I had RFAs (Radio Frequency Ablation) several times and that did not work. I had an Eperderial and it only made it worse.
I changed Pain Management Doctors and was offered to have a "Trial" for Spinal cord stimulators – NERVO.
This is a newer type of treatment, but usually only for back and leg pain. My new Dr is one of the few that will put the Implant into the "C" section of the spine. I also have several other issues because of the scar tissue and all the "Hardware" holding my spinal cord together.
This new process is my LAST Resort. I was told by FIVE DR's & Surgeons that I will have this pain for the rest of my life. The only way that I can go one everyday is because of my Faith and my wonderful wife Jill.
I finally got the "TEST" SCS Implants approved and had them installed in my spine from the middle of my back all the way to the base of my spine. It was a wire with the "Leads" placed under my skin and on my spine. That was attached to a battery pack taped to my lower back. I also had a remote control to be used for different programs during the Test.
I had the "System" put in on November 5th and removed Nov 9th. The first wo days I had pain from the wires under my skin, but reduction of pain in my spine -neck. There were two adjustments in the electricity on the second and third day. It was almost like a miracle! My pain was reduced 80-90 almost 100%. I have not had that kind of relief since before the operations five years ago. Using the SCS along with minimal pain meds may give me an almost pain free life again.
By the way the electrical frequency is so high that there is no sense or feeling of electricity.
I got a call on Nov 11th and my insurance approved the procedure for Permanent Implants. I am scheduled to go in on Nov 23rd where the Implant "Leads" Wires & Battery Pack will be placed under my skin. Full recovery time is about 6 weeks for my body to attach to the leads and wires.
I will just have to charge the battery through a wireless system every day.
Hopefully the Permanent Implants will give me the same or better pain reduction.
I will put another post up a while after the procedure and jive an update.
Just wanted to let anyone know about the procedure if you have run out of options like myself.
If you want to know more about the SCS feel free to PM me.
Thanks and God Bless
Len
It's charged wireless as the permanent is inside your body. Maybe a 48 hour retained charge? I can't remember the exact time?That is wonderful news! I am so happy you have hope for relief.
Maybe you can hook a solar charger to keep the battery charged...lol
UPDATEUPDATE!
I got home today around noon after 4 hours in the surgery center getting the SCS Implants put in. My neck feels OK, but my back where they put the wires under my skin and especially where the battery pack is located really is hurting up a storm. They told me "Rest & Heal" the next week so just trying to sit on the couch.
My SCS implant unit is set on a very low setting and won't be changed for at least one week to see how it is effecting me. I go in another week to get the stiches taken out and more training on charging and care. Right now the battery will last a lot longer than a week before charging.
Will let y'all know more next week
God Bless everyone else with chronic pain.
I had about 5lbs of Titanium placed in my back over the last year. Basically from butt crack to neck with a small gap.UPDATE
I get pain relief now, but with still using high doses of pain meds.
After (5) years of sever spinal cord pain I am kind of looking for a Miracal. I was told that it would not be total pain free but would help a lot. Right now I am looking for that "HELP A LOT" .Sometimes especially in the morning when I am in a lot of pain and do not feel like or want to do anything is the WORST for me. I used to work 16 hours a day 6-7 day a week and loved it. Now it is hard jut to go to the mail box or read.
I still have some weeks of testing different Programs so I am hopeful and putting all my faith in Jesus Christ.
Could always use some positive thoughts and Prayers.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all! 2022 is going to be a good year!