Internal Bone Stimulator Causing Problems? Posted: 10-29-07 22:10pm
Has anyone had a problem with an internal
bone stimulator? I had a spinal fusion to
L-5, S-1, 13 years ago. The surgeon used
an internal bone stimulator to help bone
growth. The surgeon said he would leave
the stimulator in and informed me that he
seldom removes one. I've always noticed a
small bump (lump) in the area of my back
and it never really bothered me unless I
felt myself coming down with an infection.
If I am getting sick, the area in my back
where the stimulator is, will get a little
sore to touch. Other than that, no
noticeable problems. I consider myself to
be very active, working out 3-4 times a
week and I've completed 10 marathons
within the last 4 years. Within the last
two weeks, my back has gotten very sore in
the area where the bone stimulator is. In
fact, it is very painful, much different
than the pain I felt when I had my spinal
fusion 13 years ago. The area of the bone
stimulator is inflammed and very sore to
touch. The vertebrae, around L-5 and L-4
are also very sore and tender to touch.
The pain/feeling is very hard to describe,
one that is similar to a very hard,
aggressive push or pressure. It isn't in
the vertebrae, it is right over the bone
stimulator. It is very difficult to move
to sit down and while sitting down, there
is a constant pressure which is very
painful. I don't have any sharp, shooting
pains, no numbness, etc. I saw my surgeon
yesterday and the x-rays really didn't
show any problems with L-4 which would be
typical in the case of a fusion on L-5.
The doctor didn't seem too concerned about
the stimulator, although he said it could
be causing the problem. He told me to
wait 3 weeks and do exercises, along with
giving me pain medication. I don't want
to take the pain medicine to just mask the
pain. I want to take care of the problem
and I firmly believe this isn't going to
go away on it's own. Every day the pain
gets worse and this morning I was in tears
and in tears during the working day. I am
trying to get an MRI scheduled with my
doctor and insurance company asap because
I can't wait 3 weeks to see "what
happens." Has anyone else had any similar
situations or suggestions?
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samrella
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 25 Oct 2007 Posts: 17 Location: Taunton,Massachusetts,
Maybe An Anchor Posted: 10-30-07 15:24pm
Hi,
I have a spinal stimulator implant that
has an anchor to keep the leads in place.
The bump or anchor is just about the size
of a teaspoon(just for comparison) When I
don't feel well it seems to grow double
the size. No one knows why. Maybe just
inflamation. My doctors have told me to
get it out because I don't use the
stimulator anymore. It really didn't seem
to help the pain. When I read your
discription It sounds a lot like what I'm
feeling. Is there some sort of anchor to
keep the bone stimulator in place.
Take care, Sandy
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skjones
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 23 Oct 2007 Posts: 3
An Anchor......i Never Thought of That. Posted: 10-30-07 21:02pm
Sandy,
Thanks for your input. My doctor never
mentioned the word "anchor" but it does
make sense that there is something to keep
the stimulator in place. I will
definitely ask him if it is anchored down
because over the weekend I was able to
feel the stimulator and actually move it
around. I'm scheduled for an MRI in two
days and can't wait. The pain this
morning was so excruciating I was in tears
after pulling myself into the driver seat
of my car. Right now, the pain has let up
and the pain seems to increase when the
swelling increases. I'm hoping the MRI
doesn't show anything wrong with L-4 or
anything else and then I will be convinced
it is most likely the stimulator. Thanks
again!
Sharon
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samrella
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 25 Oct 2007 Posts: 17 Location: Taunton,Massachusetts,
Mri Or Ct Posted: 10-31-07 07:28am
Dear Sharon,
Can you have an MRI? I can only have a
C.T. scan because of the wirers included
in the stimulator. I just don't want you
to have any problems. They should know
what they are doing. And I wouldn't move
the stimulator around to much. You don't
want to damage anything. Did you have a
problem with bone growth in the past to
have to have a bone stim. implant? Any
other fusions? Please let me know how your
doing.
Take care,
Sandy
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skjones
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 23 Oct 2007 Posts: 3
Good Question - Mri Or Ct Posted: 10-31-07 20:28pm
Hi Sandy,
That's a good question you present. I've
had the stimulator in for over 13 years
and had an about 5 years ago for my knee.
I didn't have any problems and they were
aware of it. My surgeon didn't seem
concerned so maybe they used a different
type of stimulator and/or wires than what
you have. However, I will certainly
question the technician tomorrow morning
when I go in for the test.
The bone stimulator was inserted at the
time of my fusion, L 5 and S1. They took
part of my hip bone and used that for the
fusion so they wanted the bone to grow
with the help of the stimulator. And, I
am too scared to move the stimulator
around too much for fear that I might do
more harm so I will definitely be careful.
You are too kind.....thanks for asking how
I am doing. The pain is okay at times and
then it is unbearable. I'm on the
countdown now for the MRI and then will
have to wait for the results. I'll let
you know how it goes.
BTW, how are you doing and what brings you
to the forum?
Take care,
Sharon
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samrella
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 25 Oct 2007 Posts: 17 Location: Taunton,Massachusetts,
Good Luck With Mri Posted: 11-01-07 06:31am
Dear Sharon,
It's nice to chat with someone with the
same pain and problems. I just happened to
find this forum and saw people's problems
getting answered by regular people and
doctors. I had a slip and fall accident on
glare ice while walking to my car from
work in 1991. I was 27 at the time. I was
practicing Karate, playing racketball
twice a week, and I was on a volleyball
team. Very active and very happy to not be
aware of the chronic pain syndrome and
depression. Well when I fell I landed on
my tailbone, hit my low back, midback and
head. As a result I fractured my tailbone,
herniated a disc at L5-S1, herniated a
disc at C5-C6 and also had head trama. I
had a fusion at both areas of herniation
and 8 years down the road developed
fibrous dysplasia of the temporal bone. I
had surgery on my jaw to remove the
portion of the bone in that area.One month
later I had an operation on my ear because
of stenosis of my ear canal and the bone
grew so large it destroyed my ear drum and
it had to be replaced. I am just
recovering from those which were done in
Aug. ans Sept. So I am 44 years old now
and have been in pain ever since that day
I fell. It really changed my life. I never
knew what depression was and also extreme
pain. I'm sure your life has changed too.
I almost died because of a severe drug
reaction. Liver dysfunction and swollen
brain. Anyway, We could all write books.
Keep in touch, Good luck with the MRI.
Let me know when you get the results.
Take care,
Sandy
