I wish you well man. The Docs are leaning towards that for me as well. I don't like the idea at all. But I might not have a choice.

Hi Matt500,
I have had 6 back ops and the last one was a spinal stim. implant in 1999. My experience might be different from others. I have a vibration down my leg from minor nerve damage possibly from surgery. Anyway The stimultor gives you a vibration to change the pain sensation. In my case it didn't help my pain and now I have more mid back pain because of a plastic anchor placed in my mid back to keep the stimulator leads in place. I need another op just to take the battery pack and leads out of my back. Every case is different. Some people get fantastic relief from these spinal stimulators so the more input you get from people the better.
Take care and I hope you make a better decision than I did.
Sandy

my husband nearly died from infection after having stimulator in his back 2 months. still in hospital been there 6 wks. maybe out in 2 more.legs and kidneys are paralyzed. family called in twice.whatrecourse do we have?

I'm so sorry to hear about these problems and complications that you husband has suffered. I've never heard of any of it happening from having a SCS implanted, but that doesn't mean it can't or doesn't happen.

You need to check with a malpractice attorney as to what kind of recourse you may or may not have. There are so many factors that would/could determine that.

Good luck and my prayers are with you, your husband and your family.


Fran

Before you proceed with having an SCS implanted, you should get several more opinions as to whether you really have failed back surgery syndrome.

Even though that is a real diagnosis, many doctors label a patient with this diagnosis, because they don't know what is wrong and don't have the ability to determine what is going on.

I have known spine patients who where diagnosed as failed spinal surgery syndrome and with second opinions and a correct diagnosis, they had the appropriate surgery and went on to be fine.

Good luck

Fran