Hi there,
I had a spinal cord stimulator implanted in 1998. For me, and me only, it is worthless, and the surgery was the most painful of my life. You have to be awake for it, with sedation of course, but with a very narrow spine, I got to the point to where I was cussing at the surgeon to please stop the surgery NOW. I went on and on and he had the anesthesiologist continue to pump me with demerol (this is back when they used demerol), but with my high tolerance it did nothing for me. Since 1998, I've used it 3 times. And that was in 1998! It doesn't work for pain and the SCS only works when I'm standing, in one position, not moving. The doctor did not want to go back in to re-align it due to how difficult it was to implant from the beginning.
Please remember, this only my experience. The doctor will do a 2-3 day trial first, then you make the decision on whether or not it is worth implanting it permanently. Another problem....if you're at the airport or any place where you have to walk through the metal detectors, if you have it turned on, it will sound the alarms. Plus, it shows on the metal detector and they will question you. You are supplied with a medical ID card with the doctors phone number etc. to show when asked.
Im not trying to discourage you, just letting you know what MY experience was. Take care and best of luck to you in your decision.
Sincerely,
Terry
