Kickas.org Forums Treatments, Drugs and Alternatives Surgery Neurostimulation Devices

Hey Sue,
Thats great news about your Enbrel. I hope it gives you some needed relief.

Keep Kickin'AS
Chris

I'm about to have my 1st injection Chris!
Fingers crossed!
Will keep you posted

Sue

Chris-so glad to see your postings regarding spinal cord stimulators. I am at the beginning of the process, researching, watching the video, and think I am going to give it a try. hope your insurance gets on the ball and you get approved. take care and good luck.

Thanks,
I wish the insurance company would hurry up and do something. I have never run into such an unorganized, bunch of crooks in my life. They did approve the trial which was the most fantastic week I have had in years. But the have stalled, lost medical records, and basically flat out lied to us, because they can't tell me the same story from one call to the next. I am about 2-3 months and at lest that many appeals into trying to get the permanent implant approved. It has become totally riduculous. I have been within hours on 2 occasions of going to surgery only to get a last minute denial. I found out a few weeks ago that a nurse is their medical review for approving my case. I told them that as a paramedic, my scope of practice was far greater than her's, outside the confines of a medical facility, and that I wanted this thing.. Of course that didn't fly... So now if we get it, we will be pushing fall before I can return to work. ya gotta love 'em.

Good Luck with yours, they are a terrific device. That really does work. It isn't snake oil.

Keep Kickin'AS
Chris

Awww Chris, I was really hoping the reason we hadn't seen an update was because you were off climbing mountains somewhere. That is completely unforgivable what the insurance company is doing to you. When quality of life is a major concern, things like this should be fast tracked. I'm so sorry this is happening.

Unfortunately, I wouldn't be a candidate for a stimulation device (too many joints affected). Rather, I was thinking of my cousin, as she has (I believe) two very blown disks and has had several failed surgeries. She is in terrible, chronic pain. I don't believe this is done in Canada yet, but I'd like to look into it for her.

Please let me know when you go in for the permanent implant. And I sure hope that's soon.

Hey Megan
Just awful happy that I'm not waiting on a pace maker..
Besides I'm a little shaky with heights..

I wouldn't say that having too many joints affected is an automatic out for this little gizmo. Depending on how it is programmed and where along the spinal cord the electrodes are placed, It can block out almost everything. Mine will be from My mid back down, and then 3 areas or combinations of areas within that total area. Trust me when I say they program this thing to make anything tingle... It was rather eye opening when we were setting up the programs on the temporary and my tech got a little off the target areas that we were shooting for.

So I wouldn't say it can't cover at least a large portion of the joints you have pain in. You might have to have it hitting some that don't bother you at that time since it can only be programmed for 4 areas, and I would recommend that 1 of those hit all the joints that it can , and then dial in the other 3 for more localized relief throughout the day. These stimulators have been around since the mid 1960's. But like you, I hadn't heard of them until my rheumy sent me to this spinal cord specialist after the neurosurgeons pretty much ran me out of their offices..

I'll keep ya posted on the progress..or lack of..

Keep Kickin'AS
Chris

hahaha holy that had me laughing out loud. Thanks for that. Careful with that sort of advertising Chris. You might have ALOT of people running out there to get them for not-so-clinical reasons. lol And then you might have to wait even longer to get in for your permanent one.

If I could find something that would work for my shoulders, costochondritis, and my feet/heels right now, I'd be a happy camper. But I worry about my cuz more. She's in rough shape and way too young for going through what she is. The docs have basically abandoned her, and she lives on very heavy painkillers constantly. I'm guessing you can relate all too well. I sent her the links you posted, and I hope she looks into it.

Anyway, hang in there. I'll be hoping the process speeds up and you get in there soon.

Yeah I already thought of that. I could be cookin my own goose letting that slip out..

I hope your cuz looks the links over too. If I can help get her anymore info or hook you up with someone from the company just give me a holler. I'm never too far away.

Keep Kickin'AS
Chris

Hey shyguy,
Thanks for that link. That should help Megan out considerably.

Welcome aboard.

Keep Kickin'AS
Chris