Anyone have a spinal stimulator?

[susancook]

Dr. Bob Hart suggested a spinal cord stimulator for my R leg chronic pain, recently diagnosed as CRPS. Anyone have an experience with a spinal stimulator?
Susan

[jackieg412]

Susan I don't have a spinal cord stimulator but the Dr explored one for me but couldn't get thru my fusion. Ask about it.

[LindaRacine]

I had the same experience as Jackie. They couldn't get the leads placed because of my fusion. My surgeon feels they could do it, but it would have to be done under general anesthesia, which is too risky for me.

[titaniumed]

Popular Spinal cord stimulation and pain testimonial videos...

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...r5&app=desktop

Notice that there are no scoliosis fusion patient testimonials. (I am not seeing any) If anyone see's any, please post.

Ed

[titaniumed]

A Physicians Perspective: Dr Simon Thompson on chronic pain

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PemD...&index=41&t=0s

Ed

[titaniumed]

Once again, posting in general due to all the scoliosis patients that come here. Dr Schubiner explain's about chronic pain, stress and nerve pathways. I have read about this material, but this is the first (intro) video I have found on the subject.

Stress causes a lot of damage...I have been a victim along with most or all of us...I hope this helps someone even though we are extreme spine patients and some of us have damaged nerve tissue due to our scoliosis situation. I personally have used comedy for pain which helps quite a bit.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XM5hdlEOSFM

Ed

[susancook]

Thank you Jackie, Linda, and Ed. Unsure what I will do. Bummed.
Susan

[jackieg412]

Hi Susan, there has s a u tube video on SCS. Look up Dr. Adam Young giving a presentation on the SCS in 2016 at the Midwest pain convention. Dr Young is my doctor. He gives a great presitation but doesn't say anything about like fusion.

[titaniumed]

Jackie, This might be the Dr Young video you are talking about. Thanks for letting us know.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pSjqgCD_aCQ

DRG (Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulation) is mentioned,(26:35) its similar, from what I understand this is for lower hip and leg pains. They target the DRG not the Spinal Cord.
https://paindoctor.com/treatments/do...g-stimulation/

https://www.neuromodulation.com/DRG

Have any full fusion scoliosis patients been done? Can either of you guys ask your surgeons this question?

Can they get through? If not from the back, can they get in from the side?

Ed

[jackieg412]

Yes Ed that is the video. He is a very young ,progressive pain management doctor. He could not get through my fusion. We discussed entering the spinal layer from higher in the spine. But now with the broken neck my fusion is too high. We talked about the reason it isn't usually done up that high is there can be too much movement. I other words, entering the leads in the thoracic and going down with the leads.
I will discuss it again but for me it isn't possible.
He is progressive. He placed my pump under local anesthetic. Most wouldn't even try that. It worked.

[titaniumed]

Jackie, You have been very positive and very strong considering all you have been through....Orthopedic, Spine and Neuro problems sure are challenging, no doubt about it. Its good to see you posting.

You have been through an orthopedic whirlwind, doing the doctor tour, and finally ending up at Rush is quite a story of determination. Susan and Melissa have also done this, and the 3 of you combined have done probably over 25 serious orthopedic procedures over the last 10 years battling scoliosis. Of course, there are others who don't post as frequently that are also in pain and doing their own battles.

Its nice to see younger Doctors like Dr Young pursue pain, intractable neurogenic (nerve related) pain, which is sorely needed....I would like to see this progress further and somehow help solve some of our serious pain problems that can be extremely devastating with no position comfortable. Perhaps in the future, someone will invent a device where leads or paddles are not necessary.

I can only guess that doctors can relate to our pains through their own experiences. Everyone gets hurt at some point in their lives, everyone burns themselves on stoves. I guess this burning pain for a few days on the hand is the way they can understand what some of our pains feel like. The only difference is that its not the hand, its the spine and the spinal cord which can be much much worse. I think they understand, but the truth comes out in our faces. Pain shows up in the face....Its the dead giveaway. I have a few wrinkles around my eyes from scoliosis over the years....

Ed

[LindaRacine]

DRG (Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulation) is mentioned,(26:35) its similar, from what I understand this is for lower hip and leg pains. They target the DRG not the Spinal Cord.
https://paindoctor.com/treatments/do...g-stimulation/

When my procedure was attempted, it was for a DRG. It's placed in the same method as the SCS, so would be subject to the same complications for someone with a fusion.

If not from the back, can they get in from the side?

The side of the vertebrae? I doubt it.

[jackieg412]

When I do see Dr. Young I will ask him in general if a Spinal cord stimulator can be placed with full spinal fusion. He is very approachable to questions. He is willing to listen . He is indeed very young but does seem to enjoy what he does. He is also at a teaching facility. I have already met 2 of the new fellows. They start in July. These 2 are ok but it is always a learning experience.
I will find out on Wednesday, if we proceed with the scapulothorasic fusion.
I really want the plan spelled out. I'm not even to the year Mark after the car accident.

[RitaR]

Jackie,
Can I ask where this DrYoung is located?

[jackieg412]

He is located in Chicago. He is great