PhysiciansforPatients - Created by physicians. Made for Patients.

Katy

I had a Boston Scientific stim put in a little over a year ago.  I think it really helps with the burning pain, I've only turned mine off twice since I was implanted.  I did have a hard time recovering from the surgery though.  Mine is a cervical implant, but the device is in my hip leaving 3 pretty substantial scars and a painful few months of recovery.

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Rosemary

I also have a Boston Scientific SCS. YES!!! It helps tremendously with my pain--would be completely an invalid without it...but was able to get back to at least a partial life with it.  In my case, my pain was so severe the SCS did not remove all of my pain, but certainly made it more manageable.  I still take medication, but was able to taper down to MUCH less than before the SCS.  Although I had an unusual problem with the SCS and had to have the IPG removed from my butt and put in my hip, I would do it again in a heartbeat for the pain relief and improvement it gave me.  Unless I must turn it off for diagnostic or surgical procedures, I leave it running all the time.  

When I have a flare-up here are my possibilities for pain control--which we may use one or more in combination to get back control of the flare:  (a) turn up the SCS higher to help counteract the flare, (b) have the medical representative from B.S. reprogram the SCS to cover any new areas of flare, (c) take more medication (nerve, pain, muscle relaxer, etc.) to help put down the flare until it is back under control, (d) last resort we go back to nerve blocks.  

Wishing you well with your decision.  Blessings!  ~ Rosemary

last month

Mike

Hi I have had a SCS for going on almost 8 years and it has been a life saver from pain levels of 10 down to a 2.Mine is implanted in my buttocks and at the present time I do not take any Medications.This is my second one first one was by Medtronics,this is a Boston Scientific.Good Luck in making the decision.Hugs Mike

last month

Mike

Hi Cindy,if you would like to read a real inspirational story go to  RaceAgainstPain.com when you do go to Hero Stories then at the top click on to #6 and read the story of Michael.He is the Patient Advocate for Boston Scientific I had the chance to meet him at my support group meeting in Buffalo New York.A very Inspirational story.

Mike

last month

Debbie

There are three Boston Scientific SCS here and everyone is happy with them. That is good info. I have read more positive notes on ppl with BS SCS. DebbieXX

last month

Kim #1 Fox-Robinson

Mine is St Jude and I love it, could not live without it. It always help to some degree but with a flare involving the legs, IT IS A MIRACLE. I'm not knocking the Boston's I just know they are only available in a few areas of the country. I have a friend in Florida who has one and loves it. There is not a rep. anywhere in our state that I found.

Please keep in mind that you must have a rep nearby. When you need adjustments, new programs, you want to have a rep available in a day or so. I have met 5 different ones so far that I have worked with and to me, IT IS A VERY BIG FACTOR TO CONSIDER.

The FIRST thing to consider is going to implant it. Don't make the mistake I did, (sorry Doc C) get a surgeon to do it. There are lots of anesthesiologists that do it I just happened to get one I regret. I had my generator moved due to the pain it caused in the previous area done by a surgeon. I learned alot from him and the whole ordeal. Just be careful and research the doctor! Good luck, Kim

last month

Cynthia

Wow- great info, and I really appreciate everyone's thoughts, and am incredibly happy that there is such positive feedback.  My new pain Dr. is a Pysiologist (sp?) and routinely does these procedures- not the anesthesiologist.  I saw the Nurse Practioner today and she mentioned that the reps are present and do follow-up to ensure everything is in the right place.  I shared with her that most of you are all using Boston Scientific (they have a large facility here in Mpls.), and we are the headquarters for Medtronic-- which is the brand they have been using-- any feedback comparing Medtronic to the Boston Scientific?  Again, I really appreciate the feedback, and will  take any and all advice I can get!

Cindy

last month

Jaclyn

cindy,

 I have both boston scientific and medtronic stimulators implanted in me.  Each has it advantages.  Email me and I can give you some more info about them and answer any questions you have.

Jaci

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patricia

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Diet

I had a terrible outcome from my implant and I firmly believe had it been done by a neurosurgeon instead of an anthesiologist I would be in a different position.  My case was extremely complex - 5 spinal surgeries - and due to scar tissue should have been done by a surgeon. 

Wishing you the best of luck in your Journal!

 

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