@shoekitty wrote:
@pdlinda my Pain Dr recommended it to me after epidurals were off the table, and ablation wasn't going to work. I have Medicare and an aarp PPO But I believe all insurance covers it, if warranted. The pain was horrid in both legs, mainly right. When they did epidurals they did L3,4,5. You can look up neuro pain stimulator, mine is by Boston Scientific. The surgery is out patient., and done by neuro surgeon I went to same surgery center as I did for epidurals they do sedate you, but you aren't out. You need to be able to answer questions about how things feels. Takes about 1 hour. Mainly set up. Small incision is made below waist and upper butt. Then wiring is paced on nerves that Dr usually shoots with epidural. The wires are connected to box and you are glued up. lol. You can't take bath, or submerge in water for a couple weeks. Shower ok after 3 days. You have this remote that regulates the flow of stimulation. You can turn off and on and there are different programs. Me, I turn on, leave on a certain number. I turn off at night but sometimes wake up about 5 am and turn on.i really can't feel anything different. It just blocks pain. Before they insert the device, you have a trial of it. They place this belt around hips or waist with plugs glued to certain areas. It worked for me. And I have severe range pain. Like 8-9.
just do your own research. On it. I woukd look mainly on Mayo Clinic, and Boston scientific. Also looked up reviews all over internet on any neurostimulator. You shoukd look uo the long term side effects of epidurals. I did know it was a possibility when I started, but I didn't care. It cured pain, and that's all I cared about at the time. Got people's opinion on neuro stimulator. I was at wits end. I'm glad it worked for me. I have had no issues with it. I did have a trial period of finding my perfect therapy numbers. Once I did I was set. I know there are people who it may not work for. We are all different and respond just as differently. Strangely enough I had bought one of those stimulators you place on back like Physical therapists use and they sell on Amazon it didn't really work. You need to speak to Pain Dr about all options. He doesn't actually do the stimulator, you have to go to neurosurgeon. Mine had one he referred me to. I am in CA
@shoekitty Oh, boy! Thanks so much for that vivid expanation of that procedure. I also have a UHC PPO advantage plan through the AZ State Retirement System.
My pain is about a 4. Once I get to 4, I get off my feet. I'm still able to do everything I need to do to maintain my lifestyle. The only thing I can't do is walk in the desert areas around my apt.
The epidurals lowered my pain level to about a 3. However, I knew nothing about the long-term side effects. I've only had 4 injections so far.
I'm going to work hard with the PT guy to try and strengthen my legs to support my back as much as possible.
The thought occurred to me that as the years go on more and more will be required of me to manage this situation. Your experience really helped me understand what this will involve!
Thanks so much! HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
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