Interestingly research has shown that Spinal Cord Stimulators work significantly more effectively if fitted within 2 years of initial injury!
Spinal cord stimulators (SCS) surgically implanted in the spine give relief to pain patients by sending electrical pulses to a specific nerve, turning pain signals to the brain into a tingling sensation.
The stimulators are often considered the treatment of last resort after narcotic painkillers, physical therapy, steroid shots and other types of treatment fail.
Because of that, many patients wait years before agreeing to have the implants. Researchers say less than half of patients report long-term success with SCS in the treatment of chronic pain. But success rates significantly improve when there is less wait time, according to lead author Krishna Kumar, MD, of Regina General Hospital in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada.
“The success of SCS is time sensitive, in that as wait times decline, long-term outcomes with SCS are enhanced,” said Kumar. In a study of 443 patients who received SCS, success rates soared to 75% for patients who waited less than 2 years for an implant, compared to a 15% success rate for patients whose implants happened 20 years after the onset of pain
I wonder if the guys working with Harkemar in Kentucky notice a big change in pain with the meditronics stimulator? I have a lot of metal in my back and pain varies from day to day. Winter months are worse with the cold. I have tried an outside electrical stim but it didn't work for me. I would assume this device would work various degrees on level of injury verses age of injury . I have been told scar tissue over time is a factor but have no clue if it does.
If the unit can work for some thats great. Whatever can make our lives better.
So this stimulator is for pain relief huh? I got worried it was about the Epidural stimulator that's getting paralyzed people to walk again! Whatever it is, it's too bad that the long time spinal cord injured can't take advantage of this.
I spoke with someone from Medtronic at my last dr appointment and he said they have an 80% success rate. Of course these are his numbers but he was very open that this may not work for me.
I am 19 years post injury and he said that isn't a problem at all. Although I would love mor return, I want/need pain relief. He never mentioned return or give me false hope that it would happen. I did read this own my own though.
I have an MRI on Thursday and hopefully we can proceed with the 3-5 day trial very soon.
If I can help one person, even if just a little, I am all for it. I have a young lady that grew up with my daughter, like a 2nd daughter to me, that was involved in a car wreck a couple of years ago and is a C-6 (i believe) incomplete. I have said that I would give my body to research if I thought there would be a cure for her.
If I can help one person, even if just a little, I am all for it. I have a young lady that grew up with my daughter, like a 2nd daughter to me, that was involved in a car wreck a couple of years ago and is a C-6 (i believe) incomplete. I have said that I would give my body to research if I thought there would be a cure for her.
If I can help one person, even if just a little, I am all for it. I have a young lady that grew up with my daughter, like a 2nd daughter to me, that was involved in a car wreck a couple of years ago and is a C-6 (i believe) incomplete. I have said that I would give my body to research if I thought there would be a cure for her.
Thats a very considerate way to be jeff1967 and its a quality that should be applauded!
My appointment for the MRI was this morning. However the imaging place called yesterday to cancel because the doctor's office didn't have the authorization code from the insurance company. I called the insurance company, as I have many times before, and they informed me that they haven't even been contacted yet regarding the MRI. I am not sure why the Pain Clinic would make an MRI appointment and then never call the insurance company but this is where we stand.
As soon they all get their stuff together I hope to get the MRI, and soon.
Hopefully my next update will be more informative LOL