Herniations continue....

[melo64]

Hello all~ I'm new to this forum and have enjoyed reading some of the discussions. My most recent problems is that after had a (failed) double level cervical fusion and plating in 2004, I now have 3 more levels which include one upper disc and two lower levels of herniations. I DO NOT plan to have another neck surgery and I'm having a very difficult time dealing with pain. Currently taking opiates and anti depressants and can't seem to get anything done because of the fatigue that pain is causing. Next the plan is the stimulator trial. Not sure if I'm ready for that either. Ugh! What to do????

[Tuckamore]

Hello Melo64,

Welcome to our Pain Management Forum. I am glad you found us at MedHelp. It sounds like you are experiencing some horrific pain and I am sorry for that.

I too have had many different results from patients that have had the spinal stimulator implant. I think the trial implant will provide you with a good understanding of how the implant will work for you.

In my opinion the most important thing you can do is just what you are doing, educate yourself so you are able to make an informed decision. Ask lots of questions of the practitioner that will do the implant. Be sure he is very experienced and has preformed this procedure hundreds of times. Ask about his success and complication rate. It will be imperative the the implant in positioned precisely in order to obtain the best results.

I don't know if I would have the implant if it were an option for me. But that is a personal choice. Only you can determine if it is the right choice for you.

We are here to support and offer our options for you. Please keep in touch and let us know how you are doing. I will be interested in hearing about your decision. We all learn from one another and if you choose the implant please let us know how successful it is for you. Others will post that have actually had or have the stimulator implanted. Good luck to you and take care, Tuck

[sandee1818]

From your post I am assuming your not new to all this.
It is very hard to know for sure what to do as there are many different opinions and varied results when it comes to surgeries. I assume you have talked about all your options with your doctor.
The stimulator is the same as in the results vary. I have heard many say it was wonderful and helped them a great deal and have also heard some say they had no good results from using it and even had problems with it. I would advise talking to your doctor and having him/her discuss all the risks and having him/her advise you as far as if it would help in your particular case. Most doctors will tell you if you have a good chance of receiving any benefit from it and as I said each case is so different you really have to decide for yourself if it is worth trying. I would and have tried every option available to me except surgery. If it does help even some it would be worth it.
I am certainly glad you found us and hope you will stay and become part of our community here. Support is very important and even having somewhere to vent your frustrations can help a great deal. I look forward to hearing more from you:)