Does anyone have any information or has received neurostimulation therapy for chronic pain? My anesthesiologist is recommending this in lieu of RFs.
The risks of paralysis and death would certainly interfere with their “Tame the pain” line, but if it’s a small enough risk, I am willing to explore it.
Oh, the migraines started because I was rear-ended by a drunk driver.
If you drink and drive, STOP.
I am currently doing the neurostim trial. After many epidurals, 5 RF’s, 3 occipital nerve destructions, a 3 level cervical fusion, and lots of meds it was suggested that I trial this as “a last resort”. I too was rear ended, however by a distracted teen driver not a drunk driver. The trial consists of inserting conductors into the back of your head (just below the skin), which are connected to the stimulator device by wire. I’m on my last day of the trial and have had great success. I would normally need to take large doses of fast acting (break through) narcotic pain meds to get through the pain. I let my pain get up to a 6 or higher before I turned it on the other day to see if it would actually break up the pain. To my surprise within 30-45 minutes I was feeling great without the use of pain meds beyond my daily normal meds.
The risks are hard to hear – they are. I’ve heard them so many times that if this is the last time potentially, I’d be so happy! This could be the silver bullet. I’m in my mid 30’s, 6 years into this injury, and am facing a very large problem with the amount of pain medication. I want off of it…I have 2 young kids and a great family that I want to enjoy every day. This could allow me to do just that. I am, however like you, “doing my homework”. I’ve found the doctor who they say is known as the absolute best when it comes to the actual permanent implant. That’s Dr Kenneth Follett in Omaha Nebraska. I have not yet visited him, but plan to. Despite the amount of pain that I’ll be in just to endure that drive, I will be going the extra mile to see him. When it comes to life, search for the best to avoid the risk.
Best of luck to you!
Melissa,
Thank you for your experience with the trial. It seems we have quite a bit in common and it’s good news to hear that your chronic pain may finally be managed to the point that you can relieve yourself of the meds and their side effects and enjoy more of your life.
If you wouldn’t mind, would you please share the results of the trial and if you decided to proceed with the neurostim? I have foregone that route as I am now being treated at Mayo Clinic, but it is helpful to know of a similar case and that the silver bullet is within reach.