My fear that the pain will continue for decades to come….
After four failed back surgery attempts, I am heading to the Spinal Cord Stimulator.
I woke up at age 42 and could not move from the bed. Nothing major happened but it seems life just caught up. Now at 47 I have severe low back pain 24/7
Now I embark on yet another journey and procedure I truly did not want.
Spinal Cord Stimulator
According to Dydyk and Tadi (2023):
Spinal cord stimulator (SCS) is a medical device that delivers electrical impulses to the spinal cord to relieve chronic pain.
How It Works:
SCS works by blocking pain signals before they reach the brain.
A small, implantable device sends electrical pulses to electrodes placed near the spinal cord.
These pulses interfere with the transmission of pain signals, creating a tingling or buzzing sensation that masks pain.
Side Effects:
Temporary discomfort or tingling at the implant site, Infection (rare), and Battery depletion (requires replacement every 2-5 years).
Long-Term Outlook:
SCS is a permanent solution for chronic pain.
Most patients experience continued pain relief for several years after implantation.
Regular follow-ups with a healthcare provider are necessary for adjustments and battery replacements.
There are not many options left after this.
After these failed
Surgery 1) Discectomy
Surgery 2) a L4-5 fusion (Surgery one with Dr P)
Surgery 3) Next was Surgery 3 L5/S1 ALIF (anterior lumbar interbody fusion/ with approach surgeon); L3/4 left hemilaminectomy discectomy
And surgery 4) 6/2024 yet a third major spine surgery to remove items and correct the lowest part of my spine.
After all that, I do regret not trying the SCS first now because I could have avoided all four major surgeons and been forced to go through horrible pain in the hope that something would work, but today, I feel worse than I did before all four surgeons.
Now, I face a new wonder: may this new procedure even work and provide some relief? However, this will never cure the pain; it will only hide it.
Avoid back surgery if you ever contemplate it. In my view, I have so much more life and things to fight for, from family to advocating for Parkinson’s cure. Although this won’t stop me, it has taken time, hope, and a lot of my life from me that I can never get back, and the scars are a constant reminder in addition to the continued pain 24/7
I hope not to have to spend another penny or go to another hospital or doctor for back pain very soon, or this will continue……..
Reference
Dydyk, A. and Tadi, P. (2023). Spinal Cord Stimulator Implant. Retrieved from
Photo Credit:
Novak, S. (2022). Frequently Asked Questions About Spinal Cord Stimulators for Low Back and Lower Extremity Pain – Update. Retrieved from https://www.rpcconsulting.com/spinal-cord-stimulator-basics/