Spinal Cord Stimulator

[cooter]

My Pain Dr is suggesting I try out a Spinal Cord Stimulator. The trial would be an external device to see if it will work for me, and if it does, they'll surgically implant the device. Sort of like a pacemaker. Anyone here experienced this device before, and your thoughts.

[JASBAB]

My question would be, does it change how the VA rates your disability for the lower back?

Would it be an increase or decrease?

[JASBAB]

As far as the effectiveness of the device, I have had about 90% reduction of pain in my neck and lower back. I took tramadol since 2010 on a daily basis and have stopped altogether. The stimulator and an occasional NSAID are all that is needed to make it through.

That being said, it is for symptom/pain remediation and IS NOT A FIX! Don't go out and try to lift like before any injuries.

I do recommend it.

 

[ywrw]

I have 60% disability for my prostate and bladder and urinary problems.  they are going to put a MEDTRONIC stimulator  On my spine.  I cath my self seven more time today and I change pads 6 to 7 times. The stimulator is supposed to help me from having to leak so much and reduce me changing pads. The most for the disability is 60%   Is there an increase or separate disability secondary for the implant I can get The stimulator is supposed to help me from having to leak so much and reduce me changing pads. The most for the disability is 60% is there an increase of a separate disability secondary for the implant neural stimulator neurostimulator. 

Edited January 22, 2021 by ywrw

[ywrw]

it is an implant. made by medtronic.   i think there around $19000. has be surgically implanted on your lower spine area. Yes to help strengthen your bladder the VA is doing it

[Buck52]

YOU Need to ask the surgeon that is going to implant this devise as to the stimulations on the pain areas  if the leads are going to be long enough to reach your pain area?

  because I don't think the leads  will reach from upper back to lower back, this is a good device if you just have pain in one or the other parts of your Back  either upper back or lower back not good...if its in-between  this might help  but as for as any pain in the upper as well in the lower parts of your Back  you will only receive the stimulation where the leads will be long enough   to stimulate the nerves ,this is something to need to bring up to the surgeon.

They may place the leads on your pain area and you wear the device on your hip  belt loops  ect,,ect,, before the implant takes place,  because if it don't work you sure don't need to go through with this device implanted in your back, they will place it on your back and ask you to lay down to see if its in the way with the position you sleep in.  ect,,ect,, temporary.

Edited January 22, 2021 by Buck52

[GBArmy]

ywrw I'm not saying you should be inventing disabilities; that would be fraud. But, if I were you, I am absolutely positive that your current disablity, would be affecting mentally. Anxiety, depression, etc. If I were you I would look up MH symptoms for those,at minimum, and see if you have any. If so, get a through exam from a specialist and diagnosis and a IMO/dbq that supports the new disability. If your symptoms are affecting you in normal social and working activities, you may have some MH issues. Example, leakage prevents you from working/employment. Don't socialize because your embarrassed you may have an accident.