I was suicidal before i got my TENS machine. Any other non-opiate suggestions? I'v a ConservativeDr

Jason, First of all, I will remember you in my prayers, secondly if the TENS unit is working I would say that you would be an excellent candidate for an implanted spinal stimulator. I have one that is made by Medtronics, it's like an internal TENS unit that is always on, it brought my pain level down from a level 9 to a level 3, sometimes it even gets to a level 2 on really good days. If you Google Medtronics it will bring you to their site and look up Neuro-Implants or Spinal Implants, however they have it listed, I happen to have the New Restore Ultra Implant, it covers pain down my legs, hips and low back. Before I got my first implant 4 years ago I was only using medications for my pain relief, which like you, did not work well, I kept hearing about these implants, so I asked my new pain management doctor about whether or not I would be a candidate for one, and he said I would. They did a trial run, and 2 months later I had my permanent implant put in, my life has improved remarkably since then. Perhaps you should also consider finding a regular Pain Management Doctor, one that works in conjunction with your family doctor. Family doctors are not that up to date on all the pain relief treatments availble for chronic pain patients, it's not their fault, it's just that they see all kinds of patients and so they must know about all issues concerning their practice. But with Pain Management Doctors, that's all they do is chronic pain management, they are up to date on all the latest medications and treatments for treating people like us that have chronic pain. So, perhaps it's time you found a doctor that specializes in just Pain Management and talk to them about an Implant like your TENS unit, that's what I did, I took my care into my own hands, sometimes that's what you have to do. Good luck to you.

hi KOP, i have read your post a few times, UNBELIEVABLE, what dr. think they can doand its no wonder you are aprehensive about having another discogram....this is what caught my attention, i am sceduled to have a discgram SOON..i am very nervous and scared out of mind!!!! not only because of the pain, butt because of what happened to you afterwards.....soooooo many people are not trying to talk me out of (ok ,a few:), but have told me about the pain and that most have to have surgery afterward...NO surgery for me, i'm even thinking NO discgram for me!!! can you tel me, how it went ( they told me they would give me valuim, shit valuim doesn't WORK for pain) and about what you had to do after you had it??? i am in dire need for an answer, so if you find a couple seconds to write, would you please write to me???? i have also tried going to your website, with no luck!! so you see i am trying everything i can, including talking to others about this procedure!!   PLEASE,PLEASE get suicide out of your mind, someone, somwhere, will help you,,,take GOOD care!!! i will thank you ahead of time, in hopes that you will answer me...cindi