Friday, June 01, 2012

Thursday, September 25, 2008 bill5martin asks

Q: Has anyone heard of a spinal stimulator and does it work? Question about Nortriptyline too.

My mom was just diagnosed with RSD by her neurologist yesterday. He gave her a script for a spinal stimulator. I don't know anything about these and would like some info on it. How does it work? He also put her on Nortriptyline for pain. She tried Cymbalta and it didn't work. Has anyone used this drug and how well does it work? Also, does it go well with most meds? My mom takes 7 meds each day, Dilaudid being one of them.

 

Right now she takes 4 mg of Dilaudid every 4 hours for pain. Is that a good dose for sever pain. She can take 6 mg if it gets too bad.

 

My mom takes Klonopin for anxiety as well. My Fiance was just diagnosed with a auto immune disorder and is in a lot of pain. They put her on Klonopin. Does klonopin help pain somehow?

 

I have asked many questions on here and always received a response. I would like to thank everyone on this site. You all have been so helpful and kind.

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Answers (5)
9/25/08 11:56am

Yes I have a spinal stimulator and it works!!!!  It took me a while to agree to having one put in.  My Pain Managment Dr. put the stimulator in.  First I  tried it out to see if it worked.  They put in the "line" and I used it for about 2 weeks.  When that worked and I had relief from it I was scheduled  for O.P. Surgery.  It only took about 15 minutes.  It was done under sedation and the battery was placed in my abdomen just under the skin.  The "line or wire" is run from there around to the spine and implanted. 

Mine works wonders.  I've had it now for almost 4 years and it runs 24-7.  I would encourage anyone with back pain and leg pain to try this device.  It's great!!!  You also get a "remote" to increase or decrease the strength.  All in all a great invention...beats taking pills...

 

Good Luck

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9/25/08 11:18am

Yes the Neutro stimulator works i had my first one put in 1985 and the last one in 1991 they are made by Medtronic mine is implanted in my upper right chest some or put in the lower back for pain some are used for the heart some for Neuro like mine

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9/26/08 4:16pm

I have had the epidoral spinal injections for lower back pain and i have had the stimulation like radio waves done for my lower back both worked very well.

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9/26/08 4:26pm

wow I just learned something new from your other answers I did not realize you could wear it in you I thought the only way to get it was on the table as out patient or in the office but my pain is from scar tissue from previous surgeries so it may not work with me.

 

Thanks SurprisedEmbarassedFoot in mouthSmile

 

Sorry I couldn't help! I got a lot to learn UndecidedI go for my first Rheumotolgist visit next week.

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8/ 1/11 3:58pm

SmileHello I would like to say I have had the Spinal Cord Stimulator Implant done this past May 2011, it is working wonders for me so far only with some residual pain which I blieve we will have under control in due time....a lil tweeking of the device and I was just given a script for Nortriptyline. Considering being bed ridden 21 to 22 hrs a day for roughly 9 mths....this was the right descision for me. Prior to this surgery I have had 2 ...first a laminectomy and then I had a spinal fusion done....I fell and herniated my L4-5....the snowball effect...humm. I am babbling  the company for the spinal cord stimulator I have is Boston Scientifc and the name brand I have is Precision.....Boston has a web site you can check out and read on it.....I had the paddle leads done which is the better choice less chances of them migrating....if you have anymore questions feel free to ask :) As far as Nortriptyline hummm I have no clue I am researching on it right now...lol...I do that with any medications that are perscribed.

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By bill5martin— Last Modified: 08/01/11, First Published: 09/25/08