I was wondering if someone could tell me about the surgery that comes with the Spinal cord stimulation, does the actual implanting hurt while your on the table? Will I be in alot of pain while there doing it? I can't take anymore problems or shots that makes me worse for days. Please let me know what you can about this. I am so scared he will hurt me while doing this. I had 3 epidurils the 1st one was great the 2nd one cause me alot of pain during and days after. All I need to know is what it feels like when he is putting the wires in. Thanks for all your help.
Q: Spinal cord stimulation does it hurt to have it put in?
Answers (2)
4/17/09 9:16am
I've never had a neurostimulator, so I'm afraid I can't tell you how it feels, but we do have someone in the forum who is willing to share her experiences with it. You'll find the thread with the neurostimulator discussion here: http://forums.healthcentral.com/discussion/chronic-pain/forums/a/tpc/f/7251032/m/13310024
(Note: If you've never been to the forum before, you'll have to register separately from your registration here on ChronicPainConnection. You can, however, use the same e-mail address and password if you like to make it easier to remember.)
4/22/09 1:42am
During the procedure you will not be hurting but implantation is a surgery and you do have recovery time. However, you have relief from chronic pain nearly right away as well because you are awake but sedated during the procedure.
You can do what I did and ask the doctors/anesthesiologist to basically put you to sleep until they need you to talk to them then as soon as you have done your part then they can put you back to sleep so it is easier for you during the procedure. It is an outpatient procedure done at a hospital and well worth your while.
Be patient because there are 2 incisions - make sure you ask your doctors not to use staples to close you up because that was worse than the surgery itself!!!! But before you get to that you will have a trial where they place it in your epidural space and you wear an external control device on your belt (the trial works then you go to get the implantation) the trial doesn't work then no harm no foul - the trial isn't a big deal and can really give you a real life picture of what life will be like after implantation.
In any event surgery is surgery so don't be fooled by that fact. Its a one time thing and well worth it if your trial goes well.
Good luck and really - it is worth it - I would not be able to walk let alone drive my kids on their carpools without my stimulator!
Important:
We hope you find this general health information helpful. Please note however, that this Q&A is meant to support not replace the professional medical advice you receive from your doctor. No information in the Answers above is intended to diagnose or treat any condition. The views expressed in the Answers above belong to the individuals who posted them and do not necessarily reflect the views of The HealthCentral Network. The HealthCentral Network does not review or edit content posted by our community members, but reserves the right to remove any material it deems inappropriate.
Featuring Content From:
By using this service, you accept our Terms of Use. Please read them. The consumer health information on is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. You should promptly seek professional medical care if you have any concern about your health, and you should always consult your physician before starting a fitness regimen. Copyright © 2012 Remedy Health Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
