12 days post op for Boston Scientific Spectra WaveForm SCS. Was wondering if anyone else has had issues with balance once they stood? Feeling like my balance is off a bit. I also am still having pretty good amount of back pain. Mostly from the area of where leads were implanted at L6-7 and above. Where the battery was implanted is doing very good. Just feel like I shouldn’t have to be taking the Valium still when I take the pain meds (Percocet 10 or 5) every 6 hours to just take edge off...also take Flexeril every night as well (taken for years) . When I charged it tonight I got a headache while it was charging...is that normal? Just want to be back up and going again I guess too.
It is actually a WaveWriter SCS from Boston Scientific.
Hi Kim, I had mine put in this past February and yes, I do be off balance when it's on...Most people will have it programmed a few times to make sure it is helping your pain. I still have back pain and I am using Oxycodone 20 mil. Been dealing with my pain for many years until 2007 I was not able to walk in the building without crying.I've had steroids shots as well. the SCS is only supposed to take away about 50% of the pain away, that's why I still take pain pills and Flexeril. Let your Dr. know everything you feel. At this point, I don't use it daily, but when the pain is a 9-10, I will use it on low or medium. Good luck. And continue to see on here other people issue, you might have something in commom. Take care :-) PS maybe you should not use it when it's charging, maybe that will help :-) Good Luck!
Thank you for your reply. I as well only got 60% relief from my pain but decided to try SCS and see if could decrease meds and frequency of epidural injections and radio frequency. I have similar issues with not being able to walk very long at all or sit for long periods. I have to lay down a lot.
Hello Kim,
I only received 50% less pain using the SCS. My pain level is still high with the SCS, and when I use it, it does calm the pain, but I hardly use it because it affects my left leg and feet with pain. I've learned to control it with my remote control, which I had to have it programmed again several times....and will be doing it again this month. I no longer get the shots and as for as my meds, it is the same, I thought it would lessen my meds but it did not. I went out for the 4th of July and after about 3 hours I had to get home asap because I was in so much pain about a 9 with my pain, and was walking like I could not, I was bent over in pain, I put my bags down and headed straight to my bed to lay down and took my meds. Everyone is different with the SCS, but, I am wondering if I should have it taken out because after having it done, not only my left leg and feet, I have nerve issues with both of my hands and stomach in the AM, once I start moving around it goes away. And my pain meds have me constipated all the time, which really bothers me.
Like I said everyone is different with the SCS, some complain about the battery moving etc. I don't have that issue. Maybe you need to read more of some of the issues on this site before you make a decision. Again good luck and I hope it works for you if you decide to have it done. I hope I didn't scare you but I am just stating facts with me... :-) Have a good day okay!