Anybody have a Neurostimulator?

[jaxbeachpackerfan]

I have lower back issues. Nerves are pinched coming out of the spine at the L5/S1 and L4/L5 levels.  Causes sciatica, cramping, pain and numbness up and down the left leg.

 

Had back surgery that didn't work several years ago and have gone through all the physical therapy and steroid shots with little help.  Only surgical option remaining is a fusion, which I don't want to do.

 

Pain doc recommended I try a neurostimulator.  I'm half way through the 5 day trial right now.  Basically what it is are a couple of electrodes inserted into the spine about half way up and connected to a unit that send electrical charges to the electrodes. The unit is external for the trial, but the permanent unit is an implant (like a pacemaker).  The electrical charges basically fool the pain nerves as they transmit their signals to the brain.

 

The sensation is like that of a tens machine, except that its an internal sensation rather than the external sensation of a tens machine.  But even a low level setting helps and I hardly notice the sensation.

 

Long story short and the reason for my question.  The thing REALLY WORKS!  I haven't had a smidgen of discomfort or pain in three days!  I've done a few things that normally set off the pain and nothing (I can't swing a golf club because the wires in the test unit are basically floating loose next to the spinal cord and we don't want to have them move!).

 

Thing is, I was not really anticipating it working all that well and was figuring I'd pretty much decide not to do the implant.  Implant means special lines at airports, no more MRIs ever.  I wasn't too high on the idea of an implant.  Now, if this continues to work, I'm thinking its the greatest thing since sliced bread and I'll probably go ahead with it.  

 

Anybody else have any experience with it, particularly as it relates to golf?  Love to hear from someone with some experience with it.

[Blade]

I have issues in the same place and thought I would need surgery for a while it was so bad. It's much better since I've gotten out of operating heavy equipment. I've used the tens thing, but never heard of the implant idea. Let us know how it goes if you do it. Who knows, I might need it someday.

[Kenny B]

I hadn't heard of the implant either. My wife had Spondylolisthesis as a kid and didn't have surgery until age 52. She was waiting for the doctors to get better techniques. Doctors call it a practice, and we are called patients because we have to be patient while they practice. But that meant she was living with pain for a LOT of years.

 

When I met her in 2002, she was probably a 30 HCP, because she hadn't played for many years. (She started at age 8, and played H.S. golf). In 2008 we went to Seattle where she had the L5-S1 fusion. She was back playing golf again in 4 months. Last year before knee replacement, her HCP was 17. She finally got off most pain meds (fentanyl, morphine, and hydrocodone), only taking an occasional 7.5 hydrocodone. Is she completely free of pain? No, but it's manageable now. I can't imagine that she would have gone for the electrodes, but if it works...

 

Keep us informed on your decision. Hope it goes well.

[sp0rtsfan86]

Hope it goes well, the back is a mother.

 

I've had lower back issues mostly from my hockey and football career. Most of the time it's just tight, but once in awhile I can't rotate properly. I'm only in my mid 20's but try to see a chiropractor just to keep stuff at bay. The one year I went to one every week was probably the most limber and least problematic despite the heavy hockey schedule.

[Bogey in The Woods]

Please keep us updated. Since the crash, I LIVE on a TENS unit. I would love to hear if this works. 

[jaxbeachpackerfan]

Please keep us updated. Since the crash, I LIVE on a TENS unit. I would love to hear if this works. 

Will do.  Today, I'm going to go putt for an extended period (can't swing, 'cause the wires are basically floating right now and they don't want them to get dislodged).  I usually can't putt for more than 10 minutes before the back acts up (its a bad position for the back, slightly bent over).  Going to see how long I can go with the device. Let you know.

[BK in TEXAS]

We have a TENS unit too.  Love that thing when something is sore or I pull a muscle.  The implants you mention sound scary.....but pain sucks so...

[jaxbeachpackerfan]

Just got back from the big test.  Couldn't do it yesterday 'cause I tripped the safety catch for the wires getting out of the car at the course, and needed dear wife to reset it back at home.  So freshly taped up, hit the putting green today.

 

This thing actually works!  One full hour on the putting green and not even a smidgeon of the nerve pain that usually kicks in after 5 minutes or so.  Plus, I have the stimulator set at a setting where I don't even notice that its on.  Based on this and several long walks with similar results (which I can't normally do without significant discomfort), I do believe I'm going to do this thing.

Haven't taken a pain pill since last Thursday.

 

Interesting in that it only works on nerve pain (which is what Sciatica is--pain, discomfort and numbness that radiates down the leg).  It doesn't work on muscle soreness (like the little bit in my lower back from leaning forward for an hour) or on my plantar faciitis that I've been dealing with for the past month.  If I stub my toe or step on something, I feel it.  

 

Get the wires removed tomorrow, have a meeting with the Neurosurgeon Thursday and tentatively scheduled for the implant on next Tuesday.  Only bad thing at this point is that it'll be six to eight weeks before I can resume golfing.

 

It's been 13 years that I've been feeling the pain and discomfort every day.  But not the last four!

[Hula Rock]

That is great news.  I hope it works out for you.  A buddy of mine is going though IR therapy for Sciatica.  He tried everything, even bought a device that puts pressure on a pressure point behind the knee that he saw on TV, i didn't work so he used it as a beer Koozee the rest of the round.

[fozcycle]

That is awesome Jax.........I have used a TENs unit in the past when upper shoulder muscles tighten up......worked effectively. However, i have read that oceruse can also be an issue.  Please, be careful with your implant.   

[jaxbeachpackerfan]

That is awesome Jax.........I have used a TENs unit in the past when upper shoulder muscles tighten up......worked effectively. However, i have read that oceruse can also be an issue.  Please, be careful with your implant.   

Thanks Foz.  They claim that is not an issue with these.  I wondered about that, and asked, 'cause you know the underlying cause is still there and still pinching the nerve.  But they said that there's been no reported problems of making things worse.   Again, unlike the TENs unit, this works on the spinal cord, not the little nerves controlling the muscles.  

[Kenny B]

Good news!  Glad it's working out for you.  Keep us posted.

[jaxbeachpackerfan]

Test unit is now out.  Installation surgery of the permanent one is now scheduled for next Tuesday.  Two rounds of golf left, then no golf for six to eight weeks.  I plan to be the best putter and chipper I can be by the time I can swing a club for real.

 

The installation is a bit more involved than I was thinking.  This is real surgery, anesthesia, cutting away a small piece of vertebrae, two incisions, probably won't be moving much for a couple of days.  But it sure seems like it will be worth it!  Fingers crossed.

 

Also discovered that the no MRI restriction with these things is a software issue.  They've got an upgrade that they've been using in Europe and is expected to be approved for use in the US by the end of the year that will make it ok to have MRIs (not that I'm hoping to have a need for one).  Also, the new upgrade uses a "burst" technology versus the existing "wave" technology which means users don't even feel a thing while the unit does its work.  And they install the upgrade by just holding a device up against the skin where the unit is!  

 

Why didn't I hear about this before??

[jaxbeachpackerfan]

Had the surgery today.   High on pain killers (two deep 2 inch incisions) right now.  Update tomorrow or the next day.  

 

Painkillers also are dulling the other pain, although I don't think anything will ever get rid of that.

 

Two epic collapses of my beloved teams in roughly a two month period.  

[Kenny B]

Welcome back! Glad you made it through OK. Looking forward to the updates. Hopefully, you can get off the pain meds quickly; my wife was on them too long after her surgery and it's been tough getting off them.

[jaxbeachpackerfan]

Welcome back! Glad you made it through OK. Looking forward to the updates. Hopefully, you can get off the pain meds quickly; my wife was on them too long after her surgery and it's been tough getting off them.

Duly noted.  Fortunately, I really don't like the feelings and grogginess they leave you with.  Update later today.

[revkev]

You are in my payers and since your teams are my teams I fell your pain in that regard. At least I have the Lady Huskies and my back is still treatable by a chiropractor.

 

Let us know how you are coming!

[sp0rtsfan86]

Not to distract from this thread but I had a stomach bug 3 days ago. Good ole 24 food poising or stomach flu. Woke up several times during the night with some of the worst pain I've ever felt mostly in the lower back. Needless to say, the morning was rough, but ended up with searing neck/shoulder pain. The next night I could barely sleep. 

 

Went to the chiro today and looks like I'm out of commission a few days. Currently icing my neck for the 3rd time after going to the chiropractor and probably going to need another treatment before I sleep. The human spine stinks sometimes.

[jaxbeachpackerfan]

Well, the time is here. Turn on the unit at 2pm tomorrow.  We'll see whether it works and whether its all been worth it.  More detail in the full update I'm going to post after its working, but I will admit it's a bit more of a major surgery than I was anticipating.  Today was the first only two painkiller day (started at six).  Still moving gingerly.  Got my fingers crossed!

[jaxbeachpackerfan]

Ok, two and a half weeks later.  Getting ready to start swinging a club again in a couple of days.  First real test of the neurostimulator this week.  Three days at the Players out of four, walking a lot, following Stricker, then Kelly (fellow Badgers).  More walking than I have done in years.  So far so good.  I'm tired and sore, but mostly from a long, hot day of activity (and not being in shape for it), and hardly any from the typical back symptoms.  Before I couldn't walk more than a couple of hundred yards without needing to sit for a spell.  Today, probably walked a couple of miles at a stretch before taking a break.  I think its going to be good!  I think they can adjust the programming a bit more (they will do it anytime I ask) to target one area a bit more, but 90% pleased at this point.

 

By the way, the Players is just an awesome spectator event.  Not only is the viewing just superb from a spectator standpoint, they have added so many amenities for the general public, including outdoor cocktail lounges, cool off zones, "wine and dine at nine", tacos at twelve, food truck court, an outdoor tv kiosk with big inflatable sofas with pillows around it, cool seats (like at football games for the players where you sit and get blasted by cold air.  Maybe we should have a MGS meet up at the Players next year with a few rounds of area golf mixed in.

[Bogey in The Woods]

That is so awesome to hear! I am so happy to hear this looks like it is what we all hoped that it would be for you. Also very happy that youve been at the Players. (not to mention jealous)  Any pictures to share?

[jaxbeachpackerfan]

First step back today.  Went to the range, hit a large bucket of balls.   Kept to 7 iron on down.  No issues whatsoever.  And, didn't have to sit down to relieve the sciatica once (previously, I'd have to rest 3 or 4 times per bucket)!  Seems to work!  Didn't even have to ice the back or take ibuprofen afterwards (I've cut down ibuprofen from 10 to 15 a day to zero)!  Thinking I'm liking the neurostimulator!

 

I'm signed up to play in our Friday game for my first round back.

 

Bogey--no pics, I'm not much of a picture taker.  Besides, I've been to the Players for at least 30 rounds since I moved down here.  Seen it all.  

[jaxbeachpackerfan]

Well, first round back is on the books.  Played without any issues, none of the end of the round ache and soreness.  Just the 'tired' aches from 4 hours in the sun and heat.  And, two hours later, sitting at home with a glass of wine, I'm still feeling pretty good.  So, from that standpoint, I guess I would say success!!

 

The golf?  Very rusty on the long game, but was pretty darn good for me on the short game.  Shot one stroke better than my handicap even though I only hit one decent drive.  Had the snap hooks to start the round (which is not my usual miss, so took me 7 holes to figure out), then four holes of pushed right as I overcompensated, one very good drive and then middling.  To be expected after a seven week layoff (and the practice I did do this week did not include the woods).  Putting was very good.  Can't wait to play again (nothing scheduled until Tuesday).  

[Kenny B]

Great to hear! Coming off a long layoff, don't have an expectations... Just enjoy being out there. It will come around as you become more comfortable with your swing. Awesome on the short game! For me that's the part of my game that takes the longest to get in shape when I haven't played for awhile.

[jaxbeachpackerfan]

Great to hear! Coming off a long layoff, don't have an expectations... Just enjoy being out there. It will come around as you become more comfortable with your swing. Awesome on the short game! For me that's the part of my game that takes the longest to get in shape when I haven't played for awhile.

Ah, good advice.  Wish you had given it a day earlier.  I was so eager to play again, I agreed to fill up a spot on the weekend group's slate that opened up at the last minute.  Egad, it was awful.  Only two holes where I managed to hit good shots in the whole round and get my pars.  It was like I had forgotten how to swing the club!  Fortunately, at least, I still putted and chipped very well.  But still, five balls in a row in the water on three holes!  So, my expectations for tomorrow's round are now much lower--just keep it in play!

[revkev]

Did you play the Valley course or somewhere else?

[jaxbeachpackerfan]

Did you play the Valley course or somewhere else?

Valley Course.  We're playing that almost exclusively since it reopened after the remodeling.  Other courses next week 'cause aeration is being done Tuesday.  

[jaxbeachpackerfan]

Four months later.  Still going strong.  Thought I might have had a set back on vacation, back was acting up quite a bit.  The neurostimulator was stilling helping, but a lot of aches and soreness.  I attributed it to (and was hoping) the fact that I doing a lot of lifting of very heavy suitcases in and out of cars, sleeping on several very poor mattresses, camping out in the wilds of northern Maine for a few days and doing a lot of activities I am not used to.  Fortunately, I think that has proven to be the case.  Back for three weeks now, and the last week to 10 days have been the most discomfort free since I had the neurostimulator put in.  Playing golf, and cart paths only moreover, lessons, range sessions.  Very, very satisfied!  

 

Lesson from the vacation is, my physiology is still the same, I can still hurt and aggravate things by overdoing it.  Fortunately, golf does not appear to be a stressor!

[fozcycle]

The Pain Mgt Clinic has me on Hydrocodone, as needed.   It seems that now I have to grab one before almost every round.  My pain is nerve based result from too many inguinal hernia repairs (5) ........maybe I should look into this stimulator.

[jaxbeachpackerfan]

The Pain Mgt Clinic has me on Hydrocodone, as needed.   It seems that now I have to grab one before almost every round.  My pain is nerve based result from too many inguinal hernia repairs (5) ........maybe I should look into this stimulator.

If what you mean is you have pain resulting from injured or bruised nerves, rather than muscle or joint pain, that's what the neurostimulator addressees.  Neuropathy, I believe is the word.  Won't do much for a stubbed toe or sore knee.

 

check out this site--https://www.poweroveryourpain.com

 

Better have good insurance!  List price before discounts to insurance was over $100,000 for the device and surgery.  Fortunately, I was out of pocket only a few hundred.