Re: spinal neurostimulator implant re-do

More | Report Post

On 11/27/08, Jennifer Haag wrote:
> I had a Medtronic spinal implant stimulator inplamted in
> 12-07. I got some relief from the pain in my leg but it
> never did work on my back. The battery charger implanted
> in my side came lose and was starting to flip over
> internally causing much pain and discomfort. This week I
> had surgery for the Dr. to go back in and re-stitch the
> battery pack. He put mesh in this time to hold it in
> place (why didn't he do that the first time). Is this
> common? This was and still is a painful surgery that if
> was done correctly the first time I shouldn't have had to
> go through this again. Has anyone ever had this happen?

To Jennifer from Ann Clark
My husband had the Medtronic spinal implant stimulator
implanted after having a wonderful trial. The first time, it
stopped the pain he was having but was getting a new
shocking extreme pain in another side of his body. They said
the lead had rolled into the spinal canal. To make a long
story short, after 4 surgeries it still does not work and
has had it turned off for about 3 months. I think they are
now going to take the battery pack out but leave leads in.
He has extreme burning in both places the packs were
located. I am extremely scare of more damage when taking out
ie being paralyzed or worsening pain. He did not have the
mesh as far as I knowl. I will ask next trip to doctor's
office.