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Please help - has anyone had a spinal cord stimulator?

Hi All
I'm Graeme, I'm 33, from Scotland but live in London and have been living with chronic back pain for the last 10 years.
I'm currently on the waiting list for a spinal cord stimulator but I've not met anyone who has had the procedure so can't ask those lifestyle questions to see how this could impact me longer term.
The big questions I have are:
1. is there any way I will be able to get back to playing squash/golf after the surgery
2. has anyone experienced complications and what did that involve?
3. We are expecting our first child in October, does the SCS have any impact on how you are able to interact with kids i.e. lots of bending and lifting?
4. If Covid-19 eases up I may have my procedure around the time our child is expected - how much care/assistance was needed post op?
I'm Graeme, I'm 33, from Scotland but live in London and have been living with chronic back pain for the last 10 years.
I'm currently on the waiting list for a spinal cord stimulator but I've not met anyone who has had the procedure so can't ask those lifestyle questions to see how this could impact me longer term.
The big questions I have are:
1. is there any way I will be able to get back to playing squash/golf after the surgery
2. has anyone experienced complications and what did that involve?
3. We are expecting our first child in October, does the SCS have any impact on how you are able to interact with kids i.e. lots of bending and lifting?
4. If Covid-19 eases up I may have my procedure around the time our child is expected - how much care/assistance was needed post op?
If there is anyone who has had a SCS or knows about living with one please could you get in touch?
Many thanks in advance
Graeme
Replies
I initially had a microdiscectomy in 2011 which worked for about 6 months then it went downhill fast. It was advised in 2012 that I go for an anterior lumbar fusion with a wallis implant. Again this seemed to be working for about 6 months then things got gradually worse. When I went for a check up it appeared that there hadn't been a solid fusion and it didn't look like there would be.
Eventually in 2014 I had a couple of second opinions and agreed to undergo a further 360 Lumbar fusion at The London Bridge Hospital which thankfully worked.
Over the following years my pain reduced gradually and I was able to get back to work, squash etc.
Then...in 2016 I bent down to pick up my laptop bag and felt that pop...L4/L5 had gone. I went through a number of terrible appointments but eventually managed to get the same consultant who did my last fusion who said the best option is to do a further fusion at L4/L5 which took place in March 2017.
Since then I have been on strong opioids and my pain has not improved. The next recommended step was to get a spinal cord stimulator.
The things I've read seem like the SCS is a great option but it's a big decision and I need to be sure it will be right for me.
Since 2017 I've also lost my job as I'm unable to work full time and I'm trying to get ESA and PIP but Covid has put a bit of a delay on that for some reason.
On a happier note, as I noted above, I'm expecting my first child in October but this brings with it some serious challenges for someone with chronic back pain.
Could the SCS be the dream solution or is it too good to be true?
Thank you for joining and sharing.
Please if I could suggest speaking to this organisation.
Everything to do with spines back problems.
https://www.spinal.co.uk
Helpline 0800 980 501
Please get in touch may be answer any questions you have.
Please if I can help further please get in touch.
Please take care and keep safe.
@thespiceman
SCOPE Volunteer Award Engaging Communities 2019
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Looks like a great resource
I'm trying to speak directly to someone who has lived with it to get some true answers rather than just stats and risk warnings.
I'm under Bart's who have a fantastic pain team but most patients who have had it are in their 50s and 60s so likely have different requirements and lifestyles.
Thanks for your help though
G
Funnily I'm not actually worries about that part... It's strange but I'm optimistic the desired pain relief will be possible but at what long term cost.
Finally thanks for the congrats. I'm so excited and will keep in touch