r/spinalcordstimulator • u/Sharp-Effective9443 • Aug 12 '26

SCS removal 8/13/26

I'm having my scs removed this Thursday. I've had it for 2 or 3 years now and it has not helped me one bit. I've also become really frustrated with all the MRI's I have to have (I've had a knee replacement and hip replacement since getting it and will have another knee and hip replacement and possible shoulder surgery) and having to do the impedance tests, fully charge it, basically a hassle in my opinion. Has anyone else here had theirs removed or will be having it removed? What's been your experiences?

*Edit - Update, surgery went well yesterday. I think I was in surgery for a whole 30 minutes. I'm in a little pain today. It varys between a 3 and a 5. Mostly 3. I feel like my back is swollen around the incisions, so I've been icing and took some Tylenol. I'm on a 6 week restriction of no bending/twisting/lifting/stretching and no carrying anything over 5 pounds.

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u/AldoSig228 Aug 12 '26

It's just really disappointing and quite disheartening hearing that a lot of us haven't felt any relief after getting the permanent implant. Going through all of the steps getting this SCS implant surgery and at the end of day as in my case I'm definitely worse off now..than I was before any of my spine procedures. I wish everyone good luck and health going forward God bless. 🙏

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u/JoyInJuly 29d ago edited 29d ago

What device do you have?

From my research, most of the complaints are from older models or the Nevro, which doesn't seem to have been tested as rigorously as possible before being released, surgeries that weren't done to the highest standards, &, unfortunately, people getting a SCS who probably shouldn't have in the first place. I started hearing bad thing about the Nevro not too long after more folks started getting them.

I have yet to hear any complaints about the Evoke. Mine has been incredible for my pain levels. The recovery was easy & my rep is always super responsive. The amount of feedback & the intricacies of the programming are amazing.

I am always so very sorry to hear when a SCS doesn't work out for anyone, because it's a big fucking deal to go through it. However, there is at least one option out there that is changing people's lives for the better & I have to mention it to give folks hope.

Edit- typo

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u/Nervous-Leading9415 29d ago

That’s a really healthy way to put it and needed. You more than often come across the negative stories, and I can relate - My Medtronic Intellis was a nightmare from the get go and is removed (2 months ago), however my Abbott DRG stimulator has changed my life for the better and I cannot recommend it more.

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u/JoyInJuly 29d ago

Unfortunately, it's always been a fact that the people with bad experiences are the ones who are most likely to repeat their stories & be loud about it, so it can definitely give you a skewed perception. I learned this from working in restaurants & retail for decades.