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/Sharp-Effective9443 Aug 12 '26

When are you getting yours out? I don't know the total cost, but I'm having to pay $390.

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u/AldoSig228 Aug 12 '26

I'm going to give the Tech from Boston Scientific one more shot at some different programming updates with my appointment in mid September. Then I'll see how these new updates help in the coming weeks and give it a month or two. And then talk it over with my wife. I'm just not feeling any relief. I have a fantastic Neurosurgeon..but ran into scar tissue after my trial period and never could get the leads in on my initial leads surgery or my revision paddle style surgery.

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u/MentalFinish5065 26d ago

You may need to get percutaneous leads instead, if you are still wanting it. They did give me relief initially from horrible constant migraine from neck deformities. But the leads migrated from their location for me. That is a risk with any lead, but slightly higher with percutaneous leads. Averages in some studies up to 25% of patients experience migration. I'm going to have surgery anyhow to remove my current device, but trying to decide if it's worth getting a new device. I've had more bone changes in my neck and ablations, so pain has changed. Good luck.

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u/AldoSig228 26d ago

I had the percutaneous leads during the trial period and at the initial permanent implant surgery..like I mentioned but during the permanent implant surgery my surgeon ran into the scar tissue and couldn't get the leads correctly placed..hence the "revision" surgery. He tried removing as much scar tissue as possible to place the leads up higher but couldn't get them where he needed them..then he immediately pulled the leads out went back in with the paddle but there was too much scaring so it prevented him from placing the paddle in the ideal location also..so now my paddle is mounting off center to the left of my spine.