Do you have a SCS or Pain pump?

[Sirmommy32]

I am new to the forum. I stumbled across this community researching lead migration on my Medtronics unit. My unit is supposed to be used to relieve intercostal nerve pain damage. I had a thankfully non-cancerous tumor on my rib cage removed and when the surgeon removed the tumor he severed a bundle of intercostal nerves (nerves that wrap around your rib cage and chest wall). The pain from this is similar to a constant runners cramp (if said runner were being stabbed in the side of their lung with a really long, sharp dagger) that doesn't go away ever. This makes breathing very difficult and laboring. Without pain control I have to breath in short gasps so I sound like a perverted breather on a crank call.

I had my SCS implanted in Oct of 2012 and after the horrendous recovery process I felt strong enough to tackle the long, painful and arduous process of discontinuing my narcotic pain meds. I went through withdrawal for about 3 weeks and I honestly would have preferred being shot in the head rather than go through that again. After 5 months of a rather pain free existence I found myself suffering from gastrointestinal issues - bloating, diarrhea and vomitting - as well as migraine headaches (of which I have never experienced before), side and back pains, all over body itching, cramping and a feeling as if I am having my insides bbq'd. I went to my neuro/pain doc today who had x-rays taken only to show that one of my leads has 'slipped' and dropped. The Dr. said that this is what is causing the burning/stinging electrical pain and itching. The gastro pain is due to the remaining lead's vibration being so close to my stomach and intestine area. The prognosis is to go through surgery again and have the leads removed and repositioned. I am not happy about this but I was wondering if this has happened to anybody else. Please advise.

[Rrae]

WELCOME to the forum!
You've certainly come to the right place . You'll get alot of great feedback and support here.....and we'll probably learn from YOU as well

Thanks for your introduction and the description of what you've been thru and are still going thru. You've been through your share of tests and trials, that's for sure.
Regarding the lead slipping, oh yes, been there also. In my case, they actually just pulled the bad lead out and I'm doing just fine with only one lead. Does wonders for covering over the horrible burning neuropathy/RSD in my legs and lower back.

You'll get much more feedback if you start a new thread of your own. That way people will see you easier, rather than being tagged at the end of this thread up here in the top section of the SCS forum. Just exit out of this dialogue and you'll see a 'New Thread' button on the left side of the screen. Tag that, title your thread and copy this post that you just made and hit 'submit'. Then you'll see your thread down below with all the others.
This is such a great forum and I'm glad you found us!

Sometimes new folks have a hard time finding their posts. If this is the case with you, this SCS forum is listed under the "Medication & Treatments" forum in the main menu. You'll see it listed as a 'sub-forum'.

Many MANY have had lead migration issues, so you'll soon realize you are certainly not alone in this!
It'll be great getting to know you!
Just holler if you have any questions or need help in finding your way around.

Rae

[littletexan77]

Originally Posted by dawngri

MARK....
I have not been able to figure out how the site works. Don't know the difference between a sticky thread and a post.
I just use the reply button to talk to people..............
DAWN

I came here hoping to find people that have also had SCS implants - mine was put in Nov 30, 2012 - and see if they're side effects and complaints were the same as mine. I just don't know where or how to post . . .