Will Spinal Cord Stimulator work like Interstim?

[Sallyott]

I have had the Interstim trial and it did help me with the frequency and as a consequence, with the pain. At around the same time, it was discovered that I had degenerative disc disease and that I would have to have a spinal fusion performed. I elected to have that done before the Interstim implant, so I do not know how the 'real' implant would have worked for me, however, I must assume that it would have worked like the trial.

During my spinal fusion (L5 - S1 vertebra), my nerves were stretched and I now have constant pain running down my legs, thighs, ankles, etc. I am currently taking Oxycontin for this pain. My doctor wants to have me do the Spinal Cord Stimulator test to help control the pain. This test sounds almost identical to the Interstim test, and both require an implant if the tests are positive.

So, after that long buildup, my questions are thus:

Has anyone else had a similar experience like mine?
As the Interstim test worked, wouldn't the Spinal Cord Stim test (the leads go into the same general location) also work on the IC frequency?

I see my pain management doctor next Monday and will ask him the above, along with a hundred other questions.

[ICNDonna]

I wish I had an answer for you. Hopefully someone will be familiar with the device being suggested for you.

I did want to :welcome: you to the IC Network.

Warm hugs,
Donna

[tigger_gal]

I had talked to one person before that said they could not get the interstim because of the infusion on there spine... I really don't have an answer for you. sorry.. I would do alot of foot work and find out all you can before you make a final descision. I do have the interstim, but, I researched for over a year... I don't know if the pain device is the same or not..
Welcome to the boards and best wishes:)
Brat

[SaraJ]

Interstim only blocks the nerves that control the bladder where as the spinal cord one can block all of the sacral nerves, S2,S3 & S4, and any others that they chose. I guess that is the main difference. The doc that I saw said that they are similar but the spinal cord on can be manipulated more to suit a specific pain path. Also some are just attached to nerve roots like in the interstim and then others directly effect the spinal cord. I know they both go in the epidural space and I had to get an MRI of my spine to make sure I didn't have a herniated disc. I am not up on spinal fusion so I guess the difference is with herniation the disc is in the epidural space and fusion must remove that somehow, huh?

[Kimbamor]

Not sure on the interstim but the spinal cord stim can have anywhere from one to eight leads. the most usual is quads or 4 leads. I'll check with our pelvic/abd pain area (I think our gyn/ob has one) on interstims . My clinic does the spinal cord stim trials. The good thing is that the trial is relatively easy. Matter of fact our stim rep has been trying to get our docs to bury the leads so that the neurologist that implants them just has to place the generator and attach. He says we have a better success rate with our trials then neuro does the permanant ones. At least most trials are conclusive....either it is the best thing since sliced bread and you don't even want the trial leads removed or you can't tolerate the sensation. (like a mild buzz/humm/etc). Other then the few that actually have a lead migrate during the trial you are either a success or failure. If it is something you have to think over then I wouldn't suggest it. We end up explanting those patients that had semi successful trials. As for fusion the problem is when it is a low fusion. Think of each disk space as being a potential window to place the lead. If you are fused saccral/low lumbar then they can only place leads above the fusion. If there is a space that is not fused below then they can enter epidural space and guide the lead to their target. It is always a docs medical judgement if there is inadequate space from scar tissue, compression etc. As for spinal cord stims working for the ic pain i think they could be multi lead with it placed for both back and pelvic. It woudl depend on your doctor's skill too. a good source would be the manufacturer. the interstim and spinal cord stim are from the same company. Their web site had info on both but I am sure if you wrote them they could answer that question for you. If your back doc was unsure of how then the company can and will get them the info (if it can be done). They have been known to bring lecturers in for all sorts of lectures and education aspects in our hospital. MAybe that is an option too.

[tigger_gal]

Thanks Sara and Kim, I didn;t know some of that.. I sure hope it stops the pain.. :).. if so let me know I am next in line.. then I can have a box in both cheeks :yikes: :lmao: I guess at this point I wouldn't care what they blocked as long as I didn't have to feel pain...
Brat

[Kimbamor]

Just make sure you have a long enough trial (spinal cord stim is usually 5 days no idea on interstim. I know some patients that thought anything would be better...untill they tried it. Not everyone enjoys the continuous "stimulation" and in places that may no even be hurting. (some have pain in feet but get stimulation in entire leg.) If it is not the best thing since sliced bread....hold off. less then 75% relieve usually spells explantation within a year.

[SharonA]

Sally... :hi: :welcome: Isn't this site fantastic. Ask a question...get an answer. These people are the best. :)

[tigger_gal]

:yikes: veto'ed second box :lmao: I had my interstim stage trial for 2 weeks... don't want added pain.. I never got any leg pain or toe curling with iterstim so far so good over the last 17 months..
gotta add I love this place too :)
Brat

[ICLori]

Wow, this is really great information! I'm looking at a probable trial in my somewhat near future and this is very good info to know. Unless I'm totally in love with the trial, I won't do the Interstim thing.

Blessings, Lori

[Peggy Anne]

I have a question about the interstim trial, the Medtronics rep told me it could be disconnected so i could take a shower, change clothes, etc. Is this true? If you go the the medtronics website, it tells you things like no showers, no baths, no sex, no exercise, etc.etc. Who should I believe? Can anyone tell me what to expect during the trial? thanks!

[Peggy Anne]

:hmm: I have a question about the interstim trial, the Medtronics rep told me it could be disconnected so i could take a shower, change clothes, etc. Is this true? If you go the the medtronics website, it tells you things like no showers, no baths, no sex, no exercise, etc.etc. Who should I believe? Can anyone tell me what to expect during the trial? thanks!

[ad8123]

I am so glad I read this post! I am having a hypogastric plexus block done next week. I will be alseep and they will inject something in my spine to block the nerves. The Md said that this may help and it could also tell if I am a candidate for spinal stimulation. Does everyone get the block first? Has it worked for anyone?

[Kimbamor]

IF it works it only means that the interstim MAY work. Not everyone gets these blocks since they are specialized (we just started doing quite a few in our clinic too....). I have heard good results but will now pay more attention :bonk: Funny... maybe it was because we really haven't done a lot but I notice my Belly pain people more....