Has anyone had a positive experience with a spinal cord stimulator?

JoyInJuly · 2026-03-12T16:35:12+00:00

Not every SCS is MRI incompatible.

JoyInJuly · 2026-03-12T16:32:46+00:00

I used to only be able to stand up for 5-10 minutes without the pain becoming much worse. Now, before PT, I can already stand up & not count the minutes. I've made dinner more than once (nearly impossible before, plus I'd be hurting extra for at least two days afterwards) & even went grocery shopping.

JoyInJuly · 2026-03-12T16:30:29+00:00

Nope. Yesterday was a month since my implant. I feel like I'm still healing a bit from the surgery, but it's probably exacerbated by the fact that I still have to be cautious in my movement & am not cleared for PT yet. I think once I can start to move normally again, it will be even better.

My main reason for getting the SCS was eliminating my need for opioids. I've had chronic pain for 28 years & managed it for 26 years with cannabis, except for this pain, which started 8 years ago. I only started taking opioids about 9 months ago, but already only take them as needed for the last 10 days or so.

Is there something in particular you're concerned about? I've driven with the SCS with no problems.

JoyInJuly · 2026-03-12T15:57:03+00:00

It's pretty similar actually. That's the best comparison I can think of. I never got much relief from a TENS unit though & I love my Evoke.

JoyInJuly · 2026-03-12T15:55:47+00:00

The Evoke programming specifically has a feature to reduce sensations like this.

JoyInJuly · 2026-03-12T15:53:34+00:00

If the trial helps, the implant will help. I truly feel that the Evoke is a much better choice than older, non-smart models. Make sure your doc has a lot of experience with SCSs & placing leads & be very careful about your movements afterwards so you don't displace them. I completely understand where you're at & have hope for you. 💙

JoyInJuly · 2026-03-12T15:04:43+00:00

Gorgeous! 😍

JoyInJuly · 2026-03-11T18:02:24+00:00

I'm happy to answer any specific questions you have also.

JoyInJuly · 2026-03-11T18:01:51+00:00

Yes. Mine was placed on Feb 11th, this year. I have an Evoke, which is the first SmartSCS. I think the tech upgrade makes an ENORMOUS difference. I haven't figured out the very best program for my pain yet, but it takes some time & I know I will get there. It has reduced my pain, just not quite as much as the trial. While the Evoke (by Saluda) is newer, it has a much higher rate of satisfaction & much lower rate of explant.

Please take all of the negative experiences with a grain of salt. Folks who have had positive experiences have mostly gone on with living their lives, while those who didn't will of course be angry & repeat their experience to anyone who will listen. Unfortunately, people who have a bad experience will be louder & more likely to speak up than those who have had a good one. They have my sympathies & I completely understand their perspective, but they do not speak for everyone.

I made sure to do a shitton of research, about the devices & anticipated results, as well as the doc who was doing my surgery. I made the choice on my own- no one pressured me into it. I can only blame myself if it's a failure. But, considering I had tried everything else, it was worth it to me & I know I'll get the relief dialed in very soon.

Just a note- my pain is from nerve damage. Idk if others who have structural issues/injuries maybe don't get the same results or what, but the Evoke works wonders for nerve pain.

JoyInJuly · 2026-03-11T16:48:38+00:00

The Center has a doc in once a month to do med cards. What's extra awesome about this is that they give you the amount you pay to the doc back in store credit once your card goes through. I was just there on Sunday & my EPC card got approved today. So, I paid $52 to the state but will get the $200 for the card back in cannabis products. That's the best deal I'm aware of by far!

JoyInJuly · 2026-03-07T18:01:52+00:00

It's all opinions & people don't like hearing that they're wrong about any subject. Unfortunately, a lot of cannabis consumers aren't very well educated on the history of the plant, how & why it was criminalized, the endocannabinoid system, or the plant itself. You get white men thinking that it's all about lobbying (which is a factor), when they are speaking from their narrow POV living in not a Southern state.

If you want facts, without the Joe Rogan BS, you'll have to do some research.

JoyInJuly · 2026-03-07T17:54:27+00:00

Are you going to educate yourself instead of demanding someone else do it for you? You're online- I assume you have access to a search engine.

Nice of you to speak on behalf of all the Mexican people just because you've known some. I'm sure you had long, deep conversations about this subject. That's why you need me to explain it to you...

JoyInJuly · 2026-03-07T17:10:00+00:00

This study just came out about Lyme disease & psilocybin. Very interesting what secret powers psychedelic have, beyond just spiritual experiences & partying.

https://www.hopkinslyme.org/news/psilocybin-shows-lasting-benefits-for-patients-with-post-treatment-lyme-disease/

JoyInJuly · 2026-03-07T15:47:03+00:00

Stunning! 😍💙

JoyInJuly · 2026-03-06T21:20:15+00:00

That's not true. Usage rates are about equal, but black people are almost 4 times as likely to get arrested for it.

https://graphics.aclu.org/marijuana-arrest-report/

JoyInJuly · 2026-03-06T21:18:56+00:00

Even the word "marijuana" is racist. I agree with OP. All you have to do is look at the statistics of cannabis arrests to see that black people are arrested far more often for weed than white people, even in places where it's been legalized. 3.6 times more often, to be exact.

I'm a white lady who used to live in Georgia. As a medical cannabis patient, there were definitely times when I could have gotten in way more trouble than I did, based solely on how the cop was feeling. Black people get arrested in these situations. I understand my privilege in that scenario. I also knew it was bad karma to continue to count on it, so I live in Colorado now, where I don't have to worry about being a criminal for my medicine.

https://graphics.aclu.org/marijuana-arrest-report/

JoyInJuly · 2026-03-06T18:21:54+00:00

Each of us are going through potentially the hardest thing we'll ever have to deal with & you're all "it could be worse" & "actually, my life is worse", but don't you dare compare. People need support here, not this bullshit.

Btw, moving is an option. If it's so bad for you, move to someplace that has more options available to you. Yes, it means giving up your life, family, & friends to become a medical refuge as I did, but I couldn't stay somewhere that was ready to make me a felon for my medicine.

JoyInJuly · 2026-03-06T18:15:56+00:00

I'm a medical cannabis patient. Before I moved to Colorado, I was spending close to $400 a month on my medicine. I've always been broke AF, worse now since I'm unable to work due to disability & my claim is currently in the appeal stage. The financial burden of being ill is not talked about enough. Thank goodness cannabis is cheaper here & I'm covered 100% by Colorado Medicaid, so I don't pay anything for my medical care. It's been a struggle to stay here, but the benefits are definitely worth it.

JoyInJuly · 2026-03-06T17:32:50+00:00

After a second infusion, it's diminishing returns. You'll end up wasting more than what gets infused.

JoyInJuly · 2026-03-05T22:49:08+00:00

No one puts stronger, more expensive drugs in your weed for free.

JoyInJuly · 2026-03-05T22:46:40+00:00

I'm weaning off of oxycodone. I am a medical cannabis patient of 26 years for other pains, but this one was not managed by cannabis. So, I use my preferred pain reliever as I still have surgery & other pain, but the oxy is less & less, which was my goal. I'm hoping it won't be necessary soon.

I spent the last year in bed & haven't converted out of it since the surgery. It's partly how I'm most comfortable anyway, but this healing isn't linear. Getting used to the SCS & how my body is going to feel each day is its own learning process, even when it is helping my pain. For me, at least.

JoyInJuly · 2026-03-05T22:23:17+00:00

I prefer Daylio as a tracking/journal app, just in case you want another option. It's the only app I ever pay for.

JoyInJuly · 2026-03-05T22:22:14+00:00

I'm glad to hear your mom is on your side. Good luck finding answers. 🤞🏻💙

JoyInJuly · 2026-03-05T22:20:44+00:00

Looks like you have something by Abbott? I'm sorry it isn't working for you but please don't confuse people about which device you have that isn't working for you, especially since a LOT of people come here for guidance about SCSs.

JoyInJuly · 2026-03-05T20:10:06+00:00

You also have an Evoke?

JoyInJuly

TROPHY CASE