I have spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal canal that pinches on the nerves running through it. Very painful. It’s reached the point that I can barely stagger after getting up because of the pain in the lower back. So I’ve been going to a spine clinic and running through all the options.
This week’s option was a Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) trial. Two wires are inserted into the spinal cord, one from each side, so that electric pulses will interfere with the signals to the brain, canceling the pain. A battery is taped to the back. If successful the battery is implanted.
Oops. The first wire went up the spinal cord like a straw through a milkshake. The second … didn’t. They kept testing it with a series of pulses that caused first my foot then whole body to spasm, like a gargantuan example of what happens after a doctor hits your knee with a hammer. I swear that the last one lifted my entire body off the bed.
After that they gave up and told me that no, really, putting both wires on the same side is not a big deal. Yeah, well, it’s been nearly a week and the relief is slight, although I can walk when I get out of bed.
How does this compare to your experience? Was the implant better than the trial? Did the pain relief last? Has anybody ever levitated? I don’t recommend it. One star.