u/69_doughnut

Spinal cord stimulator implant 8/17

Hello,

34 year old male, dealing with chronic back issues l4/l5 for the past 5 years. My disk blew out and caused me not to be able to walk. The neurosurgeon said it was the biggest herniation he has ever seen. That was 2 years ago. I would go to PT, I workout and walk everyday (not heavy lifting at all!). Mostly do stair stepper and bike. I had to case pay Intracept in March this year for one last hope of this pain going away. I am in about 5-6/10 everyday. I did the trail for the scs back in October 2025. I would say the surgery pain lasted a good 7 days (felt like burning). My trial was 9 days due to some scheduling issues. But I do felt like ultimately it worked.

I just need hope I am doing the right thing. I have been active my entire life. Basketball, hiking, etc. My life has been so depressing since all these back issues. I can’t be normal. I have done so many injections, PT, intracept all of it! But I am to the point this pain has made my life hell. I have 6 kids to take care of.

  1. Am I doing the right thing? Anything positive people can give me?

  2. What was your recovery like?

  3. Is this my last hope?

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u/69_doughnut — 7 days ago