Spinal cord stimulation trail successful but denied permanent implant
Posted: Tue Mar 28, 2017 10:57 am
[quote]I will be attending the conference in Omaha in September 2017. I had an implant in Nov 2016, and was told if it worked a permanent implant would be done in Dec. The neurological team agreed spinal cord stimulation would be a good option for me, as I am taking 6 mg of Clomazapam a day.
Surgery- a implantation of a cylindrical lead was inserted into the epidural space until stimulation in both lower limbs. An external stimulator was attached and adjusted. At high level of stimulation the effects were minimal, when stimulation turned down to a thumping feeling ,I was able to stand still for over 5 mins. I was seen by the the the surgeons assistant 3 days after to check dressing and effectiveness of device, as well as neuropsychologist, who saw the large change and my ability to stand. Surgery was scheduled for the next month, to have permanent implant. Two days before scheduled surgery I was informed the procedure was denied. I was shocked, the day they removed the temporary implant I was back to my previous state. Unable to stand for more than 20 secs without having to move. With it in, I was able to shop at a book store comfortably, I even turned device off when entering a large craft store, and was only able to get to the back of the store,while looking at things on the way. But then I had to sit and turned device back on and was able to do my shopping normally.
The device was made by Medtronics for SCS for chronic pain.
The device is only approved for intractable pain, and the surgery is not accepted or OT in the Medicare coding books.
We need to join together to get these things changed, if we want some relief from our disease and symptoms. My doctors were unable to get around the denials sent, and I am only getting worse.
OT patients count too, I realize there is not many of us. Do you have intractable pain? How about emotional pain. I have had two traumatic falls, not due to OT, breaking my foot and crushing my right shoulder, requiring replacement in 2014 and a fall in July 2015, fracturing my upper left humorus. I have arthritis in all those places, so the pain in my thighs, which is like a burning and throbbing pain at all times.
I will be available at study in Omaha in Sept, and am open to any questions and may do a presentation.
Looking forward to seeing you all,
Annetta Muir
Surgery- a implantation of a cylindrical lead was inserted into the epidural space until stimulation in both lower limbs. An external stimulator was attached and adjusted. At high level of stimulation the effects were minimal, when stimulation turned down to a thumping feeling ,I was able to stand still for over 5 mins. I was seen by the the the surgeons assistant 3 days after to check dressing and effectiveness of device, as well as neuropsychologist, who saw the large change and my ability to stand. Surgery was scheduled for the next month, to have permanent implant. Two days before scheduled surgery I was informed the procedure was denied. I was shocked, the day they removed the temporary implant I was back to my previous state. Unable to stand for more than 20 secs without having to move. With it in, I was able to shop at a book store comfortably, I even turned device off when entering a large craft store, and was only able to get to the back of the store,while looking at things on the way. But then I had to sit and turned device back on and was able to do my shopping normally.
The device was made by Medtronics for SCS for chronic pain.
The device is only approved for intractable pain, and the surgery is not accepted or OT in the Medicare coding books.
We need to join together to get these things changed, if we want some relief from our disease and symptoms. My doctors were unable to get around the denials sent, and I am only getting worse.
OT patients count too, I realize there is not many of us. Do you have intractable pain? How about emotional pain. I have had two traumatic falls, not due to OT, breaking my foot and crushing my right shoulder, requiring replacement in 2014 and a fall in July 2015, fracturing my upper left humorus. I have arthritis in all those places, so the pain in my thighs, which is like a burning and throbbing pain at all times.
I will be available at study in Omaha in Sept, and am open to any questions and may do a presentation.
Looking forward to seeing you all,
Annetta Muir