The Reed Implant saved my life
The Reed Implant is a neuro stimulator designed specifically for the relief of migraine and other causes of head pain. I have 4 lead wires inserted under my scalp with 2 going up the back of my neck and head and 2 that go above my eyes.
I have had my Reed Implant for 4 years. I've had my leads rebalanced about 2 years ago by their rep Cher in their office in Dallas, TX. I still get migraines but the implant controls the pain thus allowing me to go about my life. It was the greatest thing I have ever done for myself. I wish I had known about it sooner.
For those that say Dallas is too far to go... I would have gone to the moon to have this done. I was at the end of my ability to continue living with the horrible migraine pain. We took our RV and traveled 14 hours to Dallas and stayed at a campground for a month to go through the trial and implant. My Medicare and my AARP supplement paid for everything.
Hi
- We are so grateful that you shared your experience with the Reed implant with us. We have heard about this procedure from other community members for whom it has also been helpful: https://migraine.com/search?s=reed. It's just wonderful to hear how it has been transformative for you. We are all so different- and no size fits all with treatments- but it's inspiring to hear about how various treatments are making a difference for those living with migraine. Again, thank you so much for sharing (impressed to hear that this was covered by Medicare). Great info here. Please keep in touch with us. We are in this with you and here for you anytime. Warmly - Holly - migraine.com team It almost cost me my life bc of sepsis caused by MRSA. Was in the neuro ICU and had to have emergency surgery to remove the unit completely and then was on weeks of IV antibiotics. The Reed procedure or occipital nerve stimulators in general are not FDA approved to be used above the neck since the leads do not twist when the stimulator is used as a spinal cord stimulator. I not the only person in the migraine community to have disastrous results.
There is a reason headache specialists in general do not recommend the procedure.
Thank you for joining the conversation. I'm so sorry you had such a horrific ordeal with that implant. I can tell you you're not the first person we've heard this from.
How are you doing these days? Living with migraine is so very frustrating, please know we're here for you. Sending along pain free wishes, Nancy Harris Bonk, Patient Leader/Moderator Migraine.com Team
I'm truly sorry to hear about the severe complications you experienced due to MRSA and the Reed procedure. It sounds like you went through an incredibly challenging and life-threatening situation. I do agree; your cautionary note about the use of occipital nerve stimulators, particularly above the neck, serves as an important reminder of the potential risks associated with such procedures. Sharing your experience helps raise awareness within the migraine community about the complexities and potential hazards involved. I certainly hope that you've fully recovered and have some return to normalcy with your health. Hoping your new year is prosperous and safe. Warmly - Rebecca (community moderator)
That's wonderful news,
! It's fantastic to hear about our members' victories while dealing with pain and chronic illness. So glad this treatment made all the difference, allowing you to go about your life a little bit easier. Truly inspiring - thanks for being a part of the community. Warmly - Rebecca (community moderator) i need to change my username but it’s Elizabeth A 😀 still on the migraine struggle bus.
Hi Elizabeth! Sorry to hear this. Is there anything that helps provide relief? Fingers and toes crossed you are feeling better asap!
Nancy Harris Bonk, Patient Leader/Moderator Migraine.com Team
