Hi all,

I am a new member! I had a consultation earlier this week with my pain doctor and we have decided to proceed with the Boston Scientific stimulator trial. First the paperwork, insurance, psychologist interview and hospital board review, of course, but hopefully in about 6 weeks I'll be having the trial leads put in.

My history:

Starting when I was about 12 years old I started getting neck tenderness and nagging headaches. This pain gradually increased until I was about 18, by when I was having constant pain and bilateral headaches. The pain is always there to some extent. Sometimes is a 2-3 on a scale of 1 to 10. Several times a week it will exacerbate to a 5-7 level. Once or twice every 2 weeks it will go up to a 8-9 level. Sometimes it exacerbates for no reasons that I can pinpoint, but I do know certain repetitive motions (looking up and down or side to side) will make it worse, as does driving, sitting on the couch, singing, and doing pretty much anything active like hiking, birding, kayaking or photography (all of which are my hobbies by the way).

I have tried dozens of medications, therapies, procedures, specialists, etc (let me know if anyone's curious of my lists and I'll post it). All told, the only thing that has works 100% is the occipital nerve block and I have been diagnosed with occipital neuralgia. The doctors wanted to try everything else before looking at the stimulator. I am now 30 years old and, as I mentioned, that's what's up next for me. My pain doctor feels I am a good candidate to get relief from the stimulator, but obviously we won't know for sure until we try it.

I know my pain levels are far below what most people using a stimulator have experienced (both in pain level and how chronic the pain is). Despite my pain, I do feel lucky when I read some of the stories that others have shared. I am scared and excited, but more excited. I've watched the educational DVD and had a 2.5 hour meeting with my doctor Tuesday to discuss all the gory details. Makes my stomach turn to think of what the procedure entails, but I'm certainly willing to give it a try if it could potentially help!

I know my husband will certainly be happy to have "me" back more often. I don't have any kids, but our 3 cats and 2 dogs will be happy to have a more active owner too, I know. Let me know if anyone has questions for me. I know without a doubt I will have many questions for all of you as I get started in this process!

Thanks,
~Keri in Vermont