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Originally Posted by Brokenwings
Hi Tracy annd Christine ~ what brand Stimulator do you guys have? My PM Doc showed me a new stimulator by Boston Scientific, which is REALLY SMALL, and it is "rechargeable", so I am curious if this is what you have.
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Mine is Boston Scientific. Go to
www.controlyourpain.com or
www.raceagainstpain.com - While I was in the pre-op room yesterday the Territory Manager, Todd Bladel, came in and discussed in detail what was going to happen and answered all my questions. Then after him my doctor came by and answered all my other questions.
Due to Kaiser docs being extremely busy (and my PM is a great doc-so I think people are asking for him more), The trial last 7-10 days. On Monday I will be going into the doctors office, where he will remove the temporary leads and I will have to go back to where I was before the trial for approx 1-2 months. Then he will implant the permanent.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Brokenwings
When the permanent leads get placed in the neck (after the Trial) for RSD of the hands/arms, ar you able to move your neck and back normally, or do you have to be "cautious" with certain movements/activites so that the leads do not "migrate" or become displaced?
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The rules are this: with the trial, I cannot lift my arms above my shoulders or bend more than 5% any way at my back for the entire week. When the permanent gets put in you are not to bend, twist, raise your hands for 6-8 weeks. I know someone who took it easy for a GOOD 6 months. Your scar tissue has to grow around the permanent leads (which are the size of dental floss).
Quote:
Originally Posted by Brokenwings
Also, how PAINFUL was the permanent implant and the recuperation period from the surgery?
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I cannot state about this. However, what I can say is the place where they put the temporary leads into my back, the pain is NOTHING compared to the RSD in my hip/knee. I can put up with what's going on with my back, and I will put up with the pain when the tiny device gets placed, because nothing compares to the RSD pain.
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Originally Posted by Brokenwings
I'm "willing" to try the Trial, but to tell ya the truth--is sounds so Scarey  !!!! |
You are definitely the only person who can say if you will or not. With a good doctor, one you trust, he/she makes it way more easier to handle. My blood pressure rose so much yesterday that a blood vessel in my eye popped (it looked like someone took a red sharpie and made a thick dot on my eye), even the blood pressure machine showed me to be high. I was extremely stressed and extremely scared all the way into it. By the time I got in the room, and laid on the table, I got to see the x-rays and the doctor started talking to me and made me feel way more calm. It helps.
Hugs, I am going on forever.