I just got back from the doctors office. Everything is approved and I am a go for the trial.

We are waiting on the Boston Scientific rep to call and let us know her schedule. Most likely, it will be a week from Monday. They told me to make sure I took all my meds including my pain med for break through pain that morning. The trial will last a week. Get your nose plugs out since I can only do sponge baths lol He will put it in on Monday and remove it the following Monday so we get a good idea of how it will work for me.

Since I am POSITIVE it will work for me, the next step after that will be to meet with the surgeon. It will all depend on his schedule as to how fast I can have the permanent done. It could be a week later or as long as 4 weeks. I will keep my fingers crossed that it will be as soon as possible.

We discussed just how limited he wants me to be. He said obviously limit bending, lifting and twisting because the leads will be free floating but he does want me to try and be as active as possible. He said light housework like vacuuming and cooking is allowed. He wants me to get out and walk as much as I can while testing the programming. I will have to walk at the mall or something. I don't think walking in temps that have been around 110 with the heat index is a good idea because of the sweating (and stinking lol)

I also discussed how the stimulator is billed. It is considered Durable Medical Equipment by Medicare. That isn't good news for me. It will cost me 20% of the cost of the stimulator or $5,000 (my out of pocket). I just want to cry but it is what it is. I can't put a cost on the pain I live with so I will get it worked out and have it done.

The nurse who assists my doc with procedures was talking to me about the SCS. Her mom had one put in for back/leg pain the beginning of March. She said her mom was practically bed ridden from pain for the past 3 or 4 years. It took her about 6 weeks to recover from the affects of the surgery itself (which is normal) but she is now pain med free. The mom is now traveling, has lost 30 lbs and even exercising. She said it was truly amazing to watch the difference first hand.

There is hope!!