Well, this is proof positive of why getting the laminectomy paddle lead implant is the BETTER way to go, as the leads probably won't migrate! I had the simple percutaneous lead implant, which means the leads were 'anchored'
in to the dura flesh which leaves a much higher risk for lead migration, of which I seem to have fallen victim to
.........and all along I was under the impression that this is something that happens to '
other' people!!
This probably happened well over 6 months ago and I just didn't realize it. The only thing that I knew to be 'wrong' was that I was unable to use the other 2 programs I have because when I would ramp them up, it would feel like a horrible bee sting/pulling sensation.......so evidentally those other two programs were being shared off the lead that had migrated.
The ONE program that I've been using and that works perfectly fine must just be running off of the 'good' lead........so I figured I'd leave well enough alone and be happy with my ONE program.
The only thing that I can recollect doing wrong might have been last winter when my pond froze and I was using an AXE
yes....call me stupid .
BUT there's a good chance that this isn't all 'my' fault, as part of this could be that the doctor didn't anchor down this lead very well.....because really.
WHY would I have only pulled ONE lead loose if the axe swinging was the culprit.? And, mind you, I was being as careful as possible.....but will be the first to admit that I probably DID overdo during my recovery time.
He said the recovery time from the revision won't be near as bad as the initial surgery, but he will have to make the incision in the back to pull the lead back up to where it should be.....and also a small incision at the pocket site, but it won't be as intense because he doesn't have to create a whole new pocket.
I should have had this checked out MONTHs ago!! I had NO idea the one lead had completely migrated OUT!!! I was floored when he showed me the xray!!
And to answer Jackie's questions.....
I went for the xray because my lower back was giving me fits and the flares just seemed to be getting worse, so I recently asked for an xray and that's when this was discovered.
If I WOULD have found this out months ago, it would have been paid under my insurance plan because the deductible (out of pocket portion) of my insurance plan had been met.....but it starts all over again at the beginning of the new year, so I'll have to meet the $2,000 deductible all over again.
Oh well. This isn't the end of the world. Others have had to go through many revisions.
Just make a note of this and let it be known that LEAD MIGRATION happens even if we are none the wiser!!!
I am very grateful for the lead that is doing it's job and the program it runs off of covers the lower extremity burning pain.
After I get this other lead where it should be, then I'll have other programs I can choose from and have more variaton in the coverage I get.
No more swinging axes for me.......or giving bales of hay to the horses.....
I have 16yr old twin boys to do this!!