Quote:
Originally Posted by finz
Hi Az Di,
I'm hijacking your thread for a SCS related question, because it looks like a few of the SCS "success stories" have posted here......or perhaps you know the answer yourself from the research that you've done.
I've heard that the principle of the SCS is like an implanted TEN's unit. When I'm having more mild to moderate pain, I might have it set on 3 or 4, turning it up further is too strong for me then. When my pain is severe, I crank that baby up to 10 AND up the meds AND use ice AND have to lay down.
How much "stim" do they set a SCS for, for each person ? I don't mean, "Do they set mine at an X and your's at a Y ?" I mean, "Is it set to manage my 4 to 6 pain or my 8 to 10 pain ?" Does it manage just baseline pain or can it also stim through a typical RSD pt's daily exacerbations that come with activity ?
The SCS is the one possible treatment for RSD that really scares me because I've heard so many horror stories and no long term success stories (not saying they don't exist, just that I haven't heard about them). Hopefully, im4 and tkay, will continue to do well and become long term success stories...... And teach me to rethink my SCS negativeness.
I wish you luck with your trial and whatever long term treatment you have. I would just proceed cautiously.
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Hi Finz. The SCS is not exactly like a TENS. A TENS works by stimulating or contracting the muscles and tissue but the SCS is implanted under the skin and works on stimulating the nerves, not the tissue and muscles. Once the permanent is implanted, you will have several programs programmed just for you. I have 5-7 programs on each SCS, lower frequency, different sensations, etc. Each program will allow you to turn it up or down, depending on your needs on any given day. I had both of mine implanted two years ago. I need a second revision on one of them, but if I had to do it all over again I would. These things saved me! There are horror stories, I know that, but there are plenty of success stories on here too!
I am concerned that your are using ice. Are you using it on RSD/CRPS areas? It is known that ice is bad for RSD/CRPS and can accelerate it and cause spread.
Nanc
