[richarddsmith]

My name is Rick Smith, and I'm a new member (11/8/13). I broke everything in a car wreck in 1988. I've had 2 Boston Scientific SCS units for about 6 years, and NEVER turn them off, or down. One is lower back and one is neck. Now, because of spinal degeneration, they want to do traction to try and help the pain. I have already had one electrode break about six months after implant, but they worked around it (sort of). I just emailed Boston Scientific for an OK, and I haven't heard back yet. I'm afraid the electrodes will either break of disloge under traction. Has anyone got experience with this?"

[Nikki88]

Hi Everyone! I am a new member and I wanted to introduce myself. My name is Nikki, and I am 25 years old. I am new to this whole online forum thing, so please bare with me.
I have been dealing with my "issues" for almost 2 years now. I am still un-diagnosed, but my doctors keep coming back to the MS diagnoses. I just had my 3rd MRI done in the past 2 years. (Haven't received the results yet) This is supposed to be a stronger more detailed MRI then the first two and they are hoping that they will see something other two missed. We have been on the long road to figuring out what is causing my symptoms. I have been tested for Lupus, vitamin deficiencies, Lyme disease, Sjogrens, strokes, and i am sure more things that i just don't remember right now.
I know that the answer will come at some point, and the key is to be patient. But that, at times, is easier said than done. I understand that it is important to find the right cause so you get the right treatment. I don't want to be treated for something i don't have. I have read that MS, could be difficult to diagnose. And at times it can take a while before they can give a positive diagnosis. Sometimes my feelings are so mixed, about the possibility of a diagnosis. The prospect of living with something like this for the rest of my life scares me, but the idea of having an answer almost gives me a sense of relief. Is this normal, or am i just crazy??
Reading your posts have been great. It is great to know that i am not the only one having these problems. And that there are others out there with whom I can relate to. My family and fiance are super supportive and helpful, but it is nice to know other people out there understand what i a going through. So the long and the short of it is, Hi! and i am happy that i have found you guys.

[SallyC]

Welcome Nikki. We are happy to have you.
I'll be saying a prayer that your MRI proves a DX, this time.
I hope it isn't MS, but there are worse things.

Please do stay and join our little club, that none of us ever
wanted to be a member of.

[Erika]

"The prospect of living with something like this for the rest of my life scares me, but the idea of having an answer almost gives me a sense of relief. Is this normal, or am i just crazy??"

Hi Nikki and welcome to our community.

Many people who go through the diagnostic process and all of the time and patience that takes, have said that once that they were diagnosed, it was a relief (of sorts)...so yes, this is normal and no, you are not crazy to think this way.

I hope that you get some answers one way or another.

With love, Erika