scs and what to expect
 

Hi everyone,
I have been dealing with RSD in my hand/forearm for 2 yrs now. Been through nerve blocks, PT/OT, pulsed radio freq. ablation and now hoping to be able to try a scs. I have a tens that works great, am on lyrica 300mg, cymbalta 60mg and mobic 7.5mg.

My question is what can I expect? What limitations? I used to run my dogs in agility trials...will I be able to again? I just want my life back. I'm going through a bad flare right now and think it's spreading into my elbow, I have been getting BAD stabbing pains in my elbow. Having trouble opening my hand, doesn't seem frozen because I can open it with my other hand but my brain just can't get them to move.

Welcome Stressed!
 

You are now among us in a good place to find out about the effects of SCS in a variety of placements, especially with your thread on this subforum! I expect many will reply and give you their thoughts about SCS, and as for me, my thread is the Boston Scientific Mini Rechargeable under Mark56, it is pretty long and takes you through the whole of my process to date, but it is laid out there in detail. I have been able to wean off of all medication and use the SCS to control all pain. I am now actively looking for a return to my profession, law, while before SCS I was so doped up on the likes of morphine and 3000mg of Neurontin a day that I spent most of my life in bed. I am working to get back that zest for life I knew before my car wreck, and I believe you may be able to do so as well! Goodness, I was so messed up after the wreck I had a host of surgeries over the years, four of them on my hands, and my hands are returned to functioning, when my doc had given me the prospect that the nerve in my right arm was dying at an alarming rate, thus preceding one of my surgeries.

My SCS is positioned to assist my nerve damage in my lower extremities and it works well for me there. Hopefully someone who has had it positioned to help with hands will join the discussion you have started here; but this I know it is used for a variety of treatments, even nerve induces facial pain, so giving it serious thought in your situation truly bears a read through some of what we who are now part of the SCS community have on our threads may provide hope for you and your situation.

May you know peace, and be able to run your Dog friends once again in trials as you so thoroughly have enjoyed.
Prayin,
Mark56:):hug:

Hello Stressout!
 

So glad you paid a visit to this sweet little forum! :hug:

I am so very sorry about the RSD battle. The loss of function to your hand sounds very frustrating!
My first (encouraging) thought that comes to mind is that it's a good indication that you may benefit from the SCS, especially since the TENS unit seems to do you good. This could be a good indication that your hand is willing to 'respond' to the type of treatment the SCS would offer. The pain signals would be blocked by the stimulation.
Have you lost much muscle tone to this hand? (Atrophy)
Hopefully the blocked pain signals would allow you to get better PT and strength back.
There are several here who have the cervical stimulators. Hopefully they will pipe in. It would be good to know if you will regain motor function to your hand.
Like Mark, I too have a lumbar SCS for lower extremity nerve pain, which truly does a wonderful job of covering over the burning pain. Initially, I responded (very briefly) to SNB injections, but that was encouraging enough to go thru with the trial since I DID respond.

I do not know if the stimulator would help you to regain function or not. All I do know is that it does a wonderful job of covering over burning nerve pain.
I recall briefly taking Mobic for a wrist injury. I believe it is an anti-inflammatory?
Also, it might be good to address your Dr regarding the new 'shooting' pains you are experiencing. I've heard things regarding the nerves possibly trying to reguvinate and shooting pains could be part of this, but, this may be hearsay. May be a good question to bring up.
I'd certainly express your concerns about the possibility of the RSD spreading. SCS's have been known to carry a risk of spreading.

I wish you the best! Please keep us posted on how this unfolds for you.

Caring,
Rae
:hug:

SCS trial feb 8th
 

Thanks. I am approved by wc to go for the scs trial on Feb 8. I am scared and excited. I so want this to work. I've gained over 20lbs with the meds. I want to be able to come off and lose some weight and get my life back. My kids plan on calling me "electro mom" when I explained the scs to them. The oldest is almost 18 and the twins are almost 16. Kids can be funny sometimes but at least they are understanding and want to help me get better. I want to ask to go back to PT after the scs is in if it works so maybe I can gain more stregnth and function in my hand. I do favor it, it's painful. I ussually wer a fleece arm warmer that covers it up so it stays warm. My three fingers are very hard to open and getting tighter. I do try every day to pull them open. I can't wait to get this done. Scared about the limitations though. Once this is in will I be able to run and dance etc if it blocks enough of the pain or will I still be limited??

Limitations
 

Hi Stressed-

Of course, the post operative limitations will at first be impressed on you by your doc, the recovery room nurses, and your doc's PA, for those first many weeks of recovery. Then, since your case is Work Comp, and if you have helping you through that process, they may have thoughts of their own regarding what you should and should not do as your case is pending so none of your conduct post op might "cause new injury." So the best thing is to ask your care givers and those helping you with this matter what may be your limitations and for how long.

You should anticipate physical therapy if your doc believes it has likelihood of therapeutic benefit and prescribes it for you post op. I had many weeks of physical therapy post op.

Looking forward to your trial,
Mark56:)

Electro Mom :)
 

I like that! I too have 16 year old twin (boys) and boy do they keep me on my toes. They are sweethearts tho and are always looking out for 'mom'.......

Electro Mom has a nice 'ring' to it....... some of us 'Lumbars' call ourselves the BIONIC BUTT BUZZERS!! :D

I think that once you settle in here, alot of these 'jitters' you are feeling will dissipate and you'll begin to foresee a future as one of getting your life back. That's what the SCS is all about. Yes, it is quite a process and it's a high dollar procedure, but just take it a step at a time and soon you'll be looking back on this....

You'll find so many caring people here and we are always learning from each other.

You've got friends
Rae
:grouphug:

Hi Stressed out or 'electro mum':)
I have rsd in my left leg which was very bad. in my pelvis also which made it so difficult just to stand up or sit down and i also had dreadful lower back pain and it had just started to go into my right leg, I had the scs put in just over a month ago after going through nearly 3 years of pain and meds. i am finding it fantastic and am finally getting a taste of what life can be like again. I am off the lyrica ( which does pile on the pounds ) and all the heavy pain killers already. the coldness which you describe is now gone from my legs and i now sleep like a baby every night without the aid of sleeping tablets. I would definately go for the trial as the possible relief you may get from this is so worth trying in my opinion. I found this site just as i was diagnosed with the rsd last september and the support i got before during and now after op is amazing! J

getting nervous
 

As the trial (2/8) gets closer I am getting more nervous. What happens during the procedure? More pain? What can I or can't I do during the trial? I have 3 teens & my 3 dogs to care for while hubby at wk.(he frequently has to go away on business) Will I be able to drive?

I believe it will be a Medtronics scs. My Dr did not explain much to me but gave me a Medtronics packet (he only had one for lower back and not cervical but said similar). Mine will be for RSD in my hand up to my elbow.My husband is taking that day off but will he need to take more days?

I guess I'm just hoping someone can walk me through the procedures so I know what will be happening? I keep telling myself this will work....I want to be active again (I show/train my dogs in conformation and agility & want that back). Tired of pretending it's not bad FOR EVERYONE ELSE's SAKE.

Patty

The trial
 

Dear Stressed-

The Trial usually lasts one week or less, and the wire leads are secured with a couple of stitches where they emerge from your skin, they are taped securely and then connected to your electronics package. Mine was Boston ?Sci, and I wore a waist belt which secured the electronics for the trial. I did not drive, because I was warned the leads are not held in position by much. Walking was certainily OK, but driving for me was not allowed.

Be sure you ask your doc or your rep in your scenario to get down EXACTLY what your restrictions will be. This is coming up pretty quickly, so a call to the doc's office before hand would be in order, like today.

Hope this helps for you and does not increase your stress,
Prayin,
Mark56:hug:

Patty
 

It's perfectly normal to feel nervous as your day approaches.....especially if your Dr didn't explain much! Shame on him! :rolleyes: One of my pet peeves is how 'complacent' these Dr's can become. They do so many of these procedures that they somehow lose sight that this is the FIRST for us. Not only that, but this could potentially spell out how the future goes for us! Our quality of lives depend on this.

Thank God we have forums like this one to turn to! I've learned so much more by communicating directly with other patients, as opposed to researching online.
There is a very informative link that Fiona provided.....it is at the top of the page in the 'stickie' important info section. I'll tag it on to the end of this post. I can't remember if I've already given it to you or not. I refer to that particular link quite often. It really explains in detail what is involved in the actual procedure.
Aside from that, it's just good to hear from other people who've been thru this. We speak 'real people' language. Not propaganda 'sales pitch' stuff.

The main thing I can stress is to Have the medical team explain the post op instructions to you BEFORE you go in for the procedure!! It's very frustrating trying to comprehend what they are saying and handing you the equipment you'll be using for your trial period....when you are sedated from the procedure! It becomes overwhelming and intimidating.
Simply put, it's better for the stress level to be as familiar as possible of what is going on.
Usually (I think) they send home a DVD with your trial kit, so you can become familiar with the settings in the comfort of home.
It's also good that your kids are older. Put the teens to work around the house. Have a 'family meeting' of sorts :) so everyone can be on the same page to understand what mom is going thru and what you will need help with.

The first day you will probably be sore from the procedure itself. Please don't become disheartened by this. Pamper yourself and use ice on the incision (but no ice on the RSD area!) and rest.
By day 2 and 3 you'll feel more excited about the options the SCS has to offer and you can mess around with the settings and try to do simple things around the house.
Of course, if your Dr says anything otherwise, HE's the BOSS. I'm not sure what he'll say regarding the driving. I would try to avoid it if I were you. It requires turning your head and there are always 'idiots' around every corner. You never know WHAT might happen.

You'll have plenty of support here!
Do your best to allow this to be an 'exciting' time for you. This could potentially bring you back your 'life' and the things you love to do!

Here's that link....
http://www.nationalpainfoundation.or...e-technologies

Rae
:hug::grouphug::hug:

I spoke with the nurse at my Dr's office today and she said that I will be sedated but woken up to test it, will be able to drive but not with the scs on, and it will probably be more like a wk. long trial. I'm still nervous but looking forward to the chance of relief. I also asked about going back into pt because my hand is beginning to look like a claw and they will give me the prescription when I come in. Hopefully the weather holds it together so nothing gets delayed. It has been one storm after another here in NJ.

hey kiddo
 

They tell you you cannot drive with the SCS on to protect them.I NEVER shut mine off and until May I was a homecare/hospice RN and averaged 200+ miles a day. No problems, some increased stim on cattle gates, washboard roads but you learn to anticipate those things so it is not a Shock when it happens.
Main thing as far as Im concerned is back precautions to reduce/prevent lead migration and wound care to prevent infection.

There you go
 

My point precisely- await the healing and the withdrawal from meds and then I began driving. You all know from reading my posts that my device runs 24/7 by my choice and my style of use of the stim. Truly, I have to anticipate certain postures will exacerbate the stim, and I would not run it stronly enough to interfere with driving. Pooh says it well.

There you go..... zoom,
Mark56:OuttaHere::hug:z

Stressedout I too drive with my stim on.....and I too know if a shock is on its ways....I do turn it down a bit more than what I would have it up to when Im walking for sitting/lying down.....Hope it all works out for you too:hug:

Jackie:grouphug:

what does it feel like
 

Does it feel like the Tens? I love my tens but lately my skin has been too sensitive to put the tens on.

Yes, I wonder whether it feels anything like a tens machine.

I had a TENS machine prior to having the SCS implanted. The sensations are more like pins and needles from the SCS compared to the TENS. I did find that the TENS wasnt as good as the SCS either. The TENS aggravated the pain in my legs compared to the stim helping the pain. I certainly miss my stim now because of the battery but hopefully I will be up and running again on TUES/WED.............

A word of caution after the trial...
 

In hindsight, I found the trial to be pretty easy. I was laid face down on a table, prepped and the most pain I can remember was saying "ouch" a lot. I was done in about 30 mins.

The trickiest part is going home and making sure you don't pull any of the wires or get them caught on doorknobs, etc. Keep away from pets as they can jump up and you may find it challenging to find a good sleeping position. But, boy the pain relief I had during that time made all the inconveniences seem like no big deal.

I was crying a week later when I was back in the office getting it removed as I wanted to keep it. The nurse told me that they've actually had to send the police after folks because they don't want to give up the pain relief they've had!!

One word of CAUTION: not to say this is going to happen to you but it did to me and several others. Because you get so much pain relief during the trial (and are sometimes able to stop pain meds. during that week) AND because they mess with your nerves to put the trial leads in and then remove them, your pain may get worse than it was before the trial. For me, I was in more pain after the trial than before so make sure you have pain meds. to deal with it and make sure that your doctor is willing to help you deal with any increased pain you may experience until you get the permanent implant. My worst pain was after my trials (I had two as I have both a lumbar and cervical SCS) and waiting for my permanent implants. I'm not trying to scare you but to help you prepare just in case.

Here's hoping and praying that all goes well, and my rambling on here turns out to have been a waste of time:winky:

Noo .. thanks for that information. As you say, it doesn't happen to everyone, but it's nice to know that it's not unusual if it DOES happen .. if you know what I mean. :D

Thanks for all the info. I am looking forward to this but so nervous. I really need this to work, my pain has been so bad the past few months and I can't open my hand. I did ask to go back to pt and the nurse said they'd give me a prescription. I'm afraid I'll be left with bent, painful hand the rest of my life.

I'm excited for you!
 

I'm not sure how the cervical sensation is, but the way I describe the feeling in my legs is a soothing 'tingling'......kinda like the feeling you get when your foot or arm falls asleep and that tingling feeling you get when it 'wakes up'.....something like that, only not as 'annoying' and intense
I absolutely love it.

Fiona - GREAT info! I'm so glad you threw that nugget of wisdom in there because yes, it certainly is a 'letdown' when they take that soothing away.
Indeed make sure you have your pain meds filled up, so you can fall back on them after the procedure. Then....it's a matter of waiting for 'the DAY' to get the REAL deal! :)

BTW, I did not feel a THING when they pulled the leads out after the trial. In case you are nervous about that. There's nothing to that.
But what Fiona is referring to is something to really pay heed to. There will be that 'down time' that you're gonna have to deal with.
I remember Mark going thru a pretty bad time of it while waiting for his permanent implant.

I felt nothing either when the lead was pulled out after my trial. I was expecting it to be SORE but it wasnt. I too had some pain flares worse after the trial than before, but had my meds on hand too......

We will all be thinking of you too:hug:

this is a long one...
 

I don't really have any pain meds. I take Lyrica (300 mg a day) Cymbalta (60mg) and Mobic. They seem to keep the pain manageable but yes, I do have times where I just want to curl up in a ball in a dark closet. I don't like the idea of heavy pain pills though because I have to be there for the kids, hubby (& my dogs). The meds I take are bad enough. I've always had a high pain tolerance but I think what gets me is the constant. I know my family doesn't quite understand how bad the pain is, they think my arm just hurts. Well, yes it hurts, it burns, it feels like the skin and muscles are being ripped off, giving birth was easier than this.

Enough venting, this has been a wonderful group. I've really been able to get through all the issues RSD has dealt me by turning to these boards. My stress levels have been high the past months and I guess that's what is making my pain so bad. Last May, I lost my home, 6 dogs (show dogs ) and everything but the shirts on our backs to a fire. It has been a VERY hard road but people have been amazing. I am so grateful for that! I have 2 pups now (7 mo & 11 mo) that are related to the ones I lost, and a 3rd pup (also 7 mo.) that is my husbands dog but really a "momma's boy"! They have been VERY easy pups and awesome "therapy" dogs to us.

I really hope this scs works. I want to get back to training my dogs, showing them & running in agility trials again. They keep me sane!

Another question I have is since I won't be able to shower and wash my hair, is there any kind of dry shampoo that you guys used or how did you get through that?
Patty

So sorry to hear about the fire and losing your dogs. I just love my dogs and it had to be heartbreaking to lose yours. You've been through so much, I pray that this implant will give you the relief you need:smileypray::smileypray:

As far as the hair, I taped a garbage bag over the leads and over my upper back, and then I put a towel around my shoulders and neck area and had my husband wash my hair using the long extension shower head as I bent way over the tub. I put towels on the floor to catch any splashed water, too. Was a big hassle, but after 3-4 days of dirty hair I couldn't take it any more. If possible, you could maybe wash your hair over the kitchen sink if you take all the precautions to make sure your incision site doesn't get wet.

Dear Patty
 

I am so sorry to understand so much was lost through fire, and yet a great blessing endured..... in the lives of you and your family. I went back and re-read your whole thread, and had failed to realize you have twins. This is a twin packed thread! Rae, you, and Cleo and I have twins [we had them twice], and one thing I definitely know is rebuilding is a test and a task hard from which to rebound, and you all are engaged in it as a family, if as ours, pulling together, binding more closely, and if faith is part of the equation KNOWING God is helping along the way. We have been astounded at the relief and release of our community of faith pulling alongside us and it has been wondrous.

Now to your hair...... well, since I am a guy, I might just suggest you pretend to be on a week long camping trip, put it in a scrunchy or pony and tough it out so there is no risk of bending and moving a lead..... but, then that does not sound too compassionate. Maybe your husband will help you over the kitchen sink so you can carefully lower your head over with Fiona's left over plastic bags surrounding you and let him minister to you in love by washing your hair carefully as you manage to remain still and protective of your wiring harness. I have been there, and done that after my wife had surgery. It gives the guy a feeling of love and helpfulness that just tightens the natural bond.

On the removal of the leads at end of Trial, for me it was a tugging sensation after hearing the snip of the sutures that held them in place and they were gone. The pain was immediately roaring as it always had pre-trial and I was actually glad for the morphine I was prescribed [though thrilled now to have fully withdrawn from all pain management meds due to my stim].

Regarding how it feels..... well, I have used TENS, and its prickly pear stinging sensation..... the a topically applied Neuro Stimulator, which was much beefy-er than a TENS [the tech said it was a TENS on steroids] and it did help provide a deeper more stimulating and controlling wave relief. But there was NOTHING to compare to the wondrous blessing of having the SCS stim in place whether during Trial or Permanent. As for me, I feel kind of a shivering feeling from within, not tingling, and since I am a lumbar patient, it emanates from my low spine all of the way into my legs [even some in my lower legs, which due to permanent nerve injury feel nothing otherwise]. I PRAISE GOD THAT THIS TECHNOLOGY WAS INSPIRED IN HUMANKIND because it has SO helped me and is allowing my quest to re-enter the full time practice of law. Gratitude, I just feel a LOT of gratitued for all of the medical heroes who helped me along the way [goes for you too Pooh].

You may want to ask for something to assist with pain management between Trial and Permanent if it is going to be a go for you, maybe the doc will have an idea on some med which will help you maintain alertness and yet dull the pain.

I am pulling for you, my friend, and prayer is a part of my gig, so you are in there, too,:smileypray::smileypray::smileypray::smileypra y:
Mark56:hug:z

Oh Patty
 

Patty you have been through much in the past year, Im really sorry to hear about your home and your dogs. I know how dogs can become part of the family. We have 3 White Westhighland Terriers and I would be lost without them. They have been my lifesaver of the past 6 years. We lost one of our dogs in 2009, it was traumatic to say the least, so to lose 6 must have been just dreadful for you all. I hope everything works out for you and your family too. This SCS will be a godsend for you if it works Patty, so Im praying for you that it does.

When I had my trial I only had it in for 2 days....but when I had the implant and obviously you cant shower for something like 3 weeks:eek:, well for washing my hair I bent over the bath as much as I could and like Fiona I too covered my incisions (they are in the lumbar region) and my husband washed it with the long shower connection. Whichever you find comfortable Patty its really up to you. Im not too up on dry shampoo's sorry.......


Jackie:hug:

Patty, I am on my3 rd unit and this is the best fix I have found for my hair:confused:. I sit on a stool IN the tub and "hunny" wraps a shower curtian around me. He then uses the hand leld shower to wash my hair:D. Now him combing brushing it was the trick:eek:
:hug:z

Wow Patty....
 

The loss you've suffered.....leaves me speechless. I am so very sorry about what the fire has taken from you.
That is just way too sad about losing those dogs.... :(

As you can see, there is no lack in the support you'll get here.
Like I've said before, each person here is like a beautiful unique GEM!

.....the dry shampoo......I know it exists, as I've heard of it.
Not sure how to get ahold of any, other than do a google search and go from there.....

You and your precious family are in my prayers
Caring deeply!
Rae
:hug::grouphug::hug:

Hey there Patty!

First let me say that I had a Cervical trial but since my procedure didn't work out like a regular procedure would my trial sensation is different then the regular. Because my doctor could not get the lead past a certain point(I have Kissing Spine and the area she needed to get to was to tight even for the smallest lead) she had to go under my skin and directly place the lead where my pain was. Because she did this my sensation was that like a TENS unit. I had 5 different programs and each one was different so if my body got annoyed with a setting I would just change it and I would be perfectly fine:) It felt really good to me. Also, since mine was a peripheral scs implant I didn't get the "tingle" that the others discribe but I know what that tingle feels like because while they were trying to find the right area for me I got to feel that tingle from my lower back to my feet and it was a wonderful sensation and it is COMPLETELY different in sensation. Not a bad different but just different. I got awesome results though and got 95% to 100% pain relief. Of course everyone is different but I want you to know that even though I had to take a different route I still had a great outcome and I know you will too!!!! Just have faith!!!!:):hug:

Also, just wanted to let you know that when I was doing my 7 day trial I used Batiste in "Blush" for dry shampoo and you can get it a Sally's beauty supplies here in the US or online. I only used it for 2 days and then I HAD to wash my hair and my hubby did it for me. But I have black hair and as long as you use it as directed and brush it through you won't see any white in your hair. I still use it for when I need a quick fix and don't really have time to "style" my hair. It gives great volume too!!!:D

I wish you the best of luck!!!

:hug:'s
Treca

Oh, and one more thing. Like others have said I did not have pain either when my lead was taken out. No sensation at all. It did feel really good to me though when they took all that tape off though!!! LOL...My whole back was covered in really wide and long tape. It almost covered my whole back...I was ready for it to go so it felt really good coming off. It felt like a nice long scratch on the back like when someone scratches your back for ya! :wink:

Trial today
 

I went in for my trial today and was SO very nervous and scared. I have to say it iS AMAZING! I have 1 cervical lead. My hand that I couldn't open yesterday, I can mostly open now but can use it more!! As I get used to it I turn it up but it's at 3 right now. Pretty low I think but who cares if it's working! Now I want the real thing. :D

The Dr says I can have it out as soon as I've made a decision either way but the Medtronics Rep said it'll be in for a wk. Have to see what they say tomorrow. Thank you ll for the encouragements!!
Patty

Yea Patty
 

So glad that you feel relief so soon as did I when they first turned on my two leads for the lumbar and leg issues! May all go extremely well for you!

Mark56:hug:z

So happy for you that you're getting good results!! I remember when I had mine put it, it was such a relief I just sat and cried...and then cried some more when they were ready to take it out in the office. I counted the days until I got my permanent one in. Great news:D:D

Cried here too
 

I remember Cleo asking me the next day when I felt up to wandering downstairs "so how does it feel." She said my face got all screwed up, and I started spilling tears because, as I explained, the PAIN was gone...... the pain was gone.

Yep,
Mark56:grouphug:

EXACTLY MARK!!!!! That's exactly what happened with me. The SCS implant truly is a miracle for some of us lucky few.

I'm so happy for you Patty!!! I KNEW it would work for you. I'll keep you in my prayers that everything works out for your week trial.:Dancing-Chilli::Dancing-Chilli::Dancing-Chilli::Dancing-Chilli:
:hug:'s
Treca

How's the trial going???

going great!
 

The trial is going great! They wanted to take it out today but said if I really love it they'll take it out Monday. I am amazed at how much I can use my hand, before it was closed in a fist. My back is so very ichy though from the adhesive on the bandages though.

Friends have commented that I look happy. It's going to be miserable waiting for the permanent one.
Patty

Oh Patty..I know what you mean about your back being itchy...lol...It felt SOOOOOOO GOOOOOD when they took it off..lol...it was like having someone give you a nice long back scratch...hahaha :D

I'm so glad it's going well so far for you!!! :Dancing-Chilli::Dancing-Chilli::Dancing-Chilli::Dancing-Chilli:

That WAS the First Remark of My Friends
 

"Mark, you look happy! That grimace is GONE from your face!" That is how you tell on the outside things are going well, when those who know you and have observed you, NOTICE something very different in your countenance.

Bravo for you!
Mark56:hug::D:circlelove::yahoo::I-Agree::icon_smile::Heart::rocket::partytime2::Danc ing-Chilli::Grin-Nod::Head-Spin::winner_first_h4h::Excited::Tip-Hat:

Congratulations!
 

And WOW they are letting you keep it over the weekend! That was nice of them! VERY nice!!
I too hope you don't have to wait very long to get your permanent.

You are the first person I've heard with such a great testimony (especially regarding getting your HAND to work again!!) I am blown away by this!
I did not know the unit would be able to provide that option for you.
This is so exciting!

Yes, like Mark says, when 'other' people are able to 'read' you and visually SEE that your pain is not written all over your face, then that is wonderful confirmation that you've had great success in this trial!!

There have been some people say that they get the permanent implant almost immediately while others had to wait at least 6 weeks because some Dr's (mine included) wanted me to heal up completely before doing the permanent.
I guess your doctor is the one who knows best....but I sure hope you don't have to wait very long! I am so happy that your hand is moving again!
I just can't get over that!! :yahoo:

Rae
:hug::grouphug::hug: