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Trial Phase Started
21 hours in......I am impressed!. The unit is Boston Scientific with percutaneous leads.
I had to take it easy due to light sedation, but today I can get up, get moving and see what this bad boy can do! I had coverage in my lower back and legs while on the procedure table; however, I lost the stim in my back when they moved me to recovery. My back pain travels into my legs to the point my life just stop. If it can ease just the leg pain I'll be ecstatic. Anything more would just add to the blessing! It rattles my brain at how much suffering I went through before this option was even mentioned. That is going to be a question I ask the doctor! Have others had a long period of suffering before given the SCS as an option? My back itself is quite sore from the procedure. By the time it feels better it will be next Tuesday; the day it gets removed! Does anyone have advice of how to make the most of this trial? I do question if I should start with it very, very low and activate it once the pain starts or do you keep it constant and increase the stim as the pain increases? Thank you very much for your help and for having such a fabulous forum! Now off to get ready for my day and I best remind myself not to get too carried away! |
Hi nanaz!
Here's hoping your trial goes wonderfully and that you can experience some pain relief !
When I did my trial, like you, I was pretty sore the first day so I basically just used ice and rested. The second day still a little painful/tender. By the time day 3 rolled around, I was SO excited b/c I played around with the controls and got used to the trial unit. I felt very encouraged by the odd yet soothing 'buzzzz'. :rolleyes: It covered over my burning bilateral leg pain and gave me hope. Then the trial is over and they took the unit away. Of course the pain was back with a vengeance. Try not to let this worry or depress you. If you got good coverage and felt positive with the results, then this is what you should concentrate on. When/if you get the permanent unit, hopefully you can get your quality of life back! I'd recommend keeping a journal of your trial experience. Write down questions you'll have for the Dr and the B.S. Rep. If you haven't already, check out the information at the top section of this forum (called the 'stickies'). It's full of good info regarding being prepared for the surgery, the post op suggestions, etc. And of course the testimonies of all the wonderful peeps who have shared here. This is a wonderful place of support. It made me realize that I'm not alone in this. Keep us posted! I'm sure you'll have a zillion questions like we all did. I'm pullin for ya! Caring, Rae :grouphug: |
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me |
NanaZ,
As Rae suggests I would keep a journal detailing your experiences on this trial. I am sending positive thoughts that you attain the relief we all crave. SCS/Pumps are not routinely available over here so I cannot comment there, but I have felt the mental torment of having a treatment that somewhat works taken away for a time. I am assuming an optimistic resolution to your trial, and - if so - you must remain optimistic and mentally strong while waiting for you permanent implant. Do whatever you can to keep your spirits up and the pain down. There are always members here ready to offer support should you need it. Wishing you the best of luck, Dave. |
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It was only after a series of spinal injections before my Pain Management Doctor suggested I do a trial for an SCS. A few years prior I had a laminectiomy/fusion and still had quite a bit of spinal and leg pain. My trial didn't go well and my PM doctor suggested trying another trial, I declined. In some cases the trial gives good results; but when the permanent SCS is implanted, should the leads move before being scarred in place, you can wind up with additional pain. Also where the battery is implanted can cause some unwanted issues as well. When the SCS is implanted it is important that you take extreme care about bending, lifting, twisting, etc. Rae can probably give you a better idea of what to do and not to do. As I recall, she did some lifting of hay for her horses which did cause the lead to move before being scared in. Hope all goes well. Also, it is important to make an informed decision; especially where expectations are concerned. Gerry |
As day one of the trial and 2014 come to an end, I've been given a peek into the possibility of a life with less pain!
I couldn't even sleep last night:). My body felt almost no pain and my mind wouldn't shut down for sleep. Instead, I crocheted, watched TV and simply clung to the way my body felt. Today started with a trip to the grocery store and returning home to make breakfast for hubby and my grandson. I enjoyed a half day of play with my grandson, not having pain limiting our time together. The remainder of the day was spent at home doing a little of this and a little of that (all within my restrictions of course!!) My Dr. told me prior that stim usually doesn't do well for lower backs. So I knew that going into this. I did give in and take medication tonight to aide my back........but these legs have been tingling all day and my body has worked WITH me instead of against me! Here's to a New Year bringing each of us new hope for healing. |
Ummmmm......
I am a lower back person for the stim. I know your post here is the beginning thought trail on early trial responsiveness and that things did take a difficult turn. This being said, do take hope in the reality others have had that Boston Sci product for lower lumbar and found favor with it. I am one such patient.
Care not to OVERDO during trial is a good tip. This is because the suture holding the works in place is SO VERY minimal.....it is too easy to mix up the works. Don't be throwing any bales of hay..... Rae gave good advice to write journal thoughts about the experience. The thoughts will help appraise whether going the distance for the permanent install is a good thing. It will be valuable both to you and your doc. I pray all is going better and that you will be well in this endeavor, M56 :hug: |
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