Got approval for cervical SCS trial
 

Thought I'd start a new thread. Got the authorization today so will probably get the trial implant next week. I've got mixed feelings about it...looking forward to getting pain relief, but after the pain increase I've been experiencing after the lumbar trial I had in May, I'm not looking forward to this trial ending. I'm still one hurting pup :frown: When the dr. was taking the lumbar trial cords out, I commented that I almost didn't show up for the appt. because it helped a lot and I didn't want to have it removed. He said that they've actually had to have the police go and bring patients in because they didn't want to give up the pain relief they were having on their trial. I can believe it. If it wasn't for the risk of infection I'd be tempted to skip town until the day came for the permanent implants :wink: I'll ask the dr. when I get the cervical trial about the whole vacation thing.

Glad for your new thread and the trial!
 

Yea Fionab-

One trial about complete and another up on calendar. Your desire not to let go of the pain relief of the trial is not unusual at all. I showed up to my Dr. appt for trial removal telling them I sure did want to keep it in [but it was infected and had to come out anyway], even so, it proved the point. I am right for permanent implant.

Still waiting,
Mark56:)

YEA for you!!!!:yahoo::Good-Luck::Dancing-Chilli::Dancing-Chilli::Dancing-Chilli::Dancing-Chilli:

Great!! I'm happy for you! Just make sure that if they give you a bunch of restrictions during your trial, don't pay alot of attention to them!!! they gave me so many restrictions that I didn't get a good assessment of pain relief. So I thought the thing was taking almost all my pain away ~ why wouldn't I think so, since I wasn't doing anything. LOL. After I had the permanent implant put in, and started doing my regular routing after the healing period, WHOA!!! The pain hit me like a bull moose!! I turned the thing up full blast, and almost electrocuted myself!!! Then we re-programmed the darned thing, and that didn't work. I tried the stupid thing for 6 months, and had to have it removed, mostly for other reasons. (it started to work itself out of me, cause I wasn't big enough to hold it in ~ ICK)

So give it a good trial during the trial period. Who cares about their stupid restrictions!!! God bless and good luck! Hugs, Lee

The only restrictions I have followed the last 2 times were keeping the wounds clean and dry, dressing changes as ordered, and following the back precations as you dont want the leads to slip:hug:

Good for you! :)
 

Thanks for starting a new thread fionab ! We will all join in and help you 'bide the time' :Writting:

Hopefully it won't be TOOO long.
Try to just continue reminding yourself of all these years of the pain you've endured.....so maybe that'll help make this interim seem a bit less painstaking.
I hope you have adequate pain meds on board while you wait.

:grouphug::grouphug::grouphug:

My cervical trial is scheduled for this Weds., 6/9. Will have it in for a week...unless I did what I did during the lumbar trial... I told them after three days into the trial that it did help a lot, so they just went ahead and took it out rather than me returning 3 days later.

I've been living on dilaudid suppositories and phenergren suppositories for the last two weeks. Can't do the pills as they make me throw up. The suppository, while not a pleasant way to take meds., does help. My husband calls the phenergren suppos. my "chaser".

What I'm wondering is should I continue on my dilaudid/phenergren regimen or should I stop it tomorrow so I can get a true picture of whether the cervical trial helps? The only problem with stopping it is that my lumbar area/legs will resume their usual pain. Any thoughts/comments? Thanks

Oh Boy!
 

YES!!
I know exactly where you are with this thoughtlife!
It seems I was just there yesterday!!

The best thing to say (on this end) is to do as your doctor advises.....
Also, listen to your body. don't 'Cold Turkey' your meds or else you could potentially have to deal with withdrawal-type symptoms and then you'll be confused as to whether or not pain is from withdrawal, your originial condition, and/or your trial itself......

The first couple of days seemed kind of confusing and a bit stressful for me, but by day 3 it became evident that the unit was working.
Take it easy the first couple days and don't push too hard trying to decide. Your body has been thru a 'procedure' and that hurts! :o
Then, just start messing with the controls and try to do things around the house that you couldn't do before and if you don't go in to 'pain spike' mode, then that'll be a good sign your unit will work in your favor.

Also, don't be too 'religious' about the 'post op' restrictions during the trial, because then you won't have given the unit a real run for your money.
That's why it's important to get up and try doing things. Test it.

You'll kinda just know as you go.....
Good Luck!
Anxious to hear how you do!!

Praying!
Rae
:hug:

Good point about not stopping my meds. cold turkey...had not thought about that. I'm going to continue to take them as the trial is only for cervical area and my lumbar area is very painful right now. Will let you know how trial goes. I get it tomorrow around 2 p.m. Thanks for your prayers :hug:

Follow your Doc
 

Hi Fionab- Do bear in mind Rae's comment about following your Doc, they have the training and are in the know. Today, the surgery center should be in touch with you about prep..... ask them. Tell them your meds regimen and let them be in touch with the Doc to get last minute instructions to you. As for me, the doc wanted all meds going continuously as he was dependent on it for a baseline of my known pain profile. His goal was knowing that situation to address the overthetop pain and go for it. I feel my trial was a home run.

Go for it Fiona-
Praying for you,
Mark56:smileypray: