Cervical leads removed today
 

Starting a new thread.

Leads came out okay. So far, pain is manageable...haven't had to hit the pain meds. yet. I was embarased because I started crying when the nurse came in to take them out. She said "it really helped that much, huh?" I could hardly answer her, so I just nodded. They'll be doing the insurance shuffle and will let me know when the surgery date is set. The trick will be getting enough surgery time at the hospital as it will take longer than usual since I'm getting both a lumbar and cervical stimulator put in. I'll have to figure out some way of distinguishing between remotes as I'll have two of them to deal with once it's all said and done. The nurse said that I wouldn't be allowed to start PT for 4-6 months post surgery. I asked her if I needed to use their PT person or if any PT person would do and she said it has to be someone familiar with working with SCS and know how to help a person SLOWLY regain the strength they've probably lost over the years. So, at least it sounds like I'm in with a good dr. and PT dept.

So glad to hear you have a surgery date, Mark :) Hopefully I'll get a date set in a couple of weeks and we can do our countdown together.

Good luck with everything. I would cry if my leads were removed from me too! BTW, I have both a lumbar and cervical stimulator and my way of distinguishing the two is by getting a sticker label and writing LUMBAR and CERVICAL and sticking them onto your transponder ;)

Countdown SOON!!
 

Hi Fiona-

I so felt for you reading regarding the removal of your test leads. The experience is traumatizing in the recognition pain is back. I understand so well and the memory is so fresh. May your DATE come soon and we can countdown together!!

Prayers of comfort for you,:smileypray:
Mark56

Sweet Tears....
 

Fionab
You know you've got your 'gang' here to help you get thru the waiting....! :)
We'll share every tear with you and do our best to make you laugh...
You've been such an important part of this support group, we are like family!

I'm tickled pink to see Vannafeelbettr is back on board!! :grouphug:
She had such a wonderful way of helping me thru the trial as I went thru my gammet of emotions.....

She's been a huge inspiration to me (and many others!) and no doubt will talk you thru this, as she has both lumbar and cervical SCS as well.

The caring just never lets up around here!!
It's a 24/7 thing!

Be Strong, my friend....:hug:
Rae

have had to resume pain meds.
 

Well, made it 5 hrs. before had to break down and resume pain meds. Stopped at grocery store on way home and bought a jar of prunes...I bought some other groceries so I could hide the jar of prunes in amongst them. That's one of the main complaints I have about narcotics - the dang constipation that goes along with it. Anyone have any ideas on dealing with constipation...lovely topic, I know :rolleyes:

Vanna...any post surgery tips for those of us who get to have two?

Thanks :Thanx:

Beans Beans are not the amazing fruit
 

Hi Fiona-

During childhood I learned a rhyme that went Beans, Beans, the amazing fruit, the more you eat the more you toot..... :) Despite its seeming distasteful subject matter, constipation is reality for patients prescribed opiates. It is just guaranteed to occur. I have it. It feels awful. It is a constant struggle. Pain borne inactivity, to the extent we succumb, combined with opiates will plug definitely.:thud::thud::thud: Then I discovered the true amazing fruit.... prunes.

Now, I did not want another pill or medicinal remedy this time, because I have had enough of those, so I resorted to dried fruit, prunes and apricots. I eat much of them and they usually work, keeping the Mark plumbing functioning. Right now is not one of those times, and it feels yucky :Ponder:; however, those blessed natural remedies in fruit help me. I rely on them. Sure, at first I felt sort of "embarassed" and soon I decided after a while... SO WHAT:icon_rolleyes:, this works. We buy them by the bags full at the grocer and no one cracks a grin at the checkout. It is just part of life.:Sigh:

I hope your plumbing works well with prunes added. I really do.
Your friend in constip, [there is no icon for constipation]
Mark56:):grouphug:

Fiona, I had chosen to get my lumbar implant done first, since cervical was more difficult to heal from (due to an extra incision and stiffness in neck). and I also reasoned I wanted relief first for my legs since that is a 'larger amount of area' to cover. PM doc and I felt best to schedule the procedures 6 weeks apart. That worked really well :)

As for post op care. You have to lie flat on your back for the first 2 weeks to allow scar tissue formation to start enveloping the leads into place. Try your best to respect that - and that your family/caretaker respect that as well. you will most likely need your Rep to reprogram things for you at your follow-up because the 'true' stimulation is more accurately felt after the swelling goes down.... especially true for the cervical. So don't be upset if the stimulation doesn't feel over the moon in the initial weeks.

As for location of the implants, I had both put in my right/left lower back/hip area. For the cervical, the doctor had to give me an extra incision to route the leads due to the extra distance. It is a decision I am very happy with because.... believe it or not, you subconsciously 'protect' that implant 24/7, and with both implants located close by, that is one area I need to be protecting instead of two! :wink:

As for the constipation, Mark is right on about them prunes! But since I can't even force feed them to myself (yuck), I've found great methods that work for me. One is to take a magnesium supplement (500mg) -- magnesium helps your muscles to relax; and your bowels too. Even saw a segment on Dr.Oz about it. Another thing that works is in the morning before I eat, warm water and lemon juice! Within a half hour...... works like a charm:D

More fluids help overall, warm fluids have been a longtime stimulant over the years for many ppl, hot coffee, tea, plain hot water, etc. Can also do stewed fruit, dried fruit covered with boiling water, or cooked and allowed to cool. can also try warmed fruit juice :eek:
When I was a MUCH younger nurse we would mix 2 tablespoons full of milk of magnesia, 4 oz of prune juice and 2-4 oz of hot water for patients in dire straits, rarely failed BUT be prepared for exploision!!:eek::eek::eek::eek:
:hug:z

i just love you guys :)
 

I'm so tickled to read about 'hiding' the prunes amongst your other groceries........
So, I thought I'd share this to make your day........ :rolleyes:
Speaking of 'grocery store bloopers'.......

This was like, 25 years ago......I had to make a quick trip to the store for 2 items and 2 items only.......
We needed frozen strawberries (can't remember what we were making, but it was a last minute rush to the store to get them) PLUS, (i can't believe i'm sharing this on a public forum :o ) i needed to grab a 'douche' (for my female needs at the time)......didn't even REALIZE what this must have looked like to the young man who was at the check-out counter.....

THERE. I said it. We are officially 'FAMILY' NOW!!!! :eek:

P.S. Those 'stool softener' gel-type pills work like a charm.

OOoooo
 

I should try this!
Explosions hmmmmm......
Mark56:)