This Thursday--The Big Day!
 

Yep, I'm truly for real getting wired at 2:15 on 1/5. A nurse called me earlier today to go over all the fun facts, and I guess she got me a little rattled when she started talking about how they were going to insert the leads and how "it's not too bad for some people, but other people feel a lot of discomfort with that part." I guess I knew it might not feel good, but I wasn't really thinking about it until she said it that way and now I wish she hadn't.

So could those of you in the know level...how bad is it?

Sorry I'm being such a big sissy-baby all of a sudden.

I'm going in for my revision on Thursday too, so I will definitely be thinking of you and sending you prayers and good thoughts with your trial implant- it's great that it's finally here!!

Personally, I had quite a bit of pain during the trial. I think this is partly because there's wires coming out of your back. But then it definitely wasn't as bad as the actual implant surgery ;) From the stories I've read from others on here it does seem like it's different for everyone- so here's hoping it won't be too bad for you, Joan, and that you'll have wonderful results!!

Thanks yellow...I'll be thinking of you and hoping the best for you as well!

I guess if I got through a TAH and a total hip replacement, I can probably get through this too. I keep telling myself that I'm a bad-@$$, but I wonder if I believe me.

Hi Joan
Looking back, the trail went much better than I ever dreamed. Never having had any back issues I was really nervous but was willing to try. It's very strange to be awake and being asked where and what intensity you feel the stim. Luckily for me the they got it I the right position fairly quickly compared to the actual implant. Not being able to shower, bend and lift was very challenging. Sleeping was also difficult because of the way the leads are attached. My abdominal pain is intermittent and I never know if and when the pain will surface. So, I tried to do as much as possible to see how it all works.

Good luck. Oh, your music is beautiful.

Sandy Kay :hug:

Here`s what scares me:
 

Thanks Sandy Kay. What she said that really bothered me was the actual insertion...I know that they give you a local anasethetic but she was saying that when they work the leads deep into your body, it might feel pretty bad while they`re doing it. That`s what has me spooked.

Thanks for liking the mando music too!

Can't really say, but I'll pray for ya!
 

My trial was on the operating room table, which is not the usual way, so I really can't tell you how your experience will be. This was my 12th surgery, and, as you've had serious surgeries, I can assure you that you will get through your trial just fine. You may be uncomfortable, to be sure, but it won't be anything like what you've experienced right after a hip replacement! I will pray for you tomorrow, and will check back to see how it went for ya!

Hi Joan
 

For my trial, I did have some discomfort on the right side when the lead was inserted. The left side went pretty well, but for some reason, the surgeon had to really push hard to get the right side in.
My bad response was to just grit my teeth and tear up......INSTEAD of asking for more pain medication. My doctor seems upset that I was just trying to ride through it. lol Not doing that ever again. I will definately ask for more pain meds!
Please - if you feel uncomfortable, ask for more pain coverage in the area.
For the permanent, I was unconsious for the entire installation :) Since the surgeon was placing the leads in the same position as the trial.
Please let us know how you are doing. Will keep you in my prayers.

Maybe, just Maybe......
 

JOAN...... what if, what if just maybe the wires you receive are recycled mandolin wires..... huh? Wouldn't that be something?

Oh, I know I have gone and weireded out again..... in all seriousness Joan, may your trial deliver that which you seek by way of pain management opportunity in a healthful, less medicinal way! Then, YELLOW, the revision! It is here and those leads which would not budge for all of your trying are going to be hopefully emplaced in a better position for your overall use of your SCS!!! Each of you need and dare I say "deserve" an opportunity to know bliss with managed pain via SCS.

You will definitely feel sensations which take some time to become accustomed, but your situation will be improved if the stim helps you regain SOME of the life you felt was left behind due to pain.

Count on me to pray,
Mark56:grouphug:

Thanks EJ, Viv and Mark!
 

Well, today`s the day!

Good luck, yellow! Please keep us posted!

Mando wires
 

And Mark, I considered the repurposed mandolin strings...but decided there were way too many potential innuendos.:)