Post SCS "Must-Haves"
 

Hey everybody...

So we started to talk about this in another thread, but I thought it would be helpful to give it its own thread...

My question is, are there "Must-Haves" for post SCS/healing time? For example, one suggestion given to me, which I'll be getting shortly, is a high-quality 'grabber' (to prevent bending). Also, any tips to make things easier- including dealing with pets, showering, etc. :confused:

There is an RSD "Must-Haves" thread out there, I thought why not have one for us SCS folks? (many with RSD, mind you, but with even more extra needs, post-op)...

Thanks in advance everybody! :D


~Colleen :grouphug:

My first suggestion is that grabber you are already getting. I have one at home and one at work. I would also recommend to move things that you use daily to a height where you are not reaching or bending for them. For example: food, clothes, toiletries, laundry detergent, you get the point. I did that and was very thankful that I did.

That is all that comes to my mind at the moment :)

Nanc

Great thread Colleen!
 

Ditto what Nanc says! It is soooOOOOOOOoooooo important to mind the no bending/stretching rules. It doesn't take much at all to get a lead to move, even just the tiniest bit.
Let others do alot of the things that 'you' usually do.
Take baby steps around the house, you sure don't want to trip.

I'm sure there'll be lots to add to this thread!

Rae
:grouphug:

Cooking ahead
 

Good idea if you don't have a safety net of family, friends, etc to bring in food. Cook and freeze in single and family portions if needed. I just about had a fit when I checked out the sodium content of Stouffers. I was going to stock up on that as I really don't feel up to cooking but I will push ahead.

I'm the worst person to ask as within a couple of days I was back to normal, hoovering, cleaning the shower and so on ...

Pain Meds
 

Now I know the whole idea of having the trial/implant is to TRY to get rid of the meds you are on....BUT make sure you still have them to hand.

When I had my implant, which was a gift and it was working great in the hospital....after a few days I noticed I had 'flu' like symptons......:eek:shivering, cold sweats, hot sweats and feeling miserable....At first my Consultant I had an infection but it turns out I hadnt taken my medication AND I WAS HAVING WITHDRAWAL SYMPTONS!!!!!!:eek:

Because I was using the stim and getting some relief...plus I was also given antibiotics to ward off infections, especially with a foreign body in my body, I had totolly forgotten some of my meds and that was why I was experiencing some of these awful symptons....

So maybe just keep that in mind;)

Jackie :)

Pain meds...
 

Jackie- That's an excellent point! That happened to me before (with an anti-anxiety med, after I had a great couple days, and it was AWFUL!) I appreciate you pointing this out, because it could definitely be easy to forget if the stim is working well!

Thank you!!!

~Colleen :hug:

I felt great after my trial except for a predictable Fibro flare. If my body perceives that it has been violated, it flares. After Pain Man jumped up and down on my back and played Roter Router Man for three hours, my body was convinced that it had been violated. While painful, it was very clear to me that the neuropathy had been totally eliminated. I went nutz. I really had to keep reminding myself that I had to behave myself, obey the rules, and not push the envelope.

It is my understanding that the implant is going to be rugged. I see the surgeon next Thursday and will get the battle plan. There is a chance I will need one, maybe two new disc/lam before even starting the implant. At the time I had the trial, I was told I would need at least six leads. The surgeon will be using paddles. That means lammies. Sooooooooooooo, I am going to set up my place the same way I normally would for spinal surgery. Keep in mind that I live alone. I will have a folding table next to my bed with a bunch of plastic bins for snacks, magazines and books, sleepware, toilettries and my tablet. The cell phone will be tied to the bedpost. They have a way of jumping onto the floor. This way I can retrieve it by pulling it up by the string and not fumbling with the grabber. Favorite pots and pans will be stacked on the counter so I don't have to bend or reach. The coffee and filters will be down where I don't have to reach up for them. The fridge will be re-arranged so everything is on the higher shelves. Forget the produce bins and lowest shelves. I'll pick up a case of generic Ensure for when I don't feel like cooking or nuking. I actually like the French Vanilla. Best wishes.

Sorted
 

Well Spine it sounds as if you have it all sorted ;). They are some great points. I love the one where you tie your cell to the bedpost :D....they do then to JUMP when you least expect it and end up on the floor or behind the flipping couch so you cant get near them :D

I didnt find the implant to 'rugged' as you say. I was surprised at how well I coped. As Id had spinal fusions done prior to my implant and boy were they sore. They had to be THE most painful surgery Ive ever had. So when the implant came along I was pleasantly surprised at how well I coped. But then we are all different and have different pain thresholds too.

I hope it all goes well for you......keep smiling :)

Jackie:hug:

Have comfortable loose-fitting clothing handy, a good pair of cozy slippers to get your feet into, rather than bending all about trying to get socks on.

.......hmmmm :Ponder:what else..... WASH your hair really really good right before the procedure, so you can afford to go a couple days without feeling 'yucky'. After that, have someone help you, or use a spray nozzle while you stand over the sink....
Having baby wipes handy can really help to 'freshen up'

more ideas will come I'm sure.....

Rae
:grouphug: