Thank you Sandra! I'll definitely read it!

Thanks very much!

I'm old: 43. I'm so sorry this hit you so young, when you've got so many new, wonderful experiences ahead of you. I'm in Cape Coral, Florida and I love the weather we have most of the year; I think it helps. Can you tell me about physical activities and limitations? I used to teach yoga and water aerobics and I'd love to be able to do some of the things I used to do, even if it's just a few minutes a few times a week. Right now I have to keep my arm elevated and supported on pillows just to do a few minutes of walking in place (I feel so ridiculous when I do it and then my pain increases for the next couple of days.) I know it's a pretty silly thing to want, but those are a couple of things I really miss. I'd love to reduce my meds, get more active and actually go out without a lot of planning. The main physical benefit I'm looking for is relief from the burning. Did that get reduced for you? Thanks so much for being open with your experience, and sharing your hope and encouragement.

Hi Lynn,

I'm thrilled and encouraged that this has been such a life-changing, pain-relieving procedure for you and some of the other people who responded to this. I definitely think I need to consider it when it has the possibility of really giving a good part of my sense of self back. Can you please tell me about what kinds of activities you can do (exercise, cooking, going out)? I can't do those things now and would like to do a little, even if it isn't much. Did you get relief from the intense heat/burning? Thank you!

Yes, you can use microwave, and go through detectors. I actually was at the airport last month and went through the security and didnt even beep!!!! wow that was nice i didnt need to get the pat down... the trick is turn the SCS OFF before going through!! :)

I used to be an avid volleyball player and i did yoga everyday. I still do yoga except just in modifications. It will take about 6 months till you can bend alot without having to worry... but now i do normal yoga classes and unless i feel the cord pulling i can pretty much do everything. the only thing I am limited to is alot of poses on my hands (downward dog). My wrist is not strong enough for that... but everything else in yoga I can do. We cant do roller coasters... any sudden jerky movements... and yoga def is not sudden or jerky. My dr actually recommmends pilates and yoga to keep the muscles limber and stretched from spasms. I need to get into the routine of going more often though :) Any other questions?? Also, my incision site is on my right hip... i recommend putting it on the OPPOSITE side that you normally sleep on... yeah... learned the hard way.. :) Any other questions?

I have had an SCS implant for my left foot since 2003. Everyone's results are different, and I was 1000% sold on it when it first went in, but after a short while, the effectiveness ore off. I was told that happens sometimes - that the body "rewires" itself to get past the SCS stimulation and you go back to the same ol same old.

I can tell you, though, that the precautions you asked about are minimal. Microwave ovens are not a problem, nor are regular stores. I always (as a preventive measure) turn off my stimulator when I go shopping, especially at a mall where I will be in-and-out of stores a lot or if I will be going to a jewelry or leather goods store where they have their security cranked up a bit.

I have heard that some people leave theirs turned on while shopping with no problem.

I never allow the airport security to use their wands on the stimulator (or make me walk through the hoop.) I always ask for a hand-screening. The biggest chance of any problem would be damage to the unit, and then trying to get insurance to replace it. (Not to mention another surgery.)

Good luck with your decision.

Mike

I had a scs trial done last month. I have the little monster in my right leg, foot, ankle and now hip. They tried to use two different leads, one for the ankle foot area, and one for my hip. This didn't work for me. I tend to have problems when it comes to anything vibrating on my leg. It really doesn't matter what it is, be it from riding a lawn tractor or driving. So making a long story short it didn't work out for me. I couldn't control the vibrations and it turned my foot and ankle purple. I guess I'm just an odd duck. I hope and pray that you will have a better experience with yours. I would recommend an scs trial for anyone that knows their doctor is competant. I just ran into a very money grubbing one.


krank

I've been reading, and even tho my back is sore from surgery, I just had to add my 2cents worth. As you know, I have had 2 units. It did, for me, cause the rsd to spread. I loved the trial, but never was happy with the perm. THe first one I had, the leads pulled out, and the battery started to rotate and caused a lost of pain. I now have the pain pump, and I'm the happiest I have been since I developed this monster 5 years ago. I had the trial in Dec 1st. in hospital for 5 days. That's when we discovered I'm allergic to Morphine. (good thing to know). They switched me to Diluidad which worked great. I now have the perm unit and it only involved a small cut in my back where they put both the caths and the resivouir. I'm off all oral meds except for percocet which I have for surgical pain. I've had no problems at all and I feel almost like I did before the rsd hit. With the scs I was told I couldn't ride my horses, had to be careful doing barn work, etc. with the pump, I can do almost anything. I do thing bungie jumping is off limits. As there are no leads to pull out I don't have to worry about doing everyday things. for me, everyday things, include riding my horses, running around on the tractor, lifting 50 lbs feed bags and 80 lb bales of hay. I was not going to be able to do any of that with the scs. I'll be riding by summer. yeah..........

Damn.....no rollercoasters !

I know my docs would be appalled to think I've gone on a few since my neck pain issues started, but seriously, the pain was no worse than it is anyhow and those few minutes of sheer joy do something extraordinary for my spirit !

I have not heard anything about microwaves interfering with the unit. He has yet to set off any detectors, we even had to take care of some business at a federal court house and it didn't set it off, he did hand the security guy his card that was issued to him proving he had a device just in case. He has not had his rsd spread at all. He actually turns it off at night and then back on in the morning. Their are several different settings that the scs company rep can program into the device. He also went for the non rechargable unit. With it being in the upper extremity, for some reason it doesn't need to be turned up so high, so the battery is expected to last up to 5 years. The replacement surgery is suppose to be minor. Again, everyone does have to make thier own personal choices, I justed want people to know, that for some it has been a wonderful tool in pain relief.