I have been going back and forth, asking myself a lot of questions and doing a lot of research over the past few weeks since my PM made the recommendation of moving on and having the SCS implanted. The more I researched, the more nervous I became about the whole idea.

In another thread, I mentioned that I took the required class and went to see the pain psychologist last week to start the whole process. The results went over to my PM before I met with him on Tuesday. Apparently, I have some psychological issues that need to be worked on before we can move forward. I was still very unsure if I wanted to go forward with the SCS. The psychologist just made the decision very easy for me.

I also brought up the insurance complications with my PM when I saw him. He still thinks there may be time to move forward with the SCS, but does not think that it is likely to happen in time. That does not bother me. As I said before, I was not sure if it was the right thing for me. Over the next month he is going to go home and do some reading on trying to figure out how we are going to proceed with treatment. He asked me to do the same.

I have a doctor who is willing to listen to me, and do more research to help me, some of which is based on reading that I recommended. We are tapering off of the MS Contin, since it is not helping at all. I am completely off of the Neurontin. I am to continue on with the Amitriptyline unless the psychologist gives a better suggestion, and keep on with the Terazosin. Next month we will see what happens.

The SCS is a treatment where I think you definitely need to be sure before you go forward with it so I think taking the extra time is a good idea. I am so glad that you have found a PM doctor that you like and feel comfortable with.

Thanks for the update. This is a big decision and would be anxiety provoking for anyone. If you have had serious doubts and really felt ambivalent it is just as well that it was put off for now. It is easy to get caught up in the momentum sometimes and just be carried forward. This isn't like deciding to get undercabinet lighting in your kitchen. The wiring is a lot more personal.

Were you given any options or plan for working on things the psychologist recommended? Since it is related to a medical procedure can you get counseling covered? Or can they at least give you homework of some kind and a detailed recommendations on what you need to do?

I am so glad you found a PM who is willing to do outside reading. That's great!

Hang in there and breathe easy. You are on reprieve from making a decision. Sometimes that is a relief if we aren't ready.

for you,

Littlepaw.

It was suggested that I continue to see the psychologist for now. I will be going back to speak with her this next Wednesday. My insurance has already given approval to continue seeing her. I should be getting rather close to my maximum out of pocket expense for the year already, so I might want to check on if I still have a copay before then.

That is so great that you have a PM who has your best interest!

I waited over a year from my trial to deciding to get a permanent SCS and I had very good results. Personally I would be concerned if someone didn't take some time to really think about it, whether it's a trial or permanent.

Added bonus is you found a pain psychologist that can help you during this crazy time.