Hi all,

Well, I saw my new dr yesterday. He is going to do a complete scs revision. It seems that the leads are nowhere near my spine anymore. (that explains why I've been in so much pain and the scs didn't see to be working the way it should). He is also going to move the battery to my side, just above my pant line. You should see the new model that has been approved for use now. The battery is about the side of a silver dollar. It is amazing. It is half the size of this thing I have now. I am so excited!!!!!! Anyway, it seems my new doc has been on the Oprah show. He is amazing. I'm having the surgery Wed of next week, the 22nd. It will be an overnight stay, and then back to the restrictions of before. I'm so excited.

Hugs
Mary

Yay!! I am sooo pleased to hear that you new Doctor is going to do the SCS revision so soon and that he is going to completely change the SCS - that is great news, hopefully that way you wont end up in more pain!!

I wish you the very best of luck with the Revision and I hope that all goes well and that you have a speedy recovery!! Please keep us all updated when you can.

You are in my thoughts,
Alison

that's great news! Good luck with your surgery, Mary!

Mary, Good luck with your surgery. I was wondering if you are getting the rechargable version? Thats the kind I have. Its kind of nice knowing the battery should Take care of yourself.
hugs, Denny

Denny

It is the rechargeable type. The one I have now is also rechargeable. The new one I'm getting is sooooo small. You can recharge it while you walk around, and the regulator is different also. I can't wait to have it. I'm now kinda glad that it took so long for my other dr. to come thru. If I had it done this past July like it was scheduled, then I wouldn't be getting this new unit. I can't wait to try and get my life back again. My horses need me.

Hugs
Mary

Hi Mary, I am excited for you too. I grew up with horses and riding. Our daughter didn't have a horse, but took riding lessons weekly for 5-6 years. There have been a lot of inquiries about the scs, so I'm sure this will be an encouragement for many. How much does health insurance cover for this procedure? Do you have full body Mary? I do. Thanks, you make me want to ask my Dr. about considering this for myself. 12 years has been a long time dealing with this. I'll be thinking of you. Loretta

Loretta,

I hope this is an encouragement to other to try the scs. I know it doesn't work for everyone, but that is why they have a trial of a few days, to see if it does work. This new scs I'm getting is one that they are using for athletic types. My dr. said he didn't see any reason why I couldn't ride again, and that if I did fall, then it would have to be a horrible fall before it did much damage. This is the one they put in people who ski and snowboard. The insurance pays for everything. the first one I had put in (that is now coming out) was total, about 60,000. Of course, that isn't what my insurance paid. they paid the going rate which isn't that much. I would ask your dr. about getting the trial. In order to get the trial, most insurance co. want a psych exam. that is to make sure that you can live with a foreign unit inside you. It is very much like a pacemaker for the heart. I've gone from being in bed or a wheelchair, to being able to get around without anything. Now, of course, I still have some pain, but when the unit is working as it should, my pain goes from a 8-9 to a 2 or lower. I would never want to have to give this us. It is my life line. I have rsd from the waist down. it started in my left foot, and has spread upwards. Hopefully, it isn't going any further.

Hugs
Mary

Hi lostmary! I'm not very familiar with RSD, just what Ali has posted about hers.

I'd like to wish you good luck with the procedure you are having done Wed. You will be in my prayers.