Hi Beth...I just had the Advanced Bionics SCS put in this past May. My previous SCS was made by ANS-medical. I had good results with ANS-medical but had to have an external one because I had no body fat for a internal one. This past May I was able to have the Advanced Bionics put in (internal) because of its size, it is very small. I love this SCS, my device is located in my upper hip where I have the most fat. The rep's are wonderful as the company. The coverage area is greater then my previous one. I charge my battery once a week with a little device that goes right on the implant and it takes about 2-4 hours.

Since this is your first time or trial I can't tell you how you will feel, everyone is different. I believe as I post your probably having the procedure done. Please do let us know how you are doing when you are able okay?

Everyone is different with the SCS, some like it others don't. I believe this is a personal choice. Currently I believe there are three companies out there who make the SCS. It would be very interesting if someone could do a study on the SCS as to which company was used to success or failure though. I don't think this has ever been done but I do believe it would be a very interesting study.

I Hope everything goes well for you. You will be in my prayers. Jewells

So far so good! Had a few "technical difficulties, like the absent anesthetist who was scheduled for back-to-back cases - first case started 45 mins late and ran into a lot of unforeseen difficulty, then I was given the "go" signal, taken to the OR, on the table and everyone ready to go, but no anesthetist We got underway almost 2 hours late, I spent the delay sitting in a wheelchair chatting with the OR nurse; I was NOT leaving that room til the procedure was done!

Dr had a hard time getting the leads in - no room to get in to the midline like he wanted (there's no sensation there, so no pain after), and he had to go in higher than usual to get good coverage, so if/when I get the permanent implant, the scar will be visible if I wear a boatline or other low-neck top. Just one more to add to my collection I said

But we did get complete coverage from fingertips to shouldertops, plus underarms and some scap relief, so I am thrilled! And it seems to be masking the pain like it's designed to do, I went to the first half of a football game tonight, wore gloves naturally, but my hands did not get painful and turn icy cold even though it got quite chilly sitting there. I'm impressed!

Worst part is painful neck due to having to hang it over the edge of the operating table to make it easier for Dr to get in between the vertebrae. I have chronic triggerpoints in the neck due to TOS, so the neck is screaming, and there's pain from the incision for the leads since he couldn't insert them right in the midline, had to go in from the side. 3 extra-strength Tylenol didn't do a thing, so I'm hoping Valium will cut me some slack

But the pain from the procedure should be gone in a day or two, and if the SCS continues to work for me through the weekend like it is now, I think I can call it a success I get the trial out on Monday, from then I wd only have to wait abt 2 1/2 weeks til surgery for the permanent implant.

Thanks for the prayers, please keep them coming! Jewells, I'm impressed with this unit too, it seems to have a lot of advantages over the Medtronics system, I'm not familiar with the ANS. My husband is really wowed at how sophisticated this technology is though, and he's not easily impressed. I just like the fact that my Dr is so happy with it, he does lots of SCS implants and has nothing but good things to say about the Advanced Bionics stimulator. It's always great to hear positive experiences from someone who's actually had a procedure versus the Dr's viewpoint though!

AJSG mom, I wish the SCS had been the answer for your daughter, so her journey could have ended, but I have also read that if the TENS didn't work the SCS probably won't Will pray for you both that the pain pump IS the answer, and the wait for that is short.

The Bionic Woman

Beth: I am really glad to hear that the SCS unit is working well for you. Isn't it wonderful to be able to go out and do something instead of staying home from fear of pain? You go girl!!! Regards, Lil

Hi Beth...glad to hear the advanced bionics scs is working for you. I also love this scs, like I said I did like the ans one but I do think this advanced bionics one is the cadillac. I do know one thing for sure the coverage area is much better then my previous one. My RSD is in my left leg from mid thigh down, started in my knee. I could never get stimulation in my foot but with this scs I can get the stimulation in my foot.

I hope every thing goes well for you during your trial. Sounds like things are going well so far. If you go for the perm. scs you will find the Reps are wonderful when you need adjustments or have questions. The one draw back I have found on this system is the recharging but that is only minor. Through trial and error I have found when my system tells me to recharge soon that is the time to recharge. If you recharge when the system first indicates its time, the time for charging the system back up should only take about 2 hours. I get about 1 - 1 1/2 weeks per charge.

Good luck with your trial and with your decision on which route to take, scs vs no scs. If you have an questions please don't hesitate to ask. Jewells

Beth, that is great! I am so glad it's working for you! Advanced Bionics is a really good model.

Thanks for your good wishes for AJ. I hope the pump works too, and I wish they'd tried that first, and saved us several hundred bucks in travel money and missed work! Ah well, I guess it would have been worth it if it had worked. They said the pump had a 50% to 60% chance of working, and it will be great if it does.

AJSG mom