[ibjustwrite]

Got my SCS from Boston Scientific today. The surgery was no big deal, but I am having quite a bit of pain at the incion site. In fact the pain at the incision site is worse than the original pain right now. That is HUGE for me. I have been taking Norco 10 every 3 hours for pain.
The whole procedure took about a half hour. The Boston Scientific rep was right there expalining everything, and made sure I knew how to work it before letting me go home. So now the cons.
I have to have my remote right with me because the lead does some positional moving during the trial. I called the rep only a couple hours after surgery to tell him that the feeling of the device goes away when I stand and when I lift my head off the pillow. Apparently, the leads move during the trial, and that needs to ne taken into consideration. I go from feelin the "buzzing", from my legs to my back, but when I stand up, it goes way completly.
The rep said that after the permanent leads are implanted and gets scar tissue around it, it will be secure and the problem should stop.

So, just be aware that when you lay down, you push the leads closer to your spine, allowing for a srtonger signal, during the trial.

So far I am happy with the implant and am looking forwar to participating in life again. I'll post more as the days go by. Good luck to you all.

[Rrae]

And lay on lots of ICE !! I couldn't get out of bed the first 2 days, but it gets better each day.
And yes it sure is wierd how certain movements will send an unexpected 'surge' down the spine!
Even blowing my nose sparked a buzz!
My rep actually used the term "looking down is your 'off' button"..... ? meaning when your neck stretches downward, it causes the tingling to practically stop and can be used as an 'emergency' measure, should your controller spike the sensation too high.
Alot of it is a trial and error thing. I still don't quite understand how my dang handheld controller works! I get better results just doing wierd maneuvers with my body! ha.

As far as the incision pain.....just keep reminding yourself of all the years of constant pain you've been dealing with. This part is just temporary.
Best Wishes and keep us posted!

Rae

[hannah1234]

Yes, the movement of the leads do stop after they are scarred in!!! Mine took about 6 months.... give or take a few. Sounds like a long time, but the relief that we have is amazing! I am so excited for you!!! Make sure you don't stop taking your meds before you are lowered on pain, so the rsd pain stays down Also, what helped me was propping my legs up on pillows to move my body so it wouldnt stay in one place, oh and renting seasons of Seinfield. 'NO MORE SOUP FOR YOU' can never do you wrong