Hello Everyone!!

I am so excited that I found this site! It's so nice to hear everyone's stories and experiences! So, since everyone is in a sharing mood , I will share my story (short version).....
I was diagnosed with DDD (degenerative disc disease) when I was 14, I am currently 35, though I tell people I'm 25). Since I was so young, no doctor wanted to touch me, surgically, not that I wanted it, I just wanted to be able to join my class in gym class!!! But I went through years and years of PT, tens units, back braces, tons of meds! Then finally injections came available!! I can't even tell you how many times I have been stuck and in what places, because at this time, there were three levels that were totally shot, hardly any disc fluid left, and no one knew where the pain was coming from. I also had two nerve denervations. Then I found a great neurologist who really spent some time with me. He also didn't know what level was the problem so he wanted to perform a discogram, OMG, the worst thing EVER! Anyway, so he performed a fusion at L5-S1, didn't work!!!! So I kind of lost it mentally for awhile. I just wanted to give up, I was seeing a pain counselor, big deal. I actually did give up for awhile, I just couldn't take any more disappointment. Then I found my doctor now and he is a GODSEND!! Instead of trying everything else that everyone else has done and didn't work, which is what everyone else did, he brought up the SCS. I was like "hell yeah, I'll try it!" OH MY GOD! It was love at the third (day) sight of my trial!! Needless to say I am going to see the surgeon next week to get this scheduled!! I can't believe that I didn't feel pain, well, I had some procedure pain, but not MY pain! I never thought that I was going to be able to live the life that I wanted, or to really be truly happy, or screw it (sorry for language) to just LIVE! That is why my screen name is Back2life!! I can not wait for my implant! Knowing that there is light at the end of the tunnel is the only thing that is keeping my going right now!!!!

So, for the people who have had the implant, about how long is the recovery time? I know that everyone is different, but I was just trying to get an idea!

Back2life and can't wait to start living!!!!!!

Brenda

I latched right on to your optimistic outlook! That is so Wonderful!!
Anyway !!
SO GLAD you found us and started a thread and openly shared your story! This is how we get to know each other and learn from each other!
I swear this forum is better than ANY medicine in a bottle!

You will find so many wonderul people here, who, despite the struggles of their own, reach out to one another and it's absolutely amazing what it does. It's a great defense mechanism against that nasty 'depression' cloud that always tries to invite itself into our already hurting world !

Allow me to give you a big ...... and then in no time, you'll be getting from everyone here!

Your positive outlook will be 'good medicine' to MANY people here!
I encourage you to just start out by reading other's stories and experiences......there have been many struggles and let downs.....and there have been wonderful testimonies of SCS changing lives and helping people get back to who they want to be! It's important for all of us to realize that this implant is NOT for everybody. The stimulator is not a CURE for any type of condition......it serves to 'mask' the pain, literally a trade-off.....instead of feeling the pain, you get a tingling sensation. Well, you've had the trial, so you know this!
My hope is that you have a doctor working with you who truly is looking out for your future well-being, rather than just rushing along wanting to make another big 'sale' ! These units are HIGH dollar!

As far as your recoup time after the surgery, there are so many things that have to be taken into consideration before you can get a realistic overview of what to expect.....
.....The percutaneous method of surgery is much more simple than say, a laminectomy......and there are many here who have had both types of surgery.

Keep this thread you started current and let us know how your scheduling goes! We all care!!

So Glad you're here!

Rae

Hello Brenda, and thank you for coming along with your thread of excitement for all of us. I am a bit behind you in the chronology, still waiting to do the psych eval precedent to the Trial, but I am very interested in seeing whether the Trial will bring relief to me [well, and my family].

Would you be willing to share the brand of device you are pursuing as you also, hopefully, recount your tale. Learning how the reps work with you, what the post-surgery ups and downs might be would be of much value to newbies like me. Also, my surgeon has forewarned me of the need for great care in limiting movement during the Trial since the leads will not be secured except by that healthy application of tape Rrae has recommended. Did you find in your Trial movement limitations were a must? One of my thoughts going into this is that the Trial is not complete unless the patient can try SOME of their pre-injury activity so to know first hand whether going full bore into the implant is a real good fit for them. Even so, were I to be allowed some activity during Trial, I would think discretion is necessary not to move those leads!

I hope that surgery you are pumping for is scheduled soon and as you desire most especially since your trial seems to have gone well. May you truly return Back2Life!!

and hopes and prayers,
Mark56

SO GLAD you mentioned this!

YES! I've heard of several accounts where the patient was given so many restrictions during the trial, that they literally were NOT able to achieve a realistic and honest overview as to whether or not the implant would benefit them.
Ultimately, they went ahead and opted for the permanent and ended up disappointed because they found it wasn't able to help them achieve their pain relief as they tried to carry on with a normal routine.

When i asked about the restrictions during the trial, my Dr literally said "common sense! No cartwheels of course, but DO go out and attempt to do the things your chronic condition has kept you from doing!" This is the only way you'll be able to get an accurate assessment.

The STRICT restrictions are meant more for the permanent implant rather than the trial. The trial is gonna come out anyway, so if, say you BLT (bend/lift/twist) beyond your means during the trial, that isn't gonna render you in a long term regret. DO test the limits (is what my Dr said)

NOTE: this is simply me sharing my personal experience. Not meant to encourage anything that would go against what YOUR doctor advises. Always follow your Dr's instructions, regardless of what you read here as a testimony!

The post surgical restrictions for the permanent implant is what is most imperative.....those leads need to scar in place to avoid repeated visits to the docs office getting 're-adjusted'

Anyway, thank you Mark ....... you're always a step ahead....

I have CRPS in upper torso and limbs, face and back and I've had my SCS several years. My first pain specialist did the operation and the stimulation was wonderful. Then the pulsation bothered me and I used it less and less. It was reprogrammed and felt better, then felt worse. My pain specialist retired and I have a better specialist. He took me off morphine, put me on ketamine and it was the best thing! Had my SCS reprogrammed but it kept pulsating too much and didn't help the pain at all. Then he mentioned having the frequency turned up, which I'd never known they could do. That helps with pulsation and gives a smoother stimulation. Now I have it on every day, even sleep with it. Higher frequency runs down batter life faster but the newer batteries can be recharged by the user. Right now I have the older battery but soon will be getting one I can recharge.
My sister has an SCS and loves it. Unfortunately my aunt tried it and said it made her pain worse so it was removed.
SCS's are not for everyone, but the technology is getting so much better. I pray your surgery went well and the SCS is working for you.