Hi there, I'm new to this site. I had 2 SCS implant trials before finally having the permanent implant surgery on December 16, 2009. I have been dealing with chronic pain since 2001 as a result of scarring and lymphedema from cancer surgeries and from degenerative joint disease of the sacro-illiac joint.

Prior to my scs implant I'd tried most of the pain medications available as well as having gone through 2 experimental treatments (dextromethorphan and ketamine injections).

Since having the implant, my djd pain has been reduced by about 70% but it has not helped my lymphedema pain at all. I continue to take Dilaudid and norco for pain as well as using lidoderm patches.

As I'm at 4 months post-implant, I've started back to some of my normal routines but continue to watch how much weight I'm lifting. One of my unanswered questions regarding this implant is if I'll ever be able to ride horses again. Horses are a huge part of my life and I initially turned down having the implant after my first trial because the implant would interfere too much with caring for my animals. The past 4 months have been very trying as I've not been able to care for my animals ( I have 2 horses, 3 dogs, 4 ducks, a chicken, 6 parakeets, and 2 tanks of fish!) My poor mother has been having to care for the animals for me.

If anyone knows anyone with an SCS implant who has horses, I would love to hear how they are managing their horses and if they are able to ride with their implant.

WELCOME HICKTOMBOY ! !

From one horse lover to another !!



That is an excellent question!!
I have 6 horses and have faith that YES we will ride again!
I've only had my SCS (for bilateral leg pain) for 6 wks now, so it's a bit soon for me to get too excited about it just yet.....
BUT! I will ask my Dr at my next visit in 2 wks.

I would assume, if we have rather 'temperamental' horses, it should be ok.
Let me know what feedback your Dr is giving you on this issue ok!
We can compare notes!

SO GLAD you found this wonderful forum!
I'll be anxious to get to know more about you!
.......I'm a 'hicktomboy' myself.... and PROUD of it!!

We'll be in touch!
TTYS
Rae

I hope you both can ride again..

I think if the horses are well trained, calm and smooth gaited, and if you start slowly...things should be OK.

as you most likely are out of riding condition..
slow and easy take your time..

Of course run it by the dr to get his input.

I think the main obstacle would be the overall temperament of the horses in question.
are they calm and mellow?

Hi Hicktomboy. Glad you came on this site, there are an awesome bunch of people here

I have met one of Hicktomboy's horses, Cyrano, he was such a dude - Hicktomboy was one of the kind owners that leant their horses for the 1996 Atlanta Paralympic Games, and I had the honour of riding Cyrano. I havent met Hicktomboy since but we keep in regular contact through the computer world.

Hicktomboy I hope you find the answers you need in this site. It's great being on here with you (I visit the RSD site) and hope we meet again soon. Im trying really hard to get to the WEG - its a long road but Im working at it!! How far are you from Kentucky?

I really hope both you and Rrae get to ride again, hold onto that dream, horses are great healers and I swear they just know when you need that little bit extra care. For me, if I am unable to ride, I just smell them - non horsey people think I am mad but you two will understand!!!

Take care and keep strong my thoughts are with you xo

Hoooorayy! i LOVE horse talk !

And to be quite honest, my horses are mostly just 'pasture pets'.....it's not like I've ridden in any derby's or anything !

And 2Claws, I had to laugh (about the 'smelling' the horses bit) !
I KNOW what you mean!!! I LOVE the way horses smell!

So, if I actually ever ride again or not......at least i have that 'special' time I can spend just sitting with them while they eat (I also love the sound they make when they eat......chomp chomp chomp......it's soothing!)
SO! If people think YOU are 'crazy' then, I'm right there with ya!

And YES! Horses DO 'know' when we need a 'hug'........
On several occasions, when I was particularly 'down', I'd go out to the pasture to just sit, cry, see the sunset...... well, the times when I'd break down crying......my precious 'Dillon' and "Lucky" would come over to me and just stand there and rest there big ol' muzzle on my shoulder ....or the top of my head...... innit sweeet?!

I'll be happy to at least be able to still take care of them, brush them, talk to them.......
Thanks guys for the horse chat

Here's hoping for pain free days!

....Rae

LOL cool, I know just what you mean too.

I have a bratty mare - got when she 4.5 mos old - too soon I think, but the price was right and the people needed to sell her.

messed up and gave her 4th cutting alfalfa for a short time and she went a little nuts or maybe she was a bit nuts anyway they had named her Sassy and it does fit.

she's hyper sensitive and reactionary - very soft in the mouth and responsive that way but the few times I have been on her she's bucked me off, and my dh..
{I have chronic RSI/TOS & mild c spine osteos}
anyway a little nervous about getting tossed again, I started saddling her again this last summer - oh she's she's 18 this year!

But I can see her out the window and mess with her, hehe yes, smell her too nothing like the smell of a horse...
even when they are wet they don't stink like dogs do -- what's up with that LOL

I'll toss up a pic of my brat.