After getting over the initial pain from the cervical trial implant, I've noticed it's helping quite a bit Has helped reduce my headache, my jaw tightness/pain, and my neck pain. We're still working on trying to get reduced pain in my shoulders, but hard to tell if part of the pain I still have is due to the fall through the deck steps that I took the day prior to the SCS trial. At this point, I have been able to go 36 hrs. without any pain meds. at all!!! Yeah. This is a big deal for me as I've been on Dilaudid 3 mg. suppositories and Phenergren Suppositories three times a day for weeks now. I talked to my PCP and he was shocked to hear that I haven't had to take my pain meds. I don't think he quite believed the whole concept of the SCS...I had taken the initiative myself to go see my pain management dr....all my PCP could offer me was to go on methadone, which I did NOT want to do. Anyhow, so far so good. Thanks for your kind thoughts/prayers

Now that is wonderful news Fiona!! I am so happy for you!!

May your Trial lead to permanent work that gives you longlasting POSITIVE results!

Prayers for all the best,
Mark56

....than hearing such great news! Especially after rising above your accident prior to this appointment! It was looking grim when you first shared about the mishap, but this is absolutely amazing and wonderful!
You've made my day!!

Rae

Have gone since Weds. night at midnight without any pain meds. The trial ends on Weds. and I am seriously thinking about playing hooky...sure don't want to give up this pain relief. I am so surprised at how my whole outlook has changed now that my pain is so much less. I'm laughing, enjoying things...almost feel like I'm on a high of some kind. Not looking forward to going back to the old pain while I'm waiting on the permanent surgery...I'll be back to the grouchy, irritable me. Will be counting the days!!

Hi Fiona- I just had to reach out to you to give you a quick HUG knowing, OH HOW I KNOW that relief you have felt. Not perfect, not a return to absolute pre-pain Fiona, BUT relief. Yeah..... when I was in the trial period people came up to me, knowing how it has been, saying "I can see it in your face.... in your eyes.... you are YOU again!!" Gosh, thinking of that right now makes me want to cry because it has been a while.

Yes, that end of Trial will come, BUT you can push your rep and doctor on the AFTER Trial expectations as you are in the appointment for the review. Tell them honestly how your Trial went. I produced the diary I had kept during that 7 day period. They believed me. ASK QUESTIONS regarding the PLAN, the EXPECTATIONS for their follow up care for you. Hopefully, you will get some concrete representations pertinent to the next step. The permanent implant if that is truly what is indicated.

I am Hootin Hollerin and, well, wantin to dance for you Fiona. What a glorious report!! Keep up the good work!!
Go for it!

You deserve freedom,
Mark56

I know what you mean. I'm almost crying here at the thought of having to go in and get it removed. It has been such a blessing to have this pain relief and remember what the "real" me is like. I feel like I've lost myself for a long time and I think I'm grieving over that loss.

It's been 20 years of pain for me, and to know that it is going to be reduced to where I can live my life again and ENJOY life, rather than dragging myself through life (and at times wondering if everyone would be better off without me), is somewhat hard to believe. I would appreciate your continued prayers as that has been the only thing that has gotten me through this these many years. Thanks again, Mark and Rae