Hi Mary

I too have just had my SCS implanted on the 5th August 2010. I have Failed back syndrome with nerve pain down my legs. I do have a lot of pain around the site of the incisions and at times its so frustrating. I have a lot of swelling around the site of the battery insertion and thats quite sore also. My SCS is doing ok for the moment. I do have some questions though as regards my movements and the sensations changing. Im sure its 'normal' but it is a worry in case the leads might have moved. I am trying to be a good 'patient' but its not always so easy.

I had my stitches removed on Monday and I go back to my Consultant on Monday 23rd Aug to review my wound. Its healing well Im told. I dont get to see the Rep until September and Im hoping by then that he will be tweeking it a bit more. I have good coverage in my legs and upper legs but not enough in my back.....unfortunately I get a LOT in my feet and thats not the best especially when I have it on high and I want to walk around. I feel like my feet arent really there!! if that makes sense.

I am positive that this will all be rectified over time. Even though its just been two weeks Ive had times that I forget its there or even on!! which is great as its not a huge intrusion in my life.

My prayers are with you and indeed everyone that the future ahead will be a positive one for us all

Take care

Jackie

Ahh yes!
Depending on how your spine moves, you're gonna get changes in sensation.
Completely normal!
When I lie on my back, the leads press on the spine more, so thus the need to turn down the stimulation.....

You'll get tweeked to perfection my dear!
Make sure to bring this up to your Rep at your September appointment,
Jackie....regarding the feet. He can easily tweek that outta there.
Those Reps have 1,200,231 (give or take ) different programs, and depending on how many electrodes your leads have (mine have 8 each) so with dual leads, I've got 16 electrodes to fine tune.

I'm wondering if perhaps it would 'tone down' the annoying stimulation in your feet if you turn down the pulse width/amplitute ..... I run mine as high as 45 or 50, but if I turn it way down to say 20, then i get more of a 'thumping' sensation..... I like the constant 'buzzing' moreso. But sometimes that gets annoying and I have to give it a 'rest', so i turn the unit completely OFF for awhile.....I even get a continuing 'phantom buzz' after having it on for so long.
Just play around with the different settings. That's what it's there for.....
I'm sure by now you've encountered the wonderful 'shocking' sensation by having the unit up too high and changing positions?! yes?

BTW, is yours a Medtronics? That would be me

Mark and Fiona have the Boston Sci's
Fiona just got TWINS!! Isn't that amazing!

Changing position is always a new sensation for the stim. Turn it up, turn it down, change the program, try again. Just gotta be flexibile to try and try again. Then, get that rep on the line if you need any tweaks to program.


Mark56

Im so glad that I asked that question, because thats a great help. At first I was ummmmmm had the leads moved etc.....But today im having a good bit of relief especially up in my 'buttocks' ahem well lower part.

My SCS is an Eon. Advanced Neurostimulation System......ANS ...my literature says A St Jude Medical Company.....Jude as in hopless cases ...I hope not
The Rep comes over from England once a month. I dont think we have anyone in Ireland. Well not that Im aware. My Consultant deals exclusively with this company I believe.

I also have two leads in my back with 8 electrodes each hence 16......so Im sure there is a lot of tweeking to be done. At times I have also turned it off because the burning in the side of my left leg was soooo bad. I have turned it up to its max, however, my rep told me not to touch the amplitude/balance key...apparently thats for him to use. I have gone into it occasionally and changed it up/down but as its early days I dont want to mess up my programmes at present and will be 'patient' I also get that buzzing feeling after its turned off. But Ive only turned it off twice since Ive had it implanted. It is a very relaxing feeling. I had the thumping feeling and the sizzle feeling too. Sometimes I feel as if my leg is numb to touch, but I think thats because I have it so high......... I do need to have it sorted especially when Im walking as sometimes it disappears altogether.
Like you say Rae while lying down it 'takes off' so I have to adjust it.
Isnt it amazing how you had similiar procedure while having your implant done. So where do you have your IPG left? right? Im a Leftie I bet Ive read that somewhere else and its just slipped my mind. Another side effect of constant pain......forgetfulness!! or is that just old age I forget

Hope your getting a good sleep seeing as you were awake all night!!!


Jackie

Boy do we have a language all of it's own! ha!
I couldn't help but get all giggly and whatnot......imagining WHAT this must sound like to someone who perhaps googled a certain term and up pops our posts describing all these strange new sensations and positions we are encountering!!
Lord Have Mercy!
.......... i can only think of a couple of 'google searches' that would actually fit the bill to get 'this' language to pop up as a potential website 'hit'!
HAAHAHAhahaa! omg.......
One of these days i just know it........the rain will hit my parade
as i cautiously continue to push the envelope........

Oh MY and I'm a LEFTY also!! upper hip/buttcheek, mind you.
But hey, we're all family here!

So! you are an ANS St Judey! That's what Mark was supposed to be! But his medical team pulled a switcheroonie on him at the last moment!
So, yeah...better not push any buttons lest you go buzzing off out into the ozone layer! Just don't EVER hit the button that says 'Auto Eject' !

Ok, i'm making a complete fool of myself.....this is what happens when insomnia strikes!!
.......I think perhaps my Neurontin may be kicking in after all! 'Morontin', as the PN forum has dubbed this fun medication HA!
...........did i accidentally do a double-dose?? oh my

Mental Note To Self: ....get one of those pill organizer thingys