[smae]

Hey

I'm wondering if any of you had a choice in which company your SCS came from.

My trial SCS was through Medtronic, and I adore the rep, Mike. I had an instant connection with him.

One thing I rarely talk about is my fear of calling people. Close friends, doctors, it doesn't matter. There are less than 5 people I will call. I answer my phone with no trouble, it's the act of calling someone that terrifies me. I have no idea why, and it certainly isn't rational.

I am not at all exaggerating when I tell people that if I was alone and dying, I would probably die before picking up the phone and calling 911.

My mom makes most of my calls for me... she at least will start them and then pass the phone to me.

So when I met Mike before surgery, I felt like I would have -NO- trouble calling him. I NEVER have that feeling, even with close friends.

I know a rep is important in this process, and I was thrilled to have that connection.

Then I found out today that my doctor uses Boston Scientific.

Now I'm torn. My mom asked if we can persuade my doctor into using Medtronic. I don't want to upset him or go against his best wishes or opinions on which is the better company... I just doubt I will make this type of connection with anyone else.

I had researched a few companies, but not BS. Now I find out that their technology is advanced--the website says:

* The Precision Plus™ system is the only SCS system with Multiple Independent Current Control, which means that each electrode contact on the lead has its own, dedicated power source. All other SCS systems have just a single power source that must be shared by all contacts on the lead. Multiple Independent Current Control allows the clinician to precisely target pain by moving the electric field between simultaneously active contacts.

* Studies have shown that impedances change along the lead both at time of implant and as tissue encapsulates the lead over time. These impedance changes alter the electric fields that drive therapy. The Precision Plus system is the only system that automatically adjusts for impedance changes to maintain the prescribed therapy over time.

* The Precision Plus system is the only system powered by a revolutionary Zero-Volt™ battery that can be completely discharged without causing battery failure, which can reduce surgical interventions. Similar to cell phones, conventional SCS systems rely on rechargeable batteries that fail or suffer irreversible damage when over-discharged.

* Precision Plus is the only SCS system that allows patients to control their therapy with a wireless patient Remote Control that never uses a cord.

* Precision Plus is the first and only system that is designed to precisely target pain through patient interaction with a user-friendly Joystick.

* Precision Plus is the only system that offers leads with 1 mm-spaced contacts designed to sculpt the electric field and eliminate "dead spots" along the lead.

Now I'm thinking we shouldn't have said anything... and am wondering if I should have my mom call back tomorrow and cancel the request to ask to use Medtronic.

I'm torn. Which is more important--advanced technology that will be easier/better for me... or having a relationship with someone that I won't have trouble calling for help?

They are both important... but I can always have my mom help me make the calls... the technology may win out as being more important.

I don't know.

I'm wondering if anyone else has been through this.. if you were given a choice.. and if so, how you made it.

Surgery is on Wednesday... I'm running out of time.