[tinkster]

Hello! I would like to say its nice to meet everyone! I have spent a little time reading some of the posts and thought it was high time I made a post myself.

I had a successful trial spinal cord stimulator in November of this year and I am suppose to have the perm one placed on Friday the 10th. I was really nervous for the trial, had no idea what to expect whatsoever, even though they diligently tried explaining it to me. All that kept resonating in my head was "we will wake you up in the middle of the procedure and ask you questions" hmmm can I just opt out of that part!

One thing thats amazing to me is the lengths chronic pain suffers will go to get some relief. I, like many, have been through quite a few of them, from a fusion surgery (failed) to many epidural injections, oral medications, physical therapy, creams, heating pads, meditation, patches, etc.

I have already been told by my doctor to expect a fair amount of post op pain, but at least that will go away and hopefully the SCS will relieve 50 to 60 % of my pain like it did in trial.

What I do find frustrating is dealing with what I call all the red tape leading up to the surgery. I am truly blessed with wonderful insurance, I did not need prior authorization for either surgery, now convincing my doctors office and the people at St. Jude (the ones providing the stimulator)

, is quite another story. I have not really experienced anything quite like it. At any rate they finally sent the un necessary paperwork over to the insurance company and I should have a time to report for surgery next week.

I will say that my rep from St. Jude has been truly wonderful. He has kept in touch, called daily from the trial, was in the OR with me and has really been a true patient ambassador. The implant I will be receiving has a battery life of ten years, I charge it once a week for 30 minutes. Is that pretty comparable to what is out there from other companies?

One final question, I was thinking of ordering a medical alert bracelet, saying I have this implanted and NO MRI, does anyone else wear one?

Thank you for reading my introduction and nice to meet everyone.

L.