[tinkster]

I had my surgery on the 10th of this month (Dec) all went well. I have a terrific doctor and the st. jude rep was fantastic too. I am pleased so far. The perm one is different of course than the trial but I expected that. It was much harder this time, at first, distinguishing post op pain from regular pain. The first week I hurt alot, more than I had imagined. But this is week two and I am feeling better, still, it does not take a whole lot before I am sore and wanting to rest. I can better distiguish my regular pain from post op pain and I do feel that the stim is working.
One thing I have to keep reminding myself, as the doctor and the St. Jude rep told me, the SCS will not remove all pain, and I could still have some bad days. That does confuse me as to why somedays are worse than others and the scs would not cover the pain as well however even without the scs I had good days and bad days, as I am sure alot of people have.
Its a bit odd though to have this piece of equipment inside me, and twice now it freaked me out, a little, but I calmed down quickly. Where the battery is placed is a good spot for me, I told them i sleep on my right side so they put in on my left and as deep as he could, still, I hope I won't always feel it. I don't think I will because its not near as sore as it was week one.
I was quite surprised about how long the incisions were, longer I think than when I had my fusion surgery. I guess I expected tiny!
So, I am a pro now! LOL Surgery is all done. Thank goodness!

[Rrae]

Tinkster!
So, you are already a couple of weeks into recovery! Fantastic!
Yes, it sure does take some getting used to! And I understand what you mean by being 'freaked out' a couple of times ......it actually IS a bit freaky, I mean really! I realize how 'freaky' it sounds every time I have to 'explain' what an SCS is. And 2 years ago when I first heard about this thing, there was NO WAY I was going to even consider having this 'thing' put in me!
That's why this forum is so important......because we ALL comprehend what this is all about and we are all in the same boat....different circumstances perhaps, but nontheless, we all come here for the same reason, and that is to get our quality of lives back!!
Yes, there are challenges along the way, but for me, it was either DO THIS....or continue being a prisoner in my own home, not capable of keeping up my house or sharing in my family's joys, and having my life revolve around the PHARMACY

Just be easy on yourself and follow your post-op restrictions and keep good communication going between you, the Dr, and your Reps.
You've got a wonderful husband and a family who cares very much.

Thank you for this update!
Please stay in touch, we love hearing from you!
You are right, there will be the good days and the not so good days.
We're always here, so if you need to let off a rant, this is the place to be!

Caring Always,
Rae

[tinkster]

Originally Posted by Rrae

Tinkster!
So, you are already a couple of weeks into recovery! Fantastic!
Yes, it sure does take some getting used to! And I understand what you mean by being 'freaked out' a couple of times ......it actually IS a bit freaky, I mean really! I realize how 'freaky' it sounds every time I have to 'explain' what an SCS is. And 2 years ago when I first heard about this thing, there was NO WAY I was going to even consider having this 'thing' put in me!
That's why this forum is so important......because we ALL comprehend what this is all about and we are all in the same boat....different circumstances perhaps, but nontheless, we all come here for the same reason, and that is to get our quality of lives back!!
Yes, there are challenges along the way, but for me, it was either DO THIS....or continue being a prisoner in my own home, not capable of keeping up my house or sharing in my family's joys, and having my life revolve around the PHARMACY

Just be easy on yourself and follow your post-op restrictions and keep good communication going between you, the Dr, and your Reps.
You've got a wonderful husband and a family who cares very much.

Thank you for this update!
Please stay in touch, we love hearing from you!
You are right, there will be the good days and the not so good days.
We're always here, so if you need to let off a rant, this is the place to be!

Caring Always,
Rae

Rae: what a lovely post, thank you!
Yes, I am 11 days post op! I can honestly say I feel alot better today than say day 3.
Thank you again, hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas.

Tinkster how good to hear that you are on the road to recovery and feeling good. My Dr did say to me also that the SCS wouldnt relieve all my pain, that in fact it was better for my legs than my back. He was right too. I do get great relief in my legs while Im lying down and the burning isnt as bad the sensations definitely help and at times is quite relaxing. Im not getting so much in my back, but you know I too have good and bad days and at least now you too will be able to do much more than before. I do also find that Im in a better mood than before. Even people have remarked how 'well' I look and that I dont look as 'drawn'. So thats a plus
I hope you will be out of surgical pain real soon....and do take great care of yourself too, its so important

Hope you have a very Happy Christmas and New Year

Jackie