[nanspain]

ok so in one week and one day, its gonna be time, i'm a lil afraid, a lil excited, and a lil terrified. I did go to many of the posts, and i need stretch pants, and courage, and patience. Ok guys, how long before I can shower, make love, walk around, go out the house. (In case you dont know, im getting my permanent scs). Please Respond, Thanks.

Hi Nan

Well how exciting it is for you that you are one week and one day away from your permanent implant.......

I had mine done in August 2010. Well firstly let me just say that everyone is different in how they respond to treatment and also how they feel afterwards.
So whatever you read here is really only guidelines to help you in those early days post surgery. You yourself will know best how you feel and how much you can do.

I didnt find the operation itself too bad. I was awake, but sedated, throughout the whole process. It took about 3 hours in total. At the time of the operation I thought I was WIDE awake and knew exactly what was going on, but on reflection I have to admit there is lots of it I cant remember at all. I do know at one stage I asked for more local as I could feel a bit uncomfortable, but overall it wasnt as bad as say, my spinal fusions ops!

So after a couple of days I was allowed home. And this is where you need to be careful. Let others do EVERYTHING for you. In those initial few days, you will be feeling uncomfortable and perhaps even sore. You will have been given medication from you Doctors and antibiotics, to curb infections.
The main reason for taking it easy is to ensure that the leads and unit scar in and once this is done there is a smaller risk of them migrating.

You need to be careful that you dont bend, or pull up your arms over your head. No stretching or twisting. If you are in bed or even on the couch in a lying position make sure you turn to your side and sit up on your side, a bit like the log roll I suppose. I found that so good especially from when I had my initial operations over the past 6 years. ...I was told not to shower for 6 weeks, yes it seems endless but it isnt really. My husband helped with the washing of my hair. You can do that by either bending over the sink or bath but make sure that you are only putting your head over and try not to bend too much. I knelt on the floor while using the bath.
As regards bathing well you will just have to be patient and dont get the incisions wet.
This time post surgery is very important. I couldnt drive for 6/8 weeks either. No sudden movements or jerks. It does all sound very restrictive but it is for you own good. So you need to listen to what your doctors say to you and take it very easy for those few weeks.
You can walk around no problem. Well thats if you are able to yourself. Everything in small steps though. Dont go rushing off to the supermarket or out doing a 6 mile jog .......you can only tell how long that will take you and as I say how you feel post surgery.

I cant say how long it will take you to be intimate again again each of us are individual. SO whats good for one might not be for another. So again discuss this with your Pain Doctor. Im sure they know ALL the answers.

Well Jan I wish you the very best of luck in your upcoming surgery. When and if you feel up to it come back on here and let us all know how you are doing too

Take care my friend

Jackie

[Saffy]

Umm .. can your partner feel the stim when it's on if you are ..err .. cough .. you know?

OMG!! Saffy you are so so funny .......

You are the only one who can feel the sensations .....I remember when I first got mine and I turned it on I said to my kids to feel my leg and could they feel it, nope nothing!!! The only time they knew I actually had something there was when I turned it up very high and my legs jumped

But as regards actually 'feeling' it, my answer would be no!!!...unless anyone else can correct me on that

[Mark56]

You all make me : o)

Yup,
Mark56

[Rrae]

I just love that big ol' goofy smile! Aren't you just the greatest!

Nan, there are some real good posts at the tail end of Jackie's thread....Saffy brings up many of these issues as her day is approaching, especially the anxiety.
There's some real good feedback there.

Our minds and bodies are pretty amazing things. Sure it sounds a bit creepy to not be able to shower for 6 wks....but you'll instinctively find 'ways' of getting clean. Same with intimacy..... you'll find 'ways'....

Oh yeah - other people have expressed concern about how to keep hair clean. There is such a thing as 'Dry Shampoo' that you can put in your hair.
Not sure how to find it tho. Either try a google search, or ask your local pharmacy, hair salon, etc.

Rae

[nanspain]

Rrae, thanks sooo much for the information, when you are about to have surgery, every bit of info and support is so helpful. This site is the first and only site I have ever joined, but i'm so glad I did. You guys are priceless jewels.

[pooh_ac]

Open down the front blouses, open in the front bra. "Roomy" underwear. Best thing for washing hair as my doc is beyond a stickler for no shower until wound is TOTALLY healed was for me to sit on a stool. wrap a shower curtain around myself and somebody uses the handheld shower to was my hair I am currently on my 3rd unit (yes). Also please remember that you will not be able to reach up to fix your hair. This was the worst part as "hunny" was not very open to any "fixes" other then comb/brush and if I was lucky a ponytail. My grown son however has been very good in the past and even attempted a "bun" for his old long haired momma. I now have a VERY WONDERFUL daughter-in-law who is a nursing assistant and will be going to nursing school soon so when this unit will no longer charge and it too is replaced she will help me out.


As far as post op pain I detest staples and so have insisted on stitches with my last 2 changes. I find I am much more comfortable with them. My doc humors me in this just because I am able to objectivly evaluate different treatments, what research I find online etc. My worst pain has been after my trial unit was removed (removing was a different sensation buy noy painful). It was the RSD pain that "felt" worse after a week of being almost pain free. I was not prepaired at ALL for this and it was almost the end of me as it took forever to get ahead of the pain, then trying to control the pain without narcotics so I continue to work.
Well ask more question, feel free to PM mez

[janj77]

What a difference a doc makes.. I went for my 1 week check.. 5 min in & out. About the only thing he said is now you can shower. No baths tho for 4 more weeks . I really dislike those dry shampoos. They coat your hair with powder that is impossible to brush thru. Or maybe i bought the wrong brand. Yes this site Is wonderful... People are so helpful & caring...... It's so much easier to talk to someone who knows....

Jan

[Rrae]

Originally Posted by janj77

I really dislike those dry shampoos. They coat your hair with powder that is impossible to brush thru. Or maybe i bought the wrong brand.

Jan

I'm glad to hear some feedback on this! Thank you!
I've known that this type of shampoo exists, but haven't ever heard anyone say anything about it

....... powdery HAIR ick!