Thanks for bringing up the issue of follow-up Rrae...I hadn't thought about that. But how do you know if the people you've chosen are going to be good about that or not?

Most legitimate practices will provide references (with their permission) of patients who had this procedure done. People in general are more than happy to share their experiences. Also, it's pretty easy these days to check the reputation of a doctor or clinic to see if they've had complaints filed against them. In smaller communities, word of mouth can be helpful.

I wish I would have specifically asked about follow-up care. I guess I assumed this was part of the procedure. If I would have had a 3month or 6 month follow-up, my lead migration would have been detected much sooner.

I hear alot of people saying that they feel like their doctor didn't seem to care much once they got their huge chunk of $$ - and I do mean HUGE.
Not everybody tho. Some people have a fantastic medical team.

My doctor is extremely arrogant and I always felt rushed.

It seems there is no such thing as too much researching when it comes to this.

Rae

Hi Rae,

Well said! There are so many bad Dr's out there who just don't care about their patients, it's all about money, nice cars, golf. Then again there are alot of good Dr's who do care and it's very obvious when you meet them. I'm lucky my Dr is one if the good ones but I've seem way too many of the bad ones!

Thanks for bringing this topic up

Sinead xxx

Has been battery life until the last 6 months. I am currently finishing year 5 on my rechargeable unit, my understanding is the thing shuts down in year 8 or 9. It will need 1 of 2 things at that time.... A new "battery pack" or an entire new unit. I am researching "updates" for my own edification. Will study "harder" as the time nears for a change....
Oh yeah I did take a nassty fall (dislocated my shoulder) which did "dislodge" my leads the fall before I got this unit.

That's how I feel about the guy who did my hip replacement two years ago. It still hurts, and since I made the mistake of mentioning my periepheral neuropathy to him, he blames my pain on that. Nice try, but I can distinguish the difference between the two. And before anyone asks, no, I haven't found out if the hip is one of the recall ones--I'm afraid to, as the only remedy is to go through the whole surgery all over again, and I just don't know if I can take that emotionally or financially right now.

Hello all. When I was fitted with my trial stim on 18th May this year, I was encouraged to immediately use it and try doing "normal" things .. like walking and pottering about the hospital.

Right away I noticed that the stim not only stimulated my left leg and buttock, but also my right leg and between my legs.

I was told not to worry, that this was VERY early days and hopefully once the leads had settled in, things would work out ok.

Sadly, this hasnt been the case and therefore I have been unable to use the stim hardly at all because of the sensations .. when I did it has caused paralysis to both legs ..

Am at the Neuro Surgeons on Thursday next week .. having been referred by my Pain Consultant, as he feels a paddle lead might give me better coverage ..

Hi Joan

It can be typical of doctors to blame you're neuropathy pain with your hip, they are very different types of pain and the hip pain is localised to one area am I right? I have to tell you my aunt had one of those dodgy hip replacements and a year later she had to have it all done again... it's been 4 years now since that second surgery and she has never been better, she does anything and everything she wants to do. She definitely didn't want another surgery as it took alot out of the first time round but she just couldn't accept bad health, she couldn't accept the pain so she did it and she's so happy she did.

If your hip Doctor is blaming your neuro pain for your hip then I would think about getting another opionion, as you say yourself you know the difference and why wouldn't you.

Wishing you well.

Sinéad xxxx

Hi Karen,

That's great news about the appointment to see the consultant about the paddles, it's about time to you're getting sorted from May to now is a long time.

Let us know how it goes will ya?

Chat soon hun,

Sinéad

Hi Saffy-

Glad you are seeing neurosurgeon about paddle leads, as my situtaion was originally addressed by paddles, and I have been a "happy camper." May the discussion go well, and may paddles, if tried, prove to be the improvement you truly need to have precise coverage without uncomfortable anomalous side effect coverage.

Hopin and Prayin,
Mark56z