[Silverback]

I confess; I have been lurking for several months gleaning knowledge about the Boston Scientific SCS. I had the trial Stimulator installed last week and removed today. The trial went extremely well, no complications, and the final implant is tentatively scheduled for the last Monday of this month.

By way of introduction; I am 73 years old and have had "back problems" since my late thirties. The diagnoses have ranged from Degenerative Spinal Disk Disease to Spinal Stenosis with a couple of others thrown in when they really didn't want to mess with "another back issue."

After a few years of Darvocet, Gabapentin, Lyrica, Xanax, MRIs, XRays and numerous others and increasing leg pain, I went to a pain specialist where I had three Epidurals, again with absolutely no improvement even for a short time. From there a back Surgeon prescribed an X-Stop procedure. I think it was placed at L4-L5. The results were totally unremarkable. No reduction in pain. I did, however, graduate to Hydrocodone and working with another pain specialist added Fentanyl.

At this point the medications were controlling the pain; however, I slept most of the time, missed a few grand children's birthday parties, and gained 30 pounds.

Enter, stage left, a young (all doctors are young when you are 73) Pain Specialist/ Anesthetist who was entirely willing to handle the pain medications but also actually listened to me for more than the standard 5 minutes allocated for patient/doctor dialog. After two more unsuccessful Epidurals (insurance requirement) she suggested we might try Spinal Stimulation. Only one week for Psych and insurance approval and we are now up-to-date with the coming out of the closet lurker and a successful Trial Period.

They removed the single lead at 2:30 today and by 4 the intense burning leg pain returned with a vengeance. I expected that from reading the experiences on this sub forum. I haven't added much to encourage/discourage newcomers to this experience. I will try to add more details of the trial and decision making progress if there are any lurkers out there hiding in the bushes hesitant to come forward and participate.

I do add my sincere thanks to those who post here regularly. You all have been a wealth of knowledge and encouragement for me, even if you didn't know it.
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Silverback
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Wise and appropriate saying of your choice inserted here.

[Mark56]

Lurking is certainly cool and quite OK, but making that commitment to share is a GRAND event to be celebrated for your experience adds to the common wisdom pool. You are beyond the Trial, knowing well the return to the burning and that permanent implant date awaits you. Before you know it, the day will have arrived. Given your age, I imagine you may be advised as I have been to use low dose aspiriin while aging to manage heart risks.

One of my faux pas experiences was in the failure to CEASE the aspirin two weeks before the surgical date. Postponement was my sentence after a stern talking to by the surgeon about schedules, how could I, and such.

May your preparations for the permanent go well, your surgery even better, and your results outshine your Trial. Such is the hope of my prayers.
Mark56

[yellow]

Hi Silverback! I'm so glad that your trial went well and that you finally have something to help control your pain!! I'm also glad that you decided to join here! Lurking and reading is very helpful but you can eat even more support and answers to your individual questions by posting. I hope your permanent implant date comes soon so you get to feel the wonderful relief again

[Rrae]

How wonderful of you to come out of hiding
Thank you for sharing your experience and also for the kind words. One never grows tired of being told they are appreciated, in fact sometimes a compliment as such comes in due season when one is needed most.

I'm very excited that you responded well to the trial! Isn't it great when you finally find a healthcare professional who actually seems to CARE!
I truly believe you have a bright future and that the SCS will allow you to have a better quality of life (your grandkids will be grateful as well! )

I'm very happy with my SCS and it covers a large portion of the burning pain in both legs. Now, if I can just get my 'head' straightened out! )
Been one of those weeks. Being a fellow chronic sufferer, I'm sure you can relate.

It's really great to have you Silverback and I hope you stick around and let us follow along as you get your permanent unit!

Rae

[JoanB]

Hiya Silver, and thank you for telling us about your experiences so far. Glad to hear that your trial went well!

I probably should have lurked a lot longer than I did...but those ten minutes seemed like such a long time to be quiet.

[Mark56]

: o )

Too funny Joan!
Mark56

[Sandy Kay]

Hi Silver

Glad to hear your trial went so well and that your implant is just around the corner.Good luck! Your grand kids and family will be happy to see you getting relief from your pain.
[WELCOME........

SandyCOLOR="Red"][/COLOR]

[Silverback]

The permanent implant was installed on Monday, the 12th. I don't recall much about the actual procedure. I assume the anesthetic was such that the planned "sleep, wake up to verify correct placement, back to sleep," didn't go as planned. Consequently, I have to return next Monday for additional programming. The current programs are "close" but miss the areas that really need to be covered. One program I actually feel in my left side, directly under the lower rib. It is supposed to be in my left leg from thigh to foot.

We will see what Monday brings. I'm not discouraged in the least. This is going to work!
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Silverback

[Rrae]

THANK you so much for this update!
Sounds as tho you were a 'heavy sleeper'

It sounds as tho your team has things under control and once they get you tweaked you'll be good to go!

I hope you aren't in too much pain right now.
Take it easy and let your body recoup from the surgery.

Hoping for a successful programming session!
Please let us know how it goes.

Rae

[Mark56]

So....... here you are, having been all trussed up and made operational. I sincerely hope the programming session goes for you as a LARGE step in the right direction.... down those legs where you intended the stim to travel. Work with the rep carefully to ensure they understand each reply you provide pertinent to their tweaks and such. There is so much about "dialing it in right" just like an old tube radio set dialed just so at night so you could pick up that radio station in OK City, OK when I was MUCH younger [forgot the call sign, but I thought, living out west.... WOW and to think they are So Far Away. You just need fine tuning!

Prayin it goes well,
Mark56