[michaelasigmon]

Hi everyone, been following the boards and wat to say I appreciate all of the input, encouragement and experience you've shared. Not even sure why I'm posting this, but am scheduled for SCS 12/27 after finally getting approval from insurance, had to file claim with NC insurance dept and get an independent arbitrator to overturn their three denials, but after 8 months got approval. Now I'm waffling a bit, even though the pain is really getting ridiculously annoying and have major negative effect on my quality of life. Just read the stories about leads moving and having multiple surgeries for corrections and I guess just normal to be a bit apprehensive I guess and almost called and cancelled. Anyhoo, thanks for all of your past input as it has been a good source of information to help make a decision.

[Rrae]

Welcome to the bunch!

I'm so glad to hear you were finally approved! I'm also grateful that you posted to Puppyraiser's post regarding her difficulty with insurance. she could sure use some encouragement.

Indeed, we are all familiar with the 'eebie-jeebies' of getting this unit....I drug my feet for almost 2 years before getting up the nerve . Am SO glad I did it. It's been a lifesaver, as for many others here.
Yes, there are alot of issues that can arise. I am thrilled about this new 'technique' that may be catching on. Check out Mark56's thread - his most recent posts are something to get excited about. If you are going with Boston Scientific, you might have a shot at this 'taking the SCS wheel' thing. I won't explain it all here, since it's so well-worded on Mark's thread.
If more Reps would allow the patient's this kind of involvement with the programing, we will be seeing a much higher percentage of success.

You said it well tho, you're quality of life is in the pits. That is good reason to at least do the trial implant, if your doctor has recommended it.
I'm excited for you! What type of pain are you having? The SCS does great for my lower extremity RSD.

It's so good to have you here! You'll get lots of good support and feedback

Rae

[Mark56]

Sure, I had SOME trepidation on the eve of the implant.... after all, I was going to have this Borglike contraption united with my nervous system, buried in my tissue, know there was a computer in there [now wouldn't conspiracy theoists have a heyday with that thought??]. In the final perception, however, I am SO THRILLED to have pursued this therapy.... this method of pain management sans pain medication.

I feel ultra blessed to be once again practicing in my profession and having JUST completed a stock offering to further capitalize the company for which I am now General Counsel. Years ago I flew VERY high among the world of corporate counsels general and it was a thrilling competitive professional endeavor, only to have my career cut short by the mishap of automobilia.... the wreck we all fear when sitting behind the wheel. I honestly felt at one point I would never be able to leave my bed again. So glad am I this progression through surgeries and life ultimately led me here!!! HERE of all places, where I learned enough to be emboldened to attempt recapture of my life.

Today? I am about to be recognized across the nation via press release as a contributor to the profession again. None of this was possible without the SCS, not one point of minutiae related to the practice of law was realisticallly open to me. Now, the world is once again a stage in which I move.

Would you like to join me? The path lays at your feet. You fought hard to appeal triple negative decisions only to arrive ready to receive a potential blessing. Are there risks? You had better bet your bottom dollar there are risks, the very reason physicians and surgery centers alike have SO MUCH written purporting to gain your release from all manner of liabilities. I was not daunted by the legalese. I asked "where do I sign?"

If you have any desire to pursue questions this the perfect place in which to attain your much needed answers. As for me, I will pray for you that calming and peace converge as you approach your date with potentiality.

Prayin,
Mark56

[Sandy Kay]

Hi Michael

WELCOME TO A GROUP OF WONDERFUL CARING PEOPLE!

I am relatively new to the group (implant Aug. 5, 2011) and in the minority with abdominal pain.
After almost 6 years of intermittent excruciating pain from pancreatic issues and being treated by doctors from Los Angeles to the east coast a GI Dr. At UCLA recommended a pain management Dr who trained at UCLA. After a year of treatment he recommended SCS. At this point I jumped at the opportunity. Still very scared I went ahead with the trial and had great success. The actual implant took 4 hours and was very frustrating in finding the right position. I have gone from multiple drugs and patches a day to only 3 or 4 pain meds a week. I truly feel that SCS is miracle. Reading various posts I have learned how many are helped in SO many ways in so many different medical issues. You have fought so hard to have your rejections appealed, I wish you peace and healing from the pain you are feeling.

Praying for a successful implant in just a few days. Good Luck.

Sandy Kay

[michaelasigmon]

Originally Posted by Sandy Kay

Hi Michael

WELCOME TO A GROUP OF WONDERFUL CARING PEOPLE!

I am relatively new to the group (implant Aug. 5, 2011) and in the minority with abdominal pain.
After almost 6 years of intermittent excruciating pain from pancreatic issues and being treated by doctors from Los Angeles to the east coast a GI Dr. At UCLA recommended a pain management Dr who trained at UCLA. After a year of treatment he recommended SCS. At this point I jumped at the opportunity. Still very scared I went ahead with the trial and had great success. The actual implant took 4 hours and was very frustrating in finding the right position. I have gone from multiple drugs and patches a day to only 3 or 4 pain meds a week. I truly feel that SCS is miracle. Reading various posts I have learned how many are helped in SO many ways in so many different medical issues. You have fought so hard to have your rejections appealed, I wish you peace and healing from the pain you are feeling.

Praying for a successful implant in just a few days. Good Luck.

Sandy Kay

Thank you very much Sandy, the words of encouragement from everyone certainly do help. I will be sure to keep the boards updated so hopefully my experience can help someone else.

[michaelasigmon]

Originally Posted by Mark56

Sure, I had SOME trepidation on the eve of the implant.... after all, I was going to have this Borglike contraption united with my nervous system, buried in my tissue, know there was a computer in there [now wouldn't conspiracy theoists have a heyday with that thought??]. In the final perception, however, I am SO THRILLED to have pursued this therapy.... this method of pain management sans pain medication.

I feel ultra blessed to be once again practicing in my profession and having JUST completed a stock offering to further capitalize the company for which I am now General Counsel. Years ago I flew VERY high among the world of corporate counsels general and it was a thrilling competitive professional endeavor, only to have my career cut short by the mishap of automobilia.... the wreck we all fear when sitting behind the wheel. I honestly felt at one point I would never be able to leave my bed again. So glad am I this progression through surgeries and life ultimately led me here!!! HERE of all places, where I learned enough to be emboldened to attempt recapture of my life.

Today? I am about to be recognized across the nation via press release as a contributor to the profession again. None of this was possible without the SCS, not one point of minutiae related to the practice of law was realisticallly open to me. Now, the world is once again a stage in which I move.

Would you like to join me? The path lays at your feet. You fought hard to appeal triple negative decisions only to arrive ready to receive a potential blessing. Are there risks? You had better bet your bottom dollar there are risks, the very reason physicians and surgery centers alike have SO MUCH written purporting to gain your release from all manner of liabilities. I was not daunted by the legalese. I asked "where do I sign?"

If you have any desire to pursue questions this the perfect place in which to attain your much needed answers. As for me, I will pray for you that calming and peace converge as you approach your date with potentiality.

Prayin,
Mark56

Thank you very much Mark, you and the others are an inspiration, that is for sure. Congrats on your recent recognition, I am sure the accomplishment means the world to you.

[Mark56]

You are so very kind in your posting, for your being here provides me yet another blessing.

Feel good..... well, recognition does feel good, but that is not what I am really about so much so as to strive to share with others the REALITY we each have within us the means to restoration in our lives. THAT is the ultimate feel good. The being back in my profession, and having gratitude expressed to me is rewarding, but the God given means to achieve once more, THIS is the stuff of life. So writing on here and working to try my best to be helpful is the blessing I have learned from God. It truly is more blessed to give than it is to receive, for every gift given swells the heart of the giver in ways so very hard to adequately express.

You near the opportunity to know life with pain possibly managed in a way years ago only a dream, now a blessed reality. I hope your manufacturer rep will hand you the controls under their studied eye with the question "would you like to take the wheel?" I am sure, courtest of Coral Toes and others, there is much to be said for programming your stim as I did. Perhaps THE key to the proper operation of the devices.

Prayin for ya,
Mark56