Well, I had my cardiologist ok my surgery last week, and yesterday I did the pre-op physical and blood work, and saw the PA. Everything is set to go for next Wednesday, 12/28. Yeah! It will be over 15 months since I started on this journey and my day is finally coming. It still remains to be seen how much the SCS will help (as I wasn't able to have a trial) but I am cautiously optimistic. My rep called me yesterday and told me that my surgeon is really good about giving plenty of time in the operating room to make sure I can feel the sensation where I need it. That will help! He said that most patients are released from their BLAST restrictions by 6 weeks - I just can't imagine moving that quickly. I am too afraid those leads would migrate! My surgeon stitches the paddle leads into place, but even so, I think I will stick to the restrictions for longer than 6 weeks. Anyway, I'm almost there - only another 6 days and they will go fast being as it is Christmas time. I'll let you all know how it goes!

ElizaJane, do yourself a favor and stay with the restrictions longer than the 6 weeks. After going thru the surgery; why take any unnecessary risks. Wish you a successful implant and will keep you in my prayers.

I'm a neurosurg PA myself, and have some experience in this surgical pain mngt area. Glad to hear your surgeon will use "paddle leads" instead of the single lead(s) because they cover more area. A little surprised they won't do a trial tho, not that I know everything about it, but I thought that was the go-to approach. I don't know what your prob is, or where your leads are expected to be placed, but I would be most cautious for cervical leads as they have the most potential to migrate for the obvious reason that so much motion is allowed in the neck. Best of luck!

Good Luck. Just a few more days and with the holidays they'll go by quickly. I had leads implanted in August and waited three months before doing much. Wanted to be sure all was well.
My trial went amazingly well. The actual implant was another issue. My pain is abdominal with implant at T6. The actual implant took almost 4 hours. It took a long time to find the exact position. Be very specific about what you feel where. The stim went from my stomach to my ankle. I was So frustrated, almost wanted to cry because they were no where near the spot I needed. The trial was so quick but not the implant. Because of delays in scheduling my trial rep could not be there and his Mgr. Filled in. The Mgr knew his stuff but was not there for the trial and he and the Dr struggled to get it right. They went from top to bottom of my spine before finding the right place for implant. The Dr said everyone is different and just a fraction of movement makes a difference. So, they worked with me till it was right. My pain is in an area the size of a silver dollar but can bring me to the floor in minutes so the implant needed to be very specific. Since you don't have a trial to refer to I hope they get it right the first try. Wishing you all the best a New Year that will brings relief to your pain.


Sandy Kay

Hooray, you're almost there finally!!

As for the 6 weeks thing, I was talking with one of the fellows at my doctor's office after my implant, they recommend 6-8 weeks, and he said that they could be scarred in after 6 but there's no definite way of knowing so better to play it safe for the whole 8. Now, though, a couple days before the 6 week point for me, I could really feel the scar tissue in there causing me additional pain. I think this is why my leads are maybe not moving now when I'm trying to get them to on their own, because they're already scarred in too much.

Sandy also gives good advice about being specific since you don't have the benefit of the trial. I learned from the trial that the more specific the better and was even more detailed in where I felt it for the permanent implant. It's hard because you'll be really uncomfortable and tired, but you have to fight through that to give them the information that will make the SCS a success for you.

I only had a trial over a year ago. It was very uncomfortable on the operating table and seemed to last forever. After a while, all I wanted to do was get it over and get out of there. I'm not sure I ever really felt a good place for the leads. Probably one of the reasons my trial was unsuccessful.

Be prepared. It does take a lot of patience and stamina. Since this is a permanent; try the best you can not to get hasty and also try to concentrate where you actually feel the stimulation.

After all this wait, ElizaJane you are finally gonna do this!
The paddle leads are attached much better than the percutaneous, so that's in your favor.
The problem I had was feeling so much better since the stim worked for me, I tried to do more than I should have!
Dawn't do this

We'll be so excited to hear how this goes!

Rae

These were the answer to my prayer for relief from pain AND meds! Remember BLAST, no bending, lifting, stretching, twisting..... that is all reserved to Yellow at this point; as for you my friend, Eliza, you want the paddles to Stay Put and all to scar in well so you too, can experience restorative life. I just hope they hand you the wheel and ask if you want to drive at programming time. IT WORKS!

Blessed Christmas,
Mark56