Well, I've been backing off the additional pain meds needed after my implant (it has been a week) and I am increasing in pain. I'm trying not to worry, my programming is on Friday (I hope) and the programs I have were quickly set up in the recovery room (remember I did not have a trial). I'm finding the stimulation itself to be pretty - well, irritating. And I am definitely having pain even where the stimulation is. I guess I kind of expected an "Ah" moment - a relief, if you will, of being in constant pain - and I haven't gotten that. I guess I just need some reassurance - I still haven't heard from my rep (I did text him as he said he would not be at my appt on Friday and I want to make sure the other rep will). The other rep was not there during my implant and trial on the operating room table though. Feeling really unsure about things - out in the cold (as the temps here in Southern Maryland went down to 17 last night and now at noon are a balmy 28. We who have (electric) heat pumps are feeling the chill!). Am I panicking early? Did you all have an "Ah" feeling of pain relief with the stimulation? Funny how we can set ourselves up for things without even realizing it!

I understand how nervous you may feel right now - but please keep your meds at the usual amount until you heal well. I'm still sore at 4 weeks (yesterday), and continue to use them for break-away pain - or flare ups I guess you could call it.
Once you meet your rep, they should spend alot of time getting the implant to fit your needs regarding coverage. I had a couple of programs set up at the hospital, while I was in a daze. They really didn't do much for me either. It took a couple more meetings to get my happy place
So glad you are here!!

My docs each asked I continue my pain management meds as we brought my SCS unit on line. You know from reading my thread and article the ultimate "Ah" moment for me was on the day I was allowed to program my SCS stim programs and they commenced working away. Only one program at a time funcitons, as the computer within us is not yet sophisticated enough to enable multifunctionality [but then, I do not think I am quite ready to be assimilated into a Star Trek like Borg collective].

It is the post surgical program setting session during which you should arrive at "Ah" which means the pain becomes better managed by your device. Do understand there will be sensation with the operation of the unit, and not a clear line of demarcation taking pain away completely leaving you at a status pre-pain. We are all about baby steps here. One single step at a time. This is why my docs had me maintain on the pain management meds into the post surgical realm where I ultimately under their supervision did wean away from all pain management meds due to the superb function of my Boston Scientific unit.

I hope and pray your session goes well,
Prayin,
Mark56

Sorry, didn't mean to confuse: I'm just backing off the additional pain meds I've been taking for the surgery. I'm on Methadone for the "overall" chronic pain, and that will take a LONG time to get off of! According to most detox clinics, to come off 70 mgs of Methadone the Best way, the way most likely for your brain to start working again, will take a full 12 months. No, haven't started on that baby yet. I'm just feeling anxious - still haven't heard from my rep at all. I'm hoping I will get some programming at my appt with the surgeon on Friday - I know the rep that was there during my surgery said he couldn't make it so I' assuming the other one will? You all know what it's like - I've been waiting 15 months on this journey to find out the big question: Will this help me? God I hope so! Thanks you guys -

I hope that rep contacts you soon, ElizaJane! I don't blame you at all for feeling anxious. Good luck.

Heck, Eliza, who wouldn't be feeling a bit anxious where you are at right now.
The biggest part of the anxiety is that feeling of being left hanging in the breeze. I know your rep will come thru and I'm sure s/he is busy and all, but they should realize that we need extra reassurance right after getting this implant. Did they leave you an email address to get in touch? If so, it sure wouldn't hurt to send them a quick note letting them know how you are feeling.
I really believe these guys (inadvertently) become complacent in their work, and it's good that they are reminded once in awhile that we are human and new at this.

Your body is still sifting thru several different types of pain right now, so don't cut yourself short with the meds available to you. I remember feeling a bit anxious about this at first because I couldn't tell for sure if I was getting the right kind of relief. I think I was just expecting too much too soon tho.

I know how you are tho! You're a toughie who just wants to get on the MOVE!

Rae

Hi folks - things are looking much better today. Thank you all for your prayers and support! Thursday I did find my card with the other rep's information, so I texted him and he replied that he would be at my appt yesterday. He was, and I have new programs and they are helping! I think I will need further refinement of the programs, but it just got where I couldn't tell for sure what was doing what. So I am scheduled for my six (actually 7) week post op appt with the surgeon mid-February, and the rep will be there for that, and I am to call either of them if I have any problems before that. So things are looking a lot brighter!

The PA at my surgeon's office did say to take it easy, and especially not to twist these next weeks. I'm allowed to drive, but not with the stimulator on. Is that just a (cya) approach by the parent company of our stimulator's? Have any of you found any reason NOT to use your stimulator while driving - any adverse effects that would be sure to impact your ability to drive? I imagine the company that makes our stimulators wouldn't want to do anything that might possibly make them liable if one were to have an accident. That's the same as not driving if you are taking opiate medications (narcotics). Well, if you are on a continuous dose that enables you to live like a normal human being, it's not likely you're going to be able to stop the meds in order to drive. Of course I don't drive if my meds are making me sleepy or incapacitated in any way, but other than that, I do drive while taking the meds. I'm not at a place yet where the stimulation is replacing my pain meds, but I can imagine that once that happens, it will be very hard to do without the stimulation, particularly when driving. Just wondered what you all thought? I am very grateful that my stimulator is starting to help - now just have to get used to when to use what program and wait to start pool therapy in March. I'm looking forward to that! Take care each of you - I hope you have a pain free day! ElizaJane

You sound so much better ElizaJane!
I'm glad your rep came thru for you. So, how well is the unit doing in covering your pain? Or is it still too soon to tell.

Most of us will admit we DO drive with our units on..........
Personally, I think it's mostly for the sake of the manufacturer covering their rear ends, and who can blame them. We never actually 'push' to drive, because it goes against what they are telling you....but it kinda becomes your own decision after you are used to the unit. Knowaddamean?

I'm so glad your reprogram session went this well!

Rae

My doctor said that it could cause involuntary movements like making you slam down on the gas. I'll admit though, that while I started out for several weeks not having it on when I drive, I do use it now. But on low settings because sometimes my legs do "twitch" when I have it on higher.

I thought I remember reading an old thread and someone saying that insurance won't pay for an accident if you had your SCS on?

Such a suggestion is a new one to me, but if your doc has said the possibility exists Yellow, I would not challenge the hypothesis.... my situation has never caused such drastic involuntary movements; however, I have noted when lying on my bed with the legs above the comforter.... if I just sit still and watch, kinda like bird watchin you know? THEN I notice my toes do involuntarily move, and I cannot make them move, so the stim is doing the kick in the kaboodle.

So back to that witness stand I have talked about before, and only because I have seen no case law reported regarding a decision on use of stim while driving as causation of injurious wreck on roadway..... imagine being asked the question "so, the stim you have, was it powered on at the time of the incident while you were driving?" If you do not want to have to answer questions like that one, prepare yourself accordingly.

This thought, two cents, and a nice smile will not purchase a thing, but......
Mark56