I thought I'd start a new thread so that it's easier for other people to find in the future, because there aren't many cervical threads out there.

I had my trial put in this afternoon. The procedure was over with pretty quickly because they were able to get the lead in the right place. For the trial my doctor just put in one lead, but with the permanent he'd put in two, which would also cover me if my RSD spreads to my right wrist, something that seems very likely in the future. The anesthesiologist thankfully gave me enough local this time so I couldn't feel what the doctors were doing on my back- very appreciated.

The programming was easy as well, and there was no problem finding spots that had good coverage. My rep was so happy for me that everything went smoothly and was excited for me that this will hopefully help. She went on to tell the nurse how I'm one of her favorite patients I've been blessed with great reps who truly care and I am very grateful.

Now I'm home and doing well, my back is just really painful. The incision seems to be a little off center to the left and up by my shoulder blade.

I'm so glad you started a new and easy-to-find thread.

Sounds like this trial procedure went very smoothly. I'll certainly chalk that up to more answered prayer!!

Take it easy on yourself and play with the settings. I'm sure you're gonna fall right in love with this thing!

So happy for you!

Rae

I have been thinking about you today and wondering how things went. So happy to hear you are doing well and getting good coverage. Hope things continue to progress well.

Definitely keep us posted.
Nanc

What is your wrist pain from?
Cervical spine problems?

Glad you are doing well.

Thank you! I'm getting good coverage on my pinky and ring fingers and the outside part of my forearm, but I have to turn it up high to feel it enough on the other side. I think this is because in the OR it was turned up really high when they were testing it. But that's something I'm sure can be adjusted for the permanent. And even still, I'm getting good pain relief.

I'm definitely noticing the positional changes are greater when its in the cervical area, because the space is more narrow. It's mostly when I move my neck. No zaps yet, though!

Jo*mar, my wrist pain is from RSD. I've had it in both of my legs and then last year it spread to my wrist as well. Since I've had success with an SCS for my legs, I decided to try one for my wrist as well.

I hope that as things progress that you'll get more and more pain relief.

I'm still getting used to adjusting with the positional changes. It's weird because before it felt stronger when I move my head to the right and weaker to the left, and now it's the opposite. Certain changes in position can increase the strength of the stim a whole lot to where I can't get it back down by moving- I need to change the program. Sometimes it's just up to my elbow, and sometimes it's all the way up my arm and over into my chest too. Most time I feel it stronger on the outside of my arm, but then there's times where I feel it stronger on the inside. So it's just something I need to get used to, and I know it'll be less of a problem with the permanent. Last night sometimes it got so strong that it was a painful pins and needles feeling instead of a comfortable tingling.

If I shut it off for a little while, the high levels of pain come back right away. I'm so grateful that this is working to reduce my pain. And of course I still do have some, and certain activities still make it worse, like typing or pushing off of a chair with it. I also have issues with increased pain if I keep it bent for awhile, something that's hard to control when I'm sleeping. So last night when it was bugging me more, I slipped on my wrist brace for the rest of the night to keep it in a straight position and that worked just fine.

Hi I. So pleased that you are experiencing some relief

I have my stim just under two years for Failed Back Syndrome. I have noticed in the past few months that my stim feels stronger than usual. I put this down to the fact that the leads have scarred in by now. At first every movement meant the sensations went all over the place but now they are more confined which is definitely helping me cope with my pain much better. Plus some meds I still need to take.

Jackie

Jackie, it's good to know that the stimulation becomes more stable as time goes on. I've had my thoracic one for a little over 6 months and can definitely feel the scar tissue in there already, but that you are 2 years out and still recently have found things more confined is very good to hear!

I sat through 3 hours of court today and will again tomorrow. It's nothing strenuous, just sitting in one place for that long is difficult with the pain. And it doesn't help that those wooden benches are so darn hard. I brought a pillow with to cushion my upper back, though, which helped some.

A family member of mine is going through a trial for a difficult divorce and he is trying to get custody of their 3 young children because their mother is very unstable and unfit (I don't want to go into details, but I'm constantly worried about their safety). But the whole decision rests in the hands of the judge. He began testifying today and will continue tomorrow and it is very obvious to those of us who know him that he is very nervous, but we don't know how the judge will read his actions and answers sometimes. If you could spare some prayers for him that he says the things that the judge needs to hear and stays calm and confident, so that the kids can be in a safe and loving home, I would truly appreciate it.

Hi yellow

To sit for three hours is an achievement. It's not something I can do as the pain can be bad I have to get up and move around. Yes a pillow would certainly help me too. Have you tried out Marks cushion. I got one last year and it's amazing. You should speak with him about it. It's one you sit on and would certainly help on those hard wooden seats. I also bring a pillow with m for behind m back otherwise I can't sit still.

I'm sorry about your family member. I will certainly include him in my prayers. and hopefully the judge will do the right thing.