[JavaJan]

Hi Everyone,
First of all, thanks so much for the warm welcome and for all the wonderful info, input, and encouragement that I've found here! What an amazing group!

Secondly, I got good news today. The "test drive" for my SCS (Boston Scientific Precision Spinal Cord System) has been scheduled!! Wooo Hoooo!! I go to the hospital on July 24 (which seems like an eternity away right now) for the trial implant, try that out for a week. If it works (please, God, let it work!), then about a month later they will do the laminotomy and permanent implant. I am excited, scared, hopeful, giddy, cautiously optimistic, and about a thousand other things right now! I spent some time reading some of your experiences and it gave me a lot to think about. I appreciate the honesty and the willingness to share what you've been through.

Meanwhile, I'm supposed to go the physical therapy for 6-8 weeks, which is good because it means I can use the pool at the health center. I had therapy there a couple of years ago, and the pool component of my PT helped more than anything. Then my insurance ran out and I could no longer use the pool...waaahhh!! I will also be scheduled for the pre-op stuff...chest x-ray, EKG, etc.

One of the concerns I have, of course, is the financial part of this whole deal. I have only Medicare, and while I know they will cover part of it, I'm not sure how much will be my responsibility. I live on SSD and my state disability pension, which is enough to live on, but without much left over. I do know that the hospital here has an assistance plan, so I will be checking into that. Have any of you experienced this, or do you know anything about the costs involved?

Again, thanks so much for the nice welcome. I pray you are having a pain-less day!
Jan