As Mark suggested....take a look and see what Saffy went/is going through. Not trying to scare you; but think your doctor might be downplaying somewhat. Not easy when work is a must; but this is what will either make or possibly break the future of being able to work. Mark was once again able to return to work because of a successful stim implant. Prior to that, he was unable to work. It is so Very Important the proper healing and scaring occurs holding the leads in place. You don't want to do anything to jeapordize this. Even two week is bare minimum. You will most definitely be in our prayers.

If I'm being a pain about this - maybe I need to take it offline with someone here...I really need to have an idea of what kind of challenges I will expect post-surgery where I would have to have my wife home with me. We are planning on doing whatever we have to, to prepare but besides a nice 36" grabber and some odds and ends along the way (like a tub chair) I'm not sure what I'll need...or can I manage w/o anyone for 10 or so hours through the day alone.

Mark, can you please give me a direct link to whatever Saffy has to say about this (that both you and now "ger715" has recommended? I'm being honest here: When I look at the number of threads and posts I just back away from it all - like a book. I'll pick up something I think I'd be interested in - flip to the back to see how many pages it is and the majority of the time I put it back down!
A direct link would be most appreciated.
("Saffy" ... Interesting...wonder if her name is Sapphire. We have a granddaughter with that name and we nick-name her, "Saffy" as well...this is the first I've seen this name elsewhere)

Another side-note: I also run a vBulletin bulletin board and I love the emoticons that are available here! Hope no one minds if I 'borrow' a few and load them on my site. Love the hugs and group-hugs... (among others)

Saffy is from the UK. Her real name is Karen. I don't remember the reason for the "Saffy" name. Saffy got an awful infection where the battery was put in. You will have a pocket made to attach batteries to leads, etc. Some do area upper butt or slightly above back waist. I believe Saffy had hers in the stomach. Eventually, all had to be removed.

The biggest thing is stretching, lifting, twisting, bending, etc. Always conscious of not wanting to risk leads moving. I, myself did not have the final implant. My trial was unsuccessful and never knew the relief you speak of. You sound like a great candidate. I do think research is wise. We are pretty frank on this site. Alway first is concern for the poster. Just good to have as much info as possible.

Mark....if I am wrong, say so....I would think, after the first few days, your wife should be able to leave you alone for many hours. Unless. you are the type that she has to remind...don't do this or that. You just need to use common sense. Just the idea of returning to work; not wanting stitches infected, etc. makes not returning to work too soon not a good idea. As Mark noted, you would just be getting stitches out. You want to protect that area because you are very much in need of healing. All this is inconvenient....but I only wish I had known the result you had with your trial. That sounds like "heaven". Never knew that feeling and have other complications, so never will.

Sorry if we are causing you stress. It's only because of you wanting to do too much too soon; especially working too soon where without realizing, you can cause problems. Stitches need healing time as well. Otherwise, these are the main issues of concern. Once you have fully accepted things are going to be uncomfortable for a while and many things avoided to be sure of a successful implant. Then....sounds like you shoud be ready for a "nice life"

You most certainly are not being a pain about this. I don't know how to give a direct access to Saffy; other than to look up her name and check into her past posts which woud be under "statistics" in her profile area. Then you would have to go back maybe 5 or 6 months to see some of the photos she showed of her infected stitches. This is not the norm....but again something to protect yourself against.


Gerry)

.

Ya done good, mighty good!: o)
Yup,
And we are a prayin,
Mark56

Please allow me to bust in on this thread to give my belated WELCOME to the group!
I've been gone up til now. I'm THRILLED to know that you've had a very successful trial and a date set for your permanent! Sounds like you are well on your way to a much better form of pain management so you can get a quality of life back!

As you can see, this is a fantastic group. We really look out for one another here. Been thru many ups and downs together.

I too have a Medtronic device and I really love it. It covers the horrible burning neuropathic pain in both legs and lower back.
It'll be so great following along with you as you go thru your experience. We all understand the nervous excitement you feel as your big day approaches. Ask as many questions as you please. There's no such thing as being a pest here and no such thing as a stupid question.

You are an ambitious young man who is known to tote the Good Book - a very admirable trait. How can you go wrong with God on your side!
You'll get so much support and prayers, you won't know what to do with it all!

It's great to have you here Andy!

Rae

I just knew, I just knew, I just knew you would chime in for Andy, writes the cowardly lion to that lady out in Totoland...... Yup, I bin watchin and waitin to see if you would give a big Medtronic hug to Andy, and THERE YOU ARE!!

Hah, I knew you would come,
Yup,
Prayin too,
Mark56

Nice welcome - thanks so much!
Indeed, the Eternal Word was introduced to me before I was born and while I didn't really submit to it's authority till much later in life the depth of the 'implant' (ah-hem - pun intended??) has had it's influence on me my entire life. Nothing like godly parents/family.

Low back and both legs, huh? Well, that's program numbers 3 and 4 on my trial device! At this point I don't need left leg coverage...or at least I didn't know I did. One time recently my doc, during her general exam of my legs, pressed on the left saphenous and I was shocked to feel a shot of pain from it...totally unexpected. The damage is all on the right side, or so I thought. Yes, I know me favoring this thing for 36 years has put a significant strain on my back and left leg but - the saphenous nerve?? That one baffled me. My main damge is the same nerve but on the R side (although she's identified the entire Femoral trunk as problematic - thus she wanted to try the SCS route...something I resisted in a big way for many months). Go figure...these bodies are so complex.

Thanks again for the welcome...and did I read correctly that this is your board? I didn't notice "Administrator" next to your name so was unsure.

Hey Andy, you're not being a pain at all! Actually, your questions are helping me, as I weigh the pros and cons of getting the permanent implant. Many times when I read your posts, I find myself thinking, "Oh yeah! I was wondering about that, too!" So, thanks for asking questions, and never worry that you're being a pain or a pest!
Jan

Thanks, Jan. I am an extremely analytical person so tend to almost 'over-think' and analyze every situation...and sometimes think I ask way too many questions. In the end I'm usually wrong and the questions were just fine. Glad to know my questions here are helping both of us.

In the end I'm taking one full week off then the second week will try to work part-time from home (just got it approved by my boss) then try to make it in the following week and see how I feel.

I really do not think you, in this case, were over-thinking. This is very important and good to express all your concerns.

Prayers all will go well.


(Gerry)