The one nerve block they did did nothing except hurt my neck. No relief whatsoever. Nothing they have tried so far has worked and I guess the SCS is a last resort (if the insurance company approves it).

Guess it's just a wait and see. I have an appointments with the pain clinic and with my treating orthopedic surgeon this week. Unfortunately they aren't on the same page (latest was Ortho ordering OT 4 days after pain clinic had me discharged from OT for lack of progress).

Okay, William - well, keep us posted and here's hoping/praying for a good treatment plan for you. One thing we have in common is a personal understanding of just how frustrating chronic pain can be. While I'm not here all that much I do pop in now and then and for sure there's a community of folks out here that care and understand.

Hi William, It's a big decision to make and I remember back in 2009 being in that same life changing position. Im presuming that you are going to have a trial first. The best advice I can give to you is, try very hard to focus on what the lead sensation you are feeling is like and not the wound pain and temporary discomfort. Also the trial systems are not as advanced as the real deal when it comes to the sensation you feel. That can be programmed to various sensations and not just one which you get with the trial. As I mentioned I have 4 SCS coccyx, lumbar, thoracic & upper thoracic/cervical. I now live a pain free life after major surgical accident and 6 years of horrendous pain and not being able to sit. I prefer my systems to be on a cycling mode which means they come on for 30 secs and them go off for 30 secs and so on. I recharge twice a week for about an hour. I have had hurdles along the way with lead migration and a few other small issues but for me they work. I know they are not for everyone but I don't even feel mine anymore I am so used to them. I had my second & third implanted in 2012 and my delicate coccyx in May this year and I am driving and functioning fine. What ever you decide I sincerely hope that it works for you and that you get relief from your horrendous pain. Please dont hesitate to ask me anything you like. I would love to help in any way I can. Good Luck

Welcome Aboard!!

FOUR units! Wow. you certainly ARE hardwired!

Thank you so much for sharing your testimony. You have some great advice to offer - much appreciated.
I'm glad that you are doing well with them and are able to do the things you enjoyed before your surgery that didn't fare well.

Stick around! We'd love to get to know you. I'm sure you'll get inquiries on what it's like to have 4 of them.
We're a great bunch of 'BUZZERS' and very glad you're here!

Caring,
Rae

William, I don't know if you have decided to go ahead with the implant, but
I am still on the fence about it. I just joined this forum. I am conflicted. The doctor yesterday encouraged me to go ahead with the psychological
evaluation and subsequent test and if I am not 50 percent better it would
not be implanted permanently. Because I have arthritic pain in the same leg
that would not be helped by the implant and would still require some meds
I am not certain. I am giving myself till December to learn from others on
this site and make a decision. My question is on the temporary plant how
are the leads attached to the battery unit on the exterior of the body. Do you
wear a Band-Aid or something. Exactly how does that look, how is it done. I
guess I should have asked the doc. Just wondering. -- Ma Bear in Florida.

------------------------------------

The wired universe!

I wrote extensively about the trial and the followon ultimate permanent surgery now over three years ago. You may read it here as you wish http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread117854-4.html

No, there is not a bandaid..... but a couple sutures at the point of entry/exit where the wires emerge for connection to the temporary signal generator. That temporary generator is commonly just like the implantable product, and worn on your waist in a Velcro band pocket. The wires are TAPED, and I mean TAPED to your back from point of exit down to the point where they are allowed entry to the waist band and temporary generator.

You must know about BLAST, the rules which will help you avoid messing up your trial by doing too much of the wrong motions. Read about BLAST here http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread114142-5.html

This will get you started Ma. I hope questions are both answered and inspired so you may be on with the consultative process with your Doc.

Hopin and prayin all will be well.

I feel blessed with my unit! Yup,

Hi there and welcome...the best advice I can give you is to read your eyes out!!! READ READ READ This is a very big decision....the surgery can be hard on the body.

There is so much information here and within a half day you can get honest opinions from this caring community of survivors.

I lived in Brevard county when my MVA happened...great doctors in that area due to the military base.

We are a motly crew...ask and ask and read and read...
welcome
Johanna

Hello Mabear,

Regarding the 'band-aid' - don't worry your leads and battery will be securely taped with tegaderm film, it is a clear film that adheres well and allows you to visually inspect your wounds without the need for removing the dressing. I personally had no issues with wires snagging as everything was fastened well just leaving the very end of the wire connection available for me to attach the remote for when I needed to adjust stimulation. I was given instructions to purchase an 'abdominal binder' and bring it with me to the surgery center on the day of the trial placement. I highly recommend doing this! It adds a bit more protection and padding to the incision areas as well as additional protection for the trial wires and battery. It also aids in keeping your body in a neutral position so as not to pull the wires out by over bending or twisting. I was told it also helps to keep swelling down. It is a bit cumbersome but, well worth it.

The trial for me was successful in that it offered me between 50-70% reduction in pain so I went ahead with the permanent implant just 4 weeks ago. Pain reduction is still improved from where I was but, not as much as I had during the trial - this is partly because I am doing more and pushing therapy as much as I can.

It isn't an easy decision for anyone, feel free to ask any questions that come to mind - this group is amazing!

Kindly,
Tessa

Welcome Aboard!

You've come to a great place for support and great info.
The trial procedure is paramount in deciding yay or nay.
Make sure you aren't being 'rushed' into this. It's supposed to be one of the last resorts when all other pain relief methods have been exhausted.
This procedure however, is becoming so common that a lot of times the Dr will jump straight to this. There is SO much money to be made for the manufacturer AND the doctor which, imho, carries a bit of a 'greed factor'.

Getting good follow-up care sometimes is a bit tricky, as you read thru some of the threads.
Just throwing this out there for you to be aware of.
Otherwise, the SCS can certainly help you get a quality of life back. I love what mine has done for the neuropathy in both legs and back. The burning pain is covered over by the soothing stimulation, which is a God-send to a lot of people.

It's great to have you with us! Don't hesitate to ask anything. As the others have stated, there is a lot to think and read about before making this decision. We'll certainly be 'with' you every step of the way for support.

Rae