Hi MessyMark,

I do hope the SCS offers you some pain relief!! I am now 7 weeks post implant of the Medtronic RestoreSensor w/Adaptive Stim. My trial lasted 5 days and honestly, I knew within minutes of the trial placement that I would go forward with the permanent. During the trial my pain went from a 9/10 down to a 4/5 which was amazing! The trial isn't IMO exactly a true test, since you are limited with movements due to the fragility of the leads as they aren't really very secure in the test phase and naturally we tend to limit ourselves during this time. The procedure itself wasn't a big deal compared to other surgeries/procedures I had been through. Just be sure to check the site daily for signs of infection and keep a pillow or another cushion handy to pad yourself when leaning against things. The trial SCS doesn't give you all the programming possibilities that you will have if you do go forward with the permanent - I was pleasantly surprised to have the additional programming once my permanent was installed.

After my trial the permanent was placed about 2 weeks later. I discussed at length the pros/cons of both types of leads. What I was told is that the paddle leads leave you with a more difficult and sometimes impossible surgical revision should one ever become necessary. They explained that it would be much better to risk migration using the standard leads than to start with paddle.. leaving me a plan "B" and "C" should they migrate. My concern was that if the SCS worked as intended that I would get back to the many things I enjoy like snow skiing, running, mt. biking and mountaineering & bow hunting all of which seemed like they could cause early migration. My surgeon said that as long as I allowed 3-4 months of healing that I could return to these activities with standard leads and that the risk for migration is essentially the same anytime you put repetitive stress on them, so I went with the standard type... lol.. I like having a plan "B"!

The recovery for the permanent wasn't a big deal either as far as pain compared to other surgical procedures. My only post op issues were fluid/swelling around the leads and battery for about 4 weeks. This was monitored closely for infection and additional antibiotics were given and eventually this subsided. I have 2 leads placed and they did cause pain in my back at that area of the spine for a good 4-5 weeks. Not grueling pain but, more of an annoyance. I think much of that pain comes from trying so hard to keep our backs straight during the healing process and once I was able to stretch a little more this has mostly gone away. A cushion or some type of padding will be your friend!!

I am so happy for this technology as it allows me to live much more comfortably than without it. I still have breakthrough high pain levels sometimes but, at least I'm not at a 10 all day any longer. I praise God everyday for the benefit of the SCS!!

My only complaint is the issue I am having with the early battery discharge as I am having to charge it daily. Doable sure.. but annoying.

Regarding MRI's with this device: The only MRI that will be allowed will be a HEAD MRI and even so, a certain MRI machine must be used and a specific protocol followed. This wasn't explained to me properly when I was first informed of the ability to have an MRI. They made it sound like any MRI was okay.. this was later explained (after the implant) in more detail and honestly kind of ****** me off. Ask many questions and read your precautions thoroughly before making your decision.

I do hope it works well for your pain!!
Tessa

Wow, Tessa, daily?! I have a different kind so I can't say for sure, but that seems like a lot.

I charge my thoracic, which I use at a much higher frequency about once a week and my cervical about once a month.

I will say before my revision I was charging my thoracic two to three times a week. I just had it cranked super high to feel relief. Sems like the battery might have a problem, though. I had a battery surgery. It was pretty easy compared to all the other surgeries I've had.

I agree that they work so great in bringing pain down. My scs usually cover my arm and leg pain. Unfortunately, my rsd is systemic. I'm just glad that some pain is covered which is better than none. I hope your battery issue resolves itself soon!

My daughter's name is Tess, so I love your name!!

TK

Thanks TK! I have been working with my reps on the battery issue and it does seem that my battery IPG is depleting way to quickly. The question that remains is whether or not it is because I use it at a higher amplitude & hertz or because it is malfunctioning either way it is annoying and if I need to increase settings any further this will become even more problematic. Hopefully soon they will figure things out!

Sorry to hear your RSD is systemic but, glad to know that the SCS is also working for you.

Your daughter must be amazing.. lol..

Praying for all who suffer!
Tessa

I am glad you are getting some relief from it. I know what its like to struggle with the pain everyday I did it without any meds for 2 years until my disability insurance kicked in I know how much pain can reek havoc on ones mental stability and family life. Hopefully something is figured out with the battery for you Tessa . The unit I have discussed with my doc is actually able to have a full body mri it was just introduced aug 7th or 8th I believe by medtronics. Here is one of them we discussed http://professional.medtronic.com/mr...m#.UhrPCSGJBgo this next link goes into a little bit more detail I think.
http://professional.medtronic.com/mr...index.htm#xray

MessyMark,

Forgive me, I hadn't realized they came out with a newer battery just yet. That is pretty cool.. wishn' I had gotten that one!

Wishing you the very best.. and slightly jealous of your new way cool technology!
Tessa

I hope your reps come up with something that doesn't require another surgery .