Yesterday I got the trial SCS implanted, the stimulation is covering both arms from fingers to shoulders, both underarms and some of the scaps. The procedure was a bit uncomfortable due to having to hang my head down over the edge of the operating table the entire time, and because the Dr was unable to insert the leads in the midline of my spine, where there is no sensation, thus no pain. The incision area is still painful today, but better than yesterday, and that pain will be gone in a couple of days.

The BEST news is the SCS is working for me!! I feel little or no pain in my hands and arms, just a tingle, which I can make stronger or weaker as needed. Last night I slept comfortably on my side, withOUT PAIN, for the first time in over 3 1/2 years, and woke up actually refreshed after a good night's sleep!

I didn't know if the SCS would work for me, as it doesn't for everyone, but I prayed it would. Now I wish I'd tried it 2 years ago!!

This is not the Medtronics one but a newer one called Precision from Advanced Bionics, and it's very small, completely rechargeable, with a 5 year guarantee. My Dr says the battery life is actually 9-10 years or more, and he's got nothing but good things to say about it, and he's implanted lots of them.

Last night I went to the first half of my daughter's Homecoming football game, it was pretty chilly and I wore gloves, and my hand didn't once turn that painful, icy-cold. In fact, that hasn't happened once since the SCS surgery. So it's helping with circulation as well!

I get this trial unit out on Monday, to prevent infection, it will be at least 2 1/2 weeks after that til I can get the permanent one in. It will be hard to give this up after having a few pain-free days

But I am VERY HAPPY this seems to be working like a charm!

beth