I received my insurance approval today, and my surgery is scheduled for 11/29 for trial and implant 12/6 at University of Chicago Medical Center, I asked the Neuro Surgeon what device they would be using and they said St. Jude and gave me number to call, I called St. Jude and they said a rep would call me back, any questions you think I need to ask??? Thanks in advance as always
Kathy

oh someone heard my praying for an approval I am happy about this news
St.Judes ,Cheryl has the same A St.Judes .
I would ask how long is response time for meeting with a rep when or if the unit needs adjusting of programs . will you have same rep that works with you or will you have a different rep each time.
i really cant think of anything else to ask right now. I know once the trail is in you will have questions on working the program .you should get a video showing you how to use it. and we are here too.
infection is going to be the biggest thing with after the surgery both with the trail and the final . i know i sound like a broken record saying that to everyone but it is the truth and needs to be stressed.
keep this short but those are the questions I would ask. i am so pleased you have been given the chance to have a trial. remember This is not to take all the pain away it is to help lower the pain to a more bearable level in which you can live with and have more normal life. It is not a cure that makes one totally pain free. I most surly am keeping you in my highest most positive thoughts Kathy
PEACE
BMW

Thank you for your thoughts-Since rep didnt call me today, after I left message I guess I am a little concerned and to be 5 hours away from home during the trial period my plan is to get a hotel close to the hospital but I dont know what else to think about, sorry even tho I got approval today I wish I was happy now all of a sudden, just been crying all day trying to figure out how to pull this all together, can I do it alone? I am afraid, I am sad, I am nervous I am trying to be positive this is as good as I can pull together today......

Kathy are you going threw the trail and such alone with no one there to help day to day? Is there anyone to drive to and from the surgery to hotel and be with you? How many days is the trail to be in? are they going to do the final the same time day they end the trail ? If so that is way way awesome!! no wait in between the trail and final. That would be so good. better we may chat email kkk off to email you.
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Kathy check your Email on your comp .. not the private message here .

this is a video commentary that discusses the PNS
http://www.painclinician.com/video/id/88
it may help others understand this surgery . Credits to Kwebster . I nor Kwebster promote this surgeon or any neuro surgeon, doctor hospital or clinic. sharing this is only to help one understand the PNS surgery and its purpose.
Thank you Kathy .
PEACE
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Five more days Kathy. It is great that you will have help there with you during surgery .
We both have some college visitors right now lol . You best be enjoying the holiday .May it be filled with blessings good cheer .I hope you and your family can feel all the prayers and good wishes being sent to you.
You will do fine. remember they have you awake durring part of surgery.So try to focus and let doc know when you "feel it" even if it is thumbs up for good and thumbs down for bad. the better the doc can tell it is reaching the area the better the placement.
5 and counting down .. Be in touch soon.
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Today is your trial surgery Kathy and I have you ,your doctor and family in my prayers for this to be a smooth successful end to the horrible pain that hasnt been controlled. I hope the PNS will lower your pain and get you back into life again.
I will chat with you on the sidelines later if possible. It is close to your surgery check in time where you are so ..Best of the best luck
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I am so happy Kathy's trial surgery went well She has 4 programs, two of them she likes and so far the PNS is working good . I pray things continue to proceed smoothly and succesfuly to a very happy ending .
I have to Happy dance a fellow T.N. sister that is getting some pain relief . I love hearing that type of stuff, weather it be from getting MVD or new meds or gamma. . . anyone getting away from the pain , lowering it to a more bareable level is Happy Dance Time if ya ask me lol.
continuing my prayers for a happy ending Kathy
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Kathy You are doing great one more day ..In less then 24 hours you will have the PNS all under your skin. no more wire hanging off your face . you will have a new buddy ..the power unit aka battery by your collar bone . that will be where you will probably notice different then the trail. but you will be getting more programs to work with . I am so sorry the IDOT rep didnt give you any choices with the trial. You did awesome getting the rep on phone and figuring out the issue. and you were a good fighter suffering threw that.
It sounds like you are ready when we chatted on phone for that long 5 hours drive tonight. bring your meds and Have a safe trip to from and while you are there.
May God and the angels keep guiding you threw this final surgery and the healing , protect you from infections ,complications and make this a full and complete successful ending. . . so you can get some of your life back again and control the pain. I hope you get your Christmas present early and that by tomorrow at this time you will be programmed in and getting some rest without monster pain in your face and jaw. the area where the lead will be is gonna be sore but it will pass.
Almost there you can do it ttl.
PEACE
BMW