SCS Implant Trial

I went for my SCS trial today! I was pretty nervous, but the nursed said that it would not be that bad! I was given a 10mg of Valium the night before and another on one hour prior to my procedure. During the actual procedure I did not experience that much pain. about 5 minutes after the doctor was done, my pain set in and I mean it was A LOT of pain. My sister had to help me get in the car, which was difficult, but then the ride home was very uncomfortable for me.

The Boston Scientific representative was there during the procedure and explains how to use the SCS and what you limitations you will have to follow. Also, he will call me everyday during my trial to see how I am doing.

Some Tips......

Where a button down top, since you cannot lift you arms above your head

Bring a pillow for the ride home

Buy a Grabber so when you drop something on the floor you will be able to pick it up

Buy stool sofentners

Take you meds before your pain gets too bad

Well this will end the first day of my journey and I will keep everyone posted, so if anyone is considering the SCS implant, I will be more than happy to answer anything I can.

BTW.... the SCS implant is working great so far!

That's awesome Rena, so glad you are getting some relief! Welcome to healing well and I hope you keep coming back. Keep us posted on your progress, it sounds like this will be a good thing for you! Take care.

I am glad you are doing better. This is my first time on the forum. My dr. says the SCS is my last resort. I have had migraines for many years, than one day 2 years ago they never stopped. I have been on so many different meds., different procedures and none have worked. I am interested in knowing more about what caused you to get the SCS, what limitations they gave you after the trial. My dr. says it's in my neck so that is where they will put the leads. I have heard about some of the limitations and it doen't sound good for me because I live on a ranch. It is a big dilima. Thanks,

Leftie1

rena2020 said...
Good Afternoon,

Today is day 2 of my SCS trial. I am doing a lot better today, the only pain I have is the injection site. It is very difficult to try to get in and out of bed my myself, tomorrow I am having a nice recliner delivered so that should be a bit more comfortable. I did have to go to doc today, because I was having a difficult time with one of the meds that he gave me (nucynta, which has only been on market for a year) he told me stop taking it and that he will remove my trial on Monday and that the Implant surgery could be within the next few weeks. It will be bitter-sweet to give the trial up because of the relief that I get from it. My percocet that I am taking, 10mg every four hours, I have been able to decrease it a lot with the trial. YEA!!! So far all is going pretty well with this!

i go on the 23rd of july for my implant! i will keep everyone posted, i have high hopes with it!!

take care

rena

Rena,
I got mine implanted on April 12. The trial worked great. I was so excited to get my permanent implant. Just be prepared that when they say 3 months recovery, It will be 3 months recovery. I am still having quiet a bit of pain and its been 3 months. Mine is the full length of my spine, I have 2 leads implanted. It goes from C-3 all the way down. So maybe because it affects my whole spinal cord, that's whats taking so long to heal, but I'm still hopeful that its gonna start working like the trial did. Just be sure to take it easy when they say to take it easy. Also, be sure you talk to your reps and make changes to the program as often as you can to make it comfortable and to work as you can.
Carole

carole,

hope you are doing well and that your pain level has decreased!

do you have any hints that will help me, especially the first week or so.

i am currently taking 10mg oxcydone, which just takes the edge off, sometimes. i am hoping that my surgeon gives me something a little bit stronger, especially for the first week, if not, i will end up back in the hospital

have a great day

rena

Laurie,

Have you gone through a trial yet? I don't remember.

Rena,

Glad to hear that you will be able to go ahead with the internalization as scheduled.

Skeye