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Posted 5/13/2009 12:21 AM (GMT 0)
I just arrived home and my daughter asked to see what they did. I lifted my shirt and she was inspecting and wanted to know how the stim works. When she saw the small energizer battery, she started walking around the house clapping her hands and chanting the energizer bunny. It is hard to believe she is 18.

Everything went well. They did not sedate me at all. The Dr stated that he is trying to see if he can do the implants without it. We laughed all the way through the procedure. I kept joking with the doctor and the nurses. There was only a little pain but after they were done, they stated that when I go in next Monday to have it removed, there will be much more pain. I had to ask why it would hurt more when they take it out. They started laughing and said they should have shaved my back before taping me up. Unfortuanetly I have this extra thick growth of hair on my back and they said it was going to be like a wax job when they take the tape off. I guess I shouldn't have asked the DR if he really graduated from med school. They did say that I did better than most patients do with sedation. I will wait and see if the spinal headache kicks in as they said that was pretty normal. The Dr. said that he would prefer that I try and keep a normal schedule until he removes it to get a good idea of how it is going to work for me. We will see. I am still thinking of taking some time off anyway. They have already schedlued the perm. implant for June1. Thanks for everyones thoughts and prayers.    

Posted 5/13/2009 12:27 AM (GMT 0)
Fatherjohn,
I started ROFL at the title of your thread! Hope that doesn't insult you!

Glad it went so well and I hope the trial is 1,000% successful!

Did you tell the doctor what your "schedule" is? :-) I hope you do take some time off, but you could just try to do a "normal" schedule like a lot of other people (not like Pete! LOL) and see how it works and take some celebration time next week!

BTW - how was lunch? smilewinkgrin

PaLady
Posted 5/13/2009 1:24 AM (GMT 0)
Awe Father John, I gotta chuckle about the energizer bunny thing, yep even 18 yr olds still act like lil kids at times...
hehehe...
So glad your doing good so far and I hope the help from the stim keeps lasting for you and you might want to at least
take tomorrow off of work as you do worker pretty hard..so take it easy..
(((((((((((((((((((((HUGZ)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
((((((((((((((((((((Father John)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
Posted 5/13/2009 3:09 AM (GMT 0)
FatherJohn, I am glad you did okay today. I did remember you in my thoughts. You have such a good sense of humor-even today! I sure hope you don't get a spinal headache. I had one when my son was born-horrible.

Just remember he said normal schedule. Your schedule has not been normal lately. Please keep that in mind and make yourself slow down a little. A little time off would be great for you. You sure have more than earned it.

Relax and take care. I wish you great improvement and success with the stim. I hope you get great pain relief.

Anice
Posted 5/13/2009 3:22 AM (GMT 0)
I hope the stimulator works really well and you don't get any headaches with it. Taking time off sounds like an excellent idea because knowing you you will probably be very busy anyway. Good luck, golitho

Posted 5/13/2009 3:47 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Fatherjohn,

That comment had me laughing as well! I'm glad to hear that everything went smoothly today. I sure hope that this trial brings you some noticeable and needed relief!

Skeye
Posted 5/13/2009 4:22 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Fatherjohn,

I am glad to hear that the procedure went well. I have had an SCS for about 10 years now, and I remember the trial well. I hope that it does wonders for you.

Lorie
Posted 5/13/2009 4:42 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks everyone. I laid down after I posted and I fell asleep. I am not sure the stim has anything to do with it, this is the first time in awhile that I have just quit doing anything and rested. I sure hope I don't get used to it and become lazy. Maybe I'll stay home tomorrow, watch soap operas and eat bon bons. I just made my daughter feel guilty for not helping me and told her how difficult of a day I have had and she looked so sad and she asked what she could do for me so I had her make me a milkshake. I will owe her one for that. It was soo good. I made sure I made a loud sound when I finished with the straw so she knew I was done. All I could hear was her laughing from the other room. My hope and prayer for tonight is that all of you have a quiet night and sleep finds you. Blessings! 

Posted 5/13/2009 5:03 AM (GMT 0)
fatherjohn
I do hope this trial run works out well for you! Keep us posted on your progress!
and above all, Good Luck to You!
Your in my prayers my friend!

White Beard
Posted 5/13/2009 1:16 PM (GMT 0)

FatherJohn,

Even one short little relaxing nap can change our outlook, I hope you have another day where rest is possible.  You have always been the energizer bunny even with your pain so now let the batteries do the work for you......have another milkshake today and DO sit and watch soaps and eat bon bons, it will do wonders for you and you definitely deserve some relief and relaxation!!

(((((((((((((((((((((((((FATHERJOHN)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

XXOO
Patti

Posted 5/13/2009 2:49 PM (GMT 0)
Father John, I am glad to hear that your test has gone well so far. I, too, am considering an SCS and am going to be watching your experience closely. I am surprised that you had no sedation...that is amazing. But if you felt no pain or discomfort I guess maybe it's not needed. I hope you don't get the spinal headache. I don't know why you would unless you had a spinal cord fluid leak. Anyway, rest and get plenty of fluids. That well help replenish your fluid balance. Have you tried the unit out? What impact does it have on your pain so far?

Best,

Modelmaker
Posted 5/13/2009 5:50 PM (GMT 0)
FatherJohn, I do hope you are feeling better today. I am glad your daughter made you a milkshake. That was sweet of her. She sounds like a daddys' girl. That really was thoughtful of her and it probably made her feel needed-she was doing something to make you feel better.

Keep us posted on how you are doing. I am eager to find out how things are going and if you have found something that provides you some relief. Get some rest and have a lazy, low pain day.

Anice yeah

Posted 5/13/2009 5:51 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Whitebeard, edt and modlemaker and others, I had a good nights sleep and actually lefy the unit on all night. The company rep that programed it after the PMS installed it said that he has heard from other patients that leaving it on all night helpts that stiffness when waking up. I left it on a very low setting. I laid in bed and did not get up early as I didn't think the soap operas started too early. I also thought that bob bons before noon is a sign of problems. I was still stiff and the worst part of that is no shower. I can't take a shower until they take it out next week. As per the sedation, without sedation, you are alert and as they try and position the leads, it helps as they get to the right nerves and the right position. They did us a local where they inserted the tube the lead was inserted in. They stated that I did better without than 90 % that have sedation. They had a problem going up the left side as they were hitting something (could have been part of the rods or braces from the fusion). They went up the right side and then crossed over. They did hit a nerve a couple times that kept me awake as well. They are thinking of videoing the procedure when they put the perm. in, as I have given them permission. (Can I get royalties for this?) The one problem I have had so far is if I snezze, caugh or even clear my throat with the stim on, I get a surge as it moves the lead or the position of the lead. It does not hurt it just give an intense surge that catches you by surprise. They stated that when the perm. one is in place I will not feel that as much. The leads will over time become part of the body and will not move. I just got a call from work so I am going to head in for a little bit and then rush home for the soaps. Have a great day.

 

Posted 5/13/2009 7:28 PM (GMT 0)
Fatherjohn,
I'm so glad you had a restful night - and morning! So proud of you that you stayed home, but maybe you'll get home in time for some soaps and bon bons. :-)

I've never had sedation for any of my epidurals or nerve blocks and I think I'd prefer the no sedation route with something like an SCS if that means they place the leads (or whatever is in there) more accurately. And hey, if you get a video made can we have a movie night? smilewinkgrin

PaLady
Posted 5/13/2009 10:57 PM (GMT 0)
I went in and managed to only work for about 5 hours. I kept the unit on the whole time and one thing for sure, with it on I am not aware of the pain that much. After turning it off as I drove home, the pain was at the same level as before. I am just keeping a simple log as to how I am using it and what results I have. I am also being very careful and not lifting anything over 5 lbs and I am trying not to bend or twist as per the instructions. So far the hardest thing was n ot having a shower. That is normally the first I do in the morning to loosen up the stiff back. PAlady whazt flavor of bon bons are the best?

Posted 5/13/2009 11:36 PM (GMT 0)
Hmmm....you know, I don't eat bon bons! Or haven't in ages! BUT idea do M&M's count? yeah
I prefer millk chocolate, but if you force me I'll eat the dark chocolate, too. smilewinkgrin

I'm so proud of you for only working 5 hours. You deserve a reward, so pick whatever candy suits your fancy - and have that sweet daughter make you another milkshake!! turn

PaLady
Posted 5/14/2009 12:11 AM (GMT 0)
PAlady, here we go with the M&Ms again. Also since I have recently lost some weight, I will pass on the milkshake but I will take a raincheck and cash in later.

Posted 5/14/2009 3:33 AM (GMT 0)
Hi fatherjohn,

I can't tell you how happy I am for you that the implantation went smoothly yesterday & the trial unit is already making a noticeable difference! That is fabulous! It's also great that you were able to take some time off today & relax! That stinks that you can't take a shower, though (no pun intended, haha). But I guess electricity and water don't mix too well! smilewinkgrin At least it is only for one week. I hope you continue to find relief from your pain!

Skeye
Posted 5/14/2009 4:18 AM (GMT 0)
Skeye, your words mean more that I can say. I know that you are dealing with your own dissapointment and you still are encouraging others. You are so amzing. It is crazy how much we take little things for granted. No shower, yea that does stink.

Posted 5/14/2009 2:03 PM (GMT 0)

FatherJohn,

How wonderful to hear, you are getting some relief!  I am so happy for you and especially to hear you actually cut your work time down to FIVE HOURS, YEAH for you (what are you doing with the extra 19 hours?) lol!

Seriously, I have been enjoying some relief from the Low Dose Naltrexone and it is a miracle not to be consumed by a level 8-10 pain everyday!  A 5 is so more enjoyable!  A little relief in our world is so HUGE!! 

I hope you get to sit and watch the soaps (hey give us an update) and pop some M&M's if they make you happier than bon bons!!

I wish for you and everyone a low pain day today!

XXOO
Patti

Posted 5/14/2009 7:33 PM (GMT 0)
OMG, lets all pray this is the winning ticket for FJ. Can tell a difference, Wonderful news!!!!!!
Susie
Posted 5/15/2009 2:19 AM (GMT 0)

Ok friends here is the latest report. I talked to the Boston Scientific rep today and my PMS. I had a bad night as the pain in my foot kept me up most of the night. I tried running the stim but when I turned it up enough to mask the pain, then it was too strong for me to sleep. The rep and my PMS want me to drop in tomorrow and see about a little tune-up. I managed to work a full day and ran the stim all day. At times it gets annoying. I was trying to explain to my wife what it felt like and I told her it was like sitting in a chair that vibrates but you don't get to get up and walk away. The other thing which they say will be different with the perm. unit is when I move, cough or even clear my throat, the stim peaks as the leads are not anchored down. It does not hurt, it just catches you by surprise. I will try and take off most of the day tomorrow and drive up and let them tune me up and maybe let the wife do some shopping. It is only about 45 minute drive which is shorter than some of you. We will hope for a good night. I am not ready to raise the white flag yet.

Posted 5/15/2009 3:02 AM (GMT 0)
Father John, I hope the tune up gets that foot pain under better control for you, the energizer bunny needs his tweaks. eh,
lol, you go bunny,,lol...
Good Luck tomorrow...
Posted 5/15/2009 3:15 AM (GMT 0)
Fatherjohn,
I only know what I've read on this forum when it comes to the stimulator implant. But I seem to recall some people talking about the need to change settings, programming, etc. and even at times the need to turn it off. I remember reading some people saying how their units had several different programs and once they figured out the best ones for them it made a big difference. The only thing I can liken it to is my external stim unit, which has about 4 different programs.

Anyway, don't know what your machine is like but maybe someone else here can help you out in that area.

Hope you end up with a green flag all the way!

PaLady
Posted 5/15/2009 3:42 AM (GMT 0)
PAlady, for the trial, they only gave me 3 programs. I play with all three. For some reason, two of them are not effecting my foot so they want to change where the electrode is firing on the nerve. They told me there is over a million different possible settings. I don't plan on trying that many. I would be ready for the soap operas by then. They stated it is not uncommon to do alittle tweaking (that term has bad connotations in my line of work). Tweaking is what a meth addict does when they are high. Until Monday, I plan on taking this unit for quite a ride. It is like taking a test drive in a new car. Take it for as far as you can go.

Char, my daughter came to the center today and when she saw me she started walking around like the energizer bunny. She all of us laughing.

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