First post op from SCS

I saw my neurosurgeon and stimulator rep today. Everyone is thrilled at my progress. Although I am still using a cane and nearly fell on my backside going back to the exam room, they are all happy. So am I!

All of my staples are out and insiscions look great too. NO more slicing and dicing of me EVER!!

It just happened that today I had some areas that are my typical RSD hot spots, so we were able to trouble shoot some programming. I have 4 new programs, not sure how I like them yet but its all a work in progress. Unfortuetely the program that hits my right lower leg also gets my right forearm and elbow for some reason, cant figure that one out but hey, it could be worse,lol. The program that gets all my toes also spasms my bladder to much so I pee myself, guess you cant win them all,lol. We will try in another month for that, let things continue to calm down a bit.

All in all I am so happy and looking forward to trying to wean off of some of the narcotics. I never took enough to make a significant dent in my pain, even at my own peril. I was always concerned about work, kids and functioning clearly. Even if I never make it off of them, the decrease in my untreated pain levels will help tremendously.

Now off to rest, this day was alittle to much for me. Talk to you all later!

Snowbunny21 said...
So glad to hear an update Shell!!

It sounds like things are going well even with the tweaks that need to be made.

I'm sure there are some great success stories about the SCS even though we see so much of the negative online.

Its all about finding the right settings with the SCS, I think I like the program I had the last two weeks better, but its so hard to compare.

You absolutely hit the nail on the head here. People who are doing "great" and not having issues are out living there life, not reporting the good results. Of course thats not always the case, just a generalization. The negative is so easy to find, the positive not so simple.

I feel positive that I am heading in the right direction, even if this is as good as it gets I am better today than the day before surgery. I felt that if I didnt give it a shot I would always regret not trying.

Shell,very glad to hear things are going well for you, you have bee through a lot. As SE said, one of the members here with a unit said as more time goes by with the healing process the better the unit worked.

Keep us posted.......Susie

I actually asked my dr and rep about running a 5K the beginning of September. Guess what the answer was? NO!!! He said give it another 2 weeks still I start to walk long/fast distances. Of course I am supposed to walk now, just not alot and very controlled. I cant wait to get back to Zumba. I only do what I call 1/2 Zumba (whatever I can manage, but its fun).

Not sure what I did to deserve a bad day today but I woke up with tons of pain. I have been probably over doing it greatly. But the good thing was I adjusted my program and seemed to get past it pretty well. Thats all I can ask for. I am up and relaxing but was able to do it with no extra meds.

Coughing and sneezing is interesting Laura. I did steps on Wednesday for the first time, each step got me too. Had about two hours of hiccups the other day as well, zap, zap, zap. Just things that will calm down as scar tissue forms. All worth the changes and minor annoyances if the system works!!!

Of course tomorrow is a concert that I am not willing to miss! Going to see Twisted Sister! Standing room only so I will be taking my scooter, its got a horn so I will just run people over as needed,lol.

Whoo hoo Shell!!! Hope you have a great time at the concert!!

Is Dee Snider still touring with them? I watched him on the last Celebrity Apprentice and he is such a sweet, down to earth type of guy!

I bet that is a strange sensation when coughing or sneezing...it sounds like you are really taking everything in stride and learning the ins/outs with the SCS and how best to handle the pain spikes...

As you said...anything that we can do to help put a dent in our pain is wonderful! There is never just one magic pill, procedure or treatment...it's all about the combination of things that we do. And yes, a positive attitude is very important.

Rock on!!!;)

Shell- I LOVE your positive and humorous attitude! Bet that helps so much with how great you are doing. I try to be the same way after my brain surgeries so I am up and running in no time. It's my hair that's taking forever to get in gear and grow back! LOL

I am learning the ins and out of my stim programs, expecting more tweeks needed at my next appointment. When its tjrned up fairly high for the upper back kt seems that my circu.ation to my feet is affected. Legs are cold and toes/bottom of feet are purple. Legs also seems to jerk randomly and my gait pattern has turned semi robotic.

Anyone with SCS, do these sound like things you have experienced? Do they pass with reprogramming, healing or adjustment? Giving it time and patience. Taking it one day at a time.

Thanks,
Shell