SCS test on Thursday

[tanglewood]

I know this is stupid, but I'm starting to get nervous about my spinal cord stimulator test on Thursday. My doctor makes it sound simple, but I worry about how I'm going to sleep - on my stomach? What if I roll over? Even with pillows I could roll over onto my back. I have a bit of a cold today and sneezed three times consecutively this morning. What if that happens with the scs in me? Will I get shocked? Should I turn it off while I sleep? I will try to remember to ask my doctor these questions, but I'm afraid when I get in there I'll get distracted and forget. Any advice?
thanks

[HawktheSlayer]

Hey please keep your thoughts on the positive side. I know that your worried still and remember that there are alot of ppl here that can help with any questions that you have and also we all hope that the unit helps with your pain. I know that my unit is still giving me some releife and am very thankfull for that. I do alot if tests with my unit, I will turn it off for a full work day and just take my pills, I have noticed that the level of pain I have has increased alot, but I am still getting the releife from the SCS unit and its still the same level of releife, but I feel that I have another problem in my back that the unit is not set up to help with. I know that I hope that you will be able to stand the feeling that the SCS unit gives you. I have heard of ppl that said it was too strange to keep using it, for me its a buzz down the leggs and when I have to work I turn it down so it feels like a pulse shooting down my legs. I also have to turn it up very high some days and on thoes my feel are numb and its hard to walk but i know that I can turn it off or down so I am ok with it. I sure do think you will be ok with the feeling because the pain level can go way down almost to none some times and thoes days are great. Again Best of Luck and we are all hoping and praying ( if thats your think ) for you to get the pain releife that you want and need to continue having a happy life.

R/
Adam

[tanglewood]

fpainestam, thanks for that info - it eases my mind some about the shock factor; all I need is more pain! Glad to hear that it is just a "buzz" not a shock.

Tuckamore, thanks again!

I will post back to all about the results. I stopped taking some of my pain medicine (Lyrica) and my pain level is up significantly, so it will be a good test for the SCS.

[Tuckamore]

As you can see there are helpful members here with first hand experience. Questions are never dumb. Ask all you need to when you see you physician or here.

And the patient that told you it didn't work for them should not overly concern you. Everyone is different. If you don't try, you won't know. I am hopeful this will be effective in relieving and controlling your pain.

Hang in there and we will we waiting for your next post. Tuck

[fpainestam]

Hi, Tanglewood (one of my favorite music places--are you in the Berkshires?).  I have been there/done that as they say.  The suggestions to write down your questions and have somebody with you are both excellent, but the important thing to keep in mind is that the device is not as sensitive as you think it is.  You'll be OK.  The extra buzz the doctor referred to is just that--not at all a shock as you would think of it. The only problem I had with mine was that one of the wires moved after the device was implanted, and then was pressing on the nerve.  I gather that this problem is quite unusual.  

Good luck, and tell us how it goes...fpainestam

[tanglewood]

thanks! I know you've been there and done that - your advice helps a lot. I remember my doc saying something about a lot of tape; that's good! It sounds like I will have to have a lot of settings? One for sitting, standing, laying down, etc. I guess that comes with experience. I'm kinda looking forward to it and kinda nervous, too. But, I have not had one person who has had the scs implanted say they regretted it. A guy at the doctor's office when I was there for my last visit had one and I didn't even know until he told me. He said his helps, too. I'll let you know Thursday or Friday. Thanks for the support.

[tanglewood]

thanks, good idea too! my wife always goes with me; and for this she'll have to because i won't be able to drive. I think nick hit the nail on the head, too - I'm worrying too much. this is really out of character for me, i don't usually worry aobut medical procedures. thanks for the support.

[HawktheSlayer]

Hey dont worry about it. I know that your nervious but you will know almost right away if its going to help you. When I had mine it only took about 30 min for my Dr to get the wire inplace then the medtronics ppl kinda took over. Trust me when I tell you that It should not fall off or move unless you pull on it. They put so much tape on mine that I could have done anything. I know what your going through right now but if the tens unit helped at all this will do alot more. Now please remember that you want to have the controler in hand when you go from standing to sitting or laying down. Every move you make with you head arms or really anything will make the feeling stronger or weaker, but try and find a place that is comfey ( i cant spell ) and mess with the settings you should find one that really helps with the pain. and then get in another position ( ie sitting, standing, or laying ) and mess with the settings again and write them down or remember them so you can change the unit before you change position. Please let us know how it goes. I am hoping for the best for you.

R/
Adam

[jeric]

If your ok with it you could have someone come to the appt with you and they could make sure your questions get answered... plus they will also be able to tell you the answers later... because I know I always forget the answers by the time I get home.

[tanglewood]

thanks, my doc said that if i cough or do anything that might jolt my spine i could get an extra buzz from the scs. at the time i didn't pay much attention, but the more i think... i guess that's the problem; i am thinking about it too much. as nick said. I do wtire stuff down, but then sometimes gt distracted and don' ask.

thanks

[Tuckamore]

Hi Tanglewood,

Nick has offered some good suggestions. And I am sorry but I do not have personal knowledge of the SCS but I am hopeful others will post to help ease your concerns. I would be concerned also. I highly doubt that a sneeze or rolling over on your back would cause a shock. Other ppl with these implants certainly sneeze or roll over. Have you researched your questions on www? It's worth a try. Often the information on line is excellent.

I would make a list as suggested and take them on your appointment, than your physician can address each of them. Hang in there. I am sure it will all work out for you. And keep posting. We are here even if that means just to listen.

Best Wishes to You, Tuck

[nick30]

Hi there, it seems to me like ur worrying either about too many things or only negative things. What if everything goes the way it's supposed to? I have not been in ur position regarding the SCS but at times we all get nervous about something, it's only human. Perhaps if u write those questions down (as i sometimes do b4 going to the dr) not only will u not forget, but you may also worry less as you will know that your dr will be aware of those potential problems. Worth a try. Good luck!
Nick.