Having the spinal cord stimulator trial Monday. Anyone have thoughts, tips, or experience using one??

[MrsSinger]

Hi

I am having the SCS trial Monday and would like to get as many tips, or knowledge on what to do or not to do during the trial period.

I really hope that the SCS works for me. I would love to hear everyones experience while you had your trial and your final implanted device as well.

I want to do all of the right things and I dont want to run into any issues that some people do while having the trial done. I have heard that some people FREAK out when they get it but I dont see myself doing that since I am so excited about being pain free....well hopefully!

[MrsSinger]

IT IS A SUCCESS!!!!!!!!!

So far my pain reduction is 100% and a gift from God. It is the most amazing invention EVVVVVER!!!!!! I think if it is not too cold this weekend I plan on taking my son, he is 2, to the zoo. I don't get to do much with him with the pain but it will be a great test on my stimulator and how it affects me on a harsh environment, aka the concrete haha.

I was talking with a St. Jude rep today when he was tuning my device and I just started to CRY because I was just so happy.

Thank you for sharing your experience with me...

-Miranda

[MrsSinger]

Thats wonderful! I started to tear up just reading how you could walk around and shop for hours, that is so exciting!! I think I want to take my son to the zoo for the first time after I get my trial!! I never get to do anything with him and that would make me feel like a good mom, finally getting to do something FOR him and WITH him while not being so miserable.

I believe I am going to have the St. Jude brand. Or Medtronic.

What did you do about taking your meds while you did the trial? I am obviously waiting until I have the SCS implated to actually wean off of my meds completely but I want to try and take less of my medicine while having the trial because I want to know if its really working or if I am having an okay week or day. I can hopefully take half of my meds than I usually do but it will all come down to how I feel at that moment of the day, because I never ever have a clue what kind of hellish pain I will be going through this time today tomorrow!

I'm not looking forward to the sponge bath AT ALL. Would it be possible to use the shower head to wash the lower part of my body to avoid the sponge bath?

[dmoonchild]

Congrats!   I hope you love it like I did!   I have had my permanent stim since Feb 2011 and I love it! I get about 40% pain reduction from it and thats alot when you are in pain.
The worst part of the trial is all the wires you have taped to you for a week and you cannot take a shower. Only sponge baths, and it gets very  very itchy. Having it removed was a piece of cake. Pulling all the tape off actually felt so good .
You will be sore for the first 2 days......take it easy and just get to know your system and settings. read all the info, watch the DVD and e mail a representative with any questions. I have mine from St Jude. What kind are you getting?
After healing for the first 2 days We all went to the mall and I walked without sitting for 2 hours. It was wonderful. I started crying in the Disney store ( happy tears) as I have not been able to walk like that in 6 years.

I wish you the best of luck, Please ask me any questions you want.