Spinal Cord Stimulator-F/U

Took a couple of days to get this blog out, since we took our seven hour drive, which requires us to stay overnight, to see the pain management doctor for the first time who is to do the procedure, and he said based on a questionaire, data provided by me and by my recent back surgeon that I was a candidate.  He took the time to go into the particulars of the procedure and answered my questions, and gave me the percentages of benefits, then asked me if I was interested in pursuing it; I said after five years of pain without relief from surgery and being at the highest dose of  Neurontin, after others failed, yes.  I was given a physchological test on a mechanical box, which he said all candidates are required to take; so for those of you considering it keep this in mind.  I was told that if for some reason I was found to require additional physchological follow up, it could be arranged; that's reassuring.  I was provided a CD from the company that provides the equipment for the trial; which again requires an outpatient procedure where they cut an entry area to the spine, place the electrodes; one on the right side of the spinal cord, the other on the left, then the wires attached to the electrodes come out of the body, are taped securely(he reassured me with lots of tape) and connected to a control box.  The device representative sets five different channels, each affecting different areas of the body; ie:  the lower back, the left leg, the right leg, etc.  The purpose is so that depending of the situation you can change the channel to provide the relief required.  The device is implanted on a Monday, taking about 45 mins, and then removed on a Fri.  A permanent will be placed by my surgeon if I experience 50% or more reduction in pain or in need of pain medicine, of course they say the benefits can be alot higher;  that, too, would be my desire.  You can not shower during the five days, only sponge baths.  There are of course complications that need to be considered before this or any procedure.  He told me about the possibility of infection, electrode slipage and even paralysis.  He said that he has had only one patient with an infection and that was due to being a diabetic and having to keep the device in for eight days instead of the five.  I am not sure that I am assisting anyone with this information, but I hope so and will continue to keep you aprised of the developments, unfortunately the earliest that the trial can be done is Aug 1.  
North American Healthcare JB4866 Arched Back Stretcher