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Originally Posted by deviphish  Hello I am scheduled to have a spinal cord stimulator trial on August 20th , This is after having multiple surgeries on my lower back.. I have been in lots of pain and trying to avoid revision surgery , My doctors have requested this trial..
I f anyone has had the SCS trial can you please let me no what to expect , and have you had success with this procedure.. I have 80%back pain and 20% leg pain and right foot is completely numb. Doctors say that if I feel 50% relief from my pain that it's worth having the permanent unit placed in my BUTTOCK region LOL.... I don't no if I am 100% comfortable having this placed in me , if the trial is a success.
I would appreciate any feedback that i can get regarding this SCS trial.
THANK YOU
DEv |
Well I cannot tell you exactly what or how much it will help you since everyone is different and has different issues, but I can tell you the process involved.
First thing is you get your referal for the trial
Then you must pass psychological testing to be concidered
You also may be givin drug tests to find out your dependency of meds
Once your approved for the trial it is scheduled and you go in.
Most say no eating or drinking 8hrs before procedure since it is a surgical procedure.
You will be givin presurgical meds about an hour before surgery (for infection)
Then you are brought into the surgical room or procedure room and placed face down.
You will be awake for the trial procedure, but sedated so that you are comfortable and relaxed.
They then clean and sterilize the area
They will numb the insert points with medication
Then they insert a catheter needle. Sometimes 2 depending on how many leads they put in. It is a fairly small needle.
Then the leads are slowly inserted and done under flouroscope xray
After they get the leads where they believe is right, the programmer then turns on the unit and slowly brings up the power. They will ask you several questions during this time.
Once they are satisfied that the leads are in the best spot, the catheters are then removed and the wires are plugged back into the trial box. They are taped down securely so they do not get accidently pulled out.
You will then sit up, they will do a bit more programming and then you get to drink some juice and have some crackers
You get to go home.
The perm surgery is the same as above, however, it is a much longer process, they also have to fish the leads under the skin and to the unit. They will make an incision,(typically 2-3") some put it in your buttocks, stomach or side. Mine will be installed over the buttocks into the "love handles" area. It is a good area because you are able to sit, sleep on your stomach if your a stomach sleeper, and they typically ask if your a side sleeper and install it on the side that you do not sleep on often.
You can be put to sleep for the implant of the box, but you also have the option of heavy sedation which I will be doing. You will not have any pain or discomfort for this. Most you will feel will be a slight pressure.
Hope this is helpful to everyone!
Kelly
