Good News for me - Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Message Board

keep sake · 02-04-2007, 11:45 AM

Hi All:
Just wanted to let you know I finally got my SCS on 1/17/07. The insurance company finally approved it. It is giving me quite a bit of relief for the pain in my upper back and legs. But because of the time wasted waiting for approval the RSD has now spread into my neck and face. When placing the implant they could only go up so high in the neck and it does not help the pain in the neck and the face. Probably never will. They wanted me to go for shoots in the neck, but because of the neck fusion and the brace in my neck I will have to go into the hospital to have this done. I honestly cannot handle that right now. If it gets worse than what it is maybe I will think about it then.

I do have to say the SCS has given me a tremendous amount of relief. I can now sit back on a chair, which I could not do before and the limp in my legs is no longer, as pronounced. I still have pain but it is not as intense as it was before the stimulator.

I now have to get use to the stim in my body, but that seems to be going well. I am still seeing a therapist and it does seem to help. I know that the stim is taking the place of the pain and I’m going to have to get use to it. Better the stim than the pain.

The one thing that did throw me was the attitude of my doctor. He said I was to go home and live the rest of my life and forget about him. I don’t know what this means or what he meant. When I asked him about my disability he said the corporation would take care of all that. Did any one else have this reaction from a doctor? God knows the SPC has helped but what happens now. Are you suppose to go back for checkups for this implant or just act as if it doe not exist.

I don’t want to sound like I’m complaining because I am not. The SPC seems to be working very well so far. Just seems strange to me that this foreign object is put into you body and no one is going to monitor it. Any feedback will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you all for your responses to me, this web page is a blessing.
Keep sake.

Scrufysdad · 02-04-2007, 08:13 PM

Keep Sake, you are not alone. When I had my SCS placed in I was seen for the removal of the stitches and then sent back to my Neuro dr for everything else. No one gave me any answers either as to what to do with my life after the SCS implantation. Just take it slow, don't bend, lift, stretch, shower for weeks after. How did I know this....well, I listen and watch the video that came with my unit. Thank god for my wife who helped with everything. Hope you have someone to help you. Anyway, it is hard and no I don't think you are complaining. Just remember people here on these boards have had it done and you will get support. We will help you. If you have any specific questions just ask, I will answer you. Just for an FYI I have had my implant in since May 2006. It was implanted in my butt, leads in my back to help my ankle/foot, but unfortunetly it aggreviated the foot and has spread to my knee. But! What can I say because it allows me to put on a shoe and use a cane instead of crutches that I had been on for 7 months.

Listen, Good luck with everything and remember we are here for you.
Ben

dee_navymom · 02-05-2007, 11:21 AM

Keep Sake

How exciting for you...to get pain relief from your SCS.

I understand your confusion with having the Dr making that statement to you. Yes. I had a couple follow ups with my Dr after the placement of my SCS. And if you are to have injections in your neck is this the Dr. that will be doing them? Maybe what you need to do is just call and make an appointment with this Dr. and sit down and ask him what he was saying with that comment. With having RSD you will need ongoing medical care. And if he isn't going to treat you anymore he could at least recommend another Dr. and give you a referral.

And just like Ben said keep coming here..we will help the best we can. But for right now take a few days to enjoy having less pain.

Dee