In March this year the surgeon removed a hernia on my spine, which got a nerve pinched. Our hopes was that the freed nerve would heal and give NO more pain.....
It is 5 months ago now, and that nerve is hurting more than ever. I've even tried out a new promissing medication; but no use again. The only way to treat this pain is surgery called SCS (=Spinal Cord Stimulation).
Let's explain this a bit. SPS is a medical therapy for people who suffer from a certain type of chronic pain. A small implanted device is used to generate tiny electrical impulses : these replace the feeling of pain with a tingling sensation. This is NOT a cure for the pain: the objective with this therapy
is to reduce pain to a manageable level.
So I will get surgery on september 5th : I will receive local anesthesia, and then my doctor carefully inserts the lead (a special insulated wire) through a needle in the mid-back.
During the screening test, the doctor or nurse asks questions about the location and intensity of the stimulation, or tingling sensation. This is the reason why I have to stay alert during this operation.This process continues until they have found the best pain coverage.
After the lead is inserted, the test period may continues for 1 month. The screener, which is still attached to the implanted lead, is sent home with me. During this time, I will test the system by adjusting the screener to meet my pain management needs.
After this trial period, I have to get permission from the National Health Service. This period mostly takes from 1 to 2 months; The shocking thing is that during this waiting period, the device will be unplugged. This means that the pain will come back , even more intense than before.
Then during a 2nd surgery, the surgeon implants a non-rechargeable system which uses a battery beneath the skin. This will happen somewhere in november.
The battery needs to be replaced every 2 years, depending on how much I use the device.
There is a very good video which explains it all better. Go to this link
http://www.back.com/treatment-pain-n...imulation.html and then scroll down to where it says "play video"
I am looking forward to this with mixed feelings. What I will need most, is good-luck-vibes from all my friends here on Pet Talk!!
Be happy there at the Rainbow Bridge 
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