More surgery (2) needed for me.... NEW UPDATE !!!post 42

[Maya & Inka's mommy]

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!!

[sasvermont]

Gosh, this sounds complicated and a bit stressful, especially during the "off" time while you are waiting for round 2. I trust this will give you relief. Oh my. Please keep us posted on your progress. I am sure you will.

We will all be thinking of you, and wishing you only the best of outcomes.

[Laura's Babies]

Wow! I think I would like this route rather than taking drugs! I would be scared to death but I know when you suffer in sever pain with no relief, you are willing to do just about anything to have some relief. Actually, this sounds scarey but I could see where it would be the better option..... no side effects, no worry about becoming addicted, or having to use drugs long term, just a number of things where I see this as the better option.

Good Luck and I hope you get the best possiable results and can go on and lead a normal, pain free life.

[Daisy and Delilah]

I'm so sorry, Lut. You've been through so much. Best wishes with the surgery and a life free of pain in your near future.
{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}

[pitc9]

I wish you all the luck in the world that these surgeries help ease and END your pain!

My prayers and thoughts will be with you.

[sirrahbed]

That was very interesting to read all about. It sounds scary but VERY encouraging. This pain must be so depressing and so exhausting for you to bear. The device sounds like it is jsut for you though! It seems you meet all the criteria. You may be feeling so much better by Thanksgiving or Christmas!! Then, 2008 can be a very happy and comfortable year.

((((LUT))))

[Catty1]

Oh, gosh Lut - I was so hoping that the last surgery was just taking time to heal!

This sounds promising!

Stupid question - but one would almost wish they could just remove the nerve itself! Or cauterize/laser it!

Can you apply for permission from National Health BEFORE the trial period?

BIG prayers for you and that everything goes well. As long as you get relief! That is the most important!

HUGS, SIS!!!! XOXO

[Karen]

That looks completely scary, but the result sounds promising, long-term. We'll be thinking of you the whole time, and expect Indra to keep us updated when you are in the hospital - she did such a good job this last time!

[Randi]

Lut, I'm so sorry you have to go through more surgery, but let's hope that it helps this time. If you can be free of pain, it will be wonderful!

I'll be thinking of you and sending lots of positive thoughts, and headbumpies from Fister.

Will Indra keep us updated? Hope so!

[Catty1]

You cannot remove nerves, but you can 'burn' them closed for 6-12 months, with a proceedure called: Radiofrequency Lesioning. But nerves grow back and the hopes with this is that when they do grow back, it will take another path, which keeps you out of pain. This proceedure can be done over & over - sort of like 'training' the nerves to grow the path you want them to take.

Lut - is what Cats'n Clay had above an option for you? I don't want to mess anything up...just wondered if your docs had mentioned this to you.

HUGS!