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Well, finally a little update.....
First, thanks again for all the kind words of support.
I had the surgery about three weeks ago. We actually changed the game plan and did the percutaneous leads instead of the paddle leads after a consult with the neurosurgeon.
It has been very good so far. It did take a week or two for the surgical pain to go away, but it was manageable. The best part is even set very low, the stimulator is allowing me to sleep better which is a huge benefit. The distraction is a pleasant change from the constant pain. It will take about 4-6 weeks for the leads to scar in, so I will continue to go in for fine tuning on the programs I use. right now I have four different programs to use, and of course you can change the intensity, wave length, etc. so it's fun to play around with. I am getting great coverage from my low back all the way down to my feet. I still can't get over this technology. I charge a "puck" in a charger, then just wear a belt with the puck in it over the implanted battery, and it charges it right through the skin. I about fell on the floor with this though - somehow the cost of the battery came up in one of our meetings. They said they have actually seen JUST the battery be billed for almost $40,000!! A more average billing amount they said was $25,000 but the final negotiated cost is less apparently. And the warranty is only five years...Better be a darn good battery. I told my brother last night I'm not donating my body to science, I'm donating it to him so he can get that darn battery out and sell it on eBay...
Bottom line, if anyone is considering this procedure, I can say I would recommend at least doing the trial to see how you like it. The trial is required first by the insurance any way, and it is just the same as permanent just without the battery inside you.
If anyone is considering it and has any questions, feel free to email me.
G
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