More Robot, More Human

Mental and Physical Health, Uncategorized 3 Minutes

Hi friends! How are you?!

As many of you know, I went through the SCS (spinal cord stimulator) trial recently. I have to tell you that overall it was a success! Here is how the week long trial went…

The day of the procedure if I’m being honest, was brutal. I was sore from where the leads were inserted, and it wasn’t particularly comfortable to lean back with the battery pack taped to me. The other problem was that I was in a ton of pain in my mid back. It wasn’t from the procedure or device however; I believe I pulled a muscle in the shower that morning. Don’t ask me how…I really don’t know…just that talented I suppose.

The day after the trial was amazing! The severe pain in my left leg was gone. My low back, down to my toes felt so much better. I woke up and moved about the house without waddling and wincing. I was able to lift my knees toward my chest without pain. I was able to lie flat on my belly without excruciating pain. I even stood for long periods of time without needing a pain killer. When my family checked in on me to ask how I was, I responded with “I’m good” and for the most part, really meant it. These are some things I hadn’t been able to do in years, and I was loving every moment! I felt so confident that this was the solution I needed, that I called my surgeon’s office to schedule my consultation for the permanent implant. His schedule fills up fast, and I didn’t want to delay things any longer. I will see the surgeon on the 30th of this month. With the last 3 surgeries, he was able to do them within a couple weeks of consultation.

Days three through six were just as great as far as pain relief. With minimal activity, I was getting 80-90% pain relief, and with more activity, 60-79%. To give you a better understanding of how awesome those numbers seem to me, a trial is considered successful if a patient receives 50% pain relief. What drove me crazy was the desire to take a real shower and to get that dang medical tape off my back. Otherwise, I really didn’t have any complaints.

The day the trial leads were removed, I felt happy to get the battery and tape off my back. I was also a little sad because I knew the pain would be coming back soon.

The red dots near the spine, are where the leads exited. The redness on the left side is from the bandages that held the battery in place. I seem to have a sensitivity/allergy to the adhesive/glue.
These are the leads that were removed. I will spare you the picture of them dangling out of my back. The removal was uncomfortable because they gave a little resistance, but it wasn’t necessarily painful.

The device rep said I may continue to feel pain relief for a day. Sadly, by that night my low back began to ache, and by the next day I was hurting more. I am now back to the usual 8-10/10 on the pain scale. I am holding on to the hope of permanent pain relief being right around the corner. I just need to hang in there a little longer. I know that getting the permanent implant will make me a little more of a robot (with the hardware that’s already in place), but honestly, when the trial was in place, I felt more human than I have in a long time. Maybe you all can start calling me roboJ2019 😆.

As always, I appreciate all of your positive vibes, well-wishes, and prayers! Thank you for your love and support.

With love,

J♡

Published by J♡

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22 thoughts on “More Robot, More Human”

    1. Thank you Emma 💖. How are you doing?! I hope life has been treating you well and that you’re kicking pain’s a$$, instead of it kicking yours.

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      1. I’m good dear. Definitely taking my meds to live life to the full.

        However, had to find a new pcp to fill scripts because my former is paranoid with the bullshit opioid crisis. I couldn’t believe her or management there??!! That just adds stress to already our chronic pain and health. I called a lawyer and he said find a new doctor. Really?? I already know that. I mean who is being held accountable. They just gonna let people die.

        Thank Almighty God for coming through. 😁🙏💃

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      2. Emma, so sorry I didn’t reply sooner! I’m sorry you have to go through all that mess! I hope you’re able to find a new pcp soon, so you at least have some sort of relief. Sending positive vibes and gentle hugs!

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    1. 😄 Optimus…nice! Thank you! I’m very much looking forward to that too. How are you and the kiddo doing?? I’m far behind on your posts, I’m afraid. I really hope things are going okay.

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    1. Yikes, I’m so sorry, I’ve really been slacking on WordPress lately. Thank you! I see the surgeon on Tuesday for surgery consultation, so I’m feeling hopeful. Oh my goodness, was everyone in their beachwear that day?! If we could just get back down to the 90’s it would feel so much better here. I’ll send you some sunshine and heat, and you can send some cool weather and rain this way…sound good?
      I really hope you are doing well.

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  6. I’ll be keeping all fingers and toes crossed, and keep you in my thoughts! Here’s hoping everything will run smoothly and you’ll be able to have the surgery scheduled soon!

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