SCS nerve stimulator implant

[daveinaustin]

I haven't had time to post too much this last week. It was a crazy week where I was in the office, and we had a couple deadlines on Friday. This weekend we've been preparing for my SCS nervce stimulator implant on Monday, Aug. 31st.

I will be online after the procedure to give an update, and will start a new thread under the surgical outcome afterwards.

Having the SCS nerve stimulator implant was a difficult decision. However, I want to sincerely thank all of you, and especially Justin and Mark-Perth who wanted me to fully research, challenge the doctors' opinions, and to have the doctors converge on this treatment option.

After my re-injury three weeks ago, I had a lot of "fear, uncertainty, and doubt" about the cause of my current back pain. Although the doctors have not determined the root cause (which drives me crazy as an Engineer), they have determined what it is not.

• The Intrepid fusion cage, which was recently recalled, was placed perfectly and has solidly fused. Therefore, I do not need revision surgery or the DSS motion coupler for those sections.
• The 1.5 T MRI and CT scan w/o contrast confirmed the overall structure is good.

However, there still could be an issue with L3-4's disc, which to a year old CT-Discogram and a recent MRI with contrast looks perfect. I will still be able to have another CT-Discogram in 5-6 months when insurance will cover it.

Note: The majority of the doctors concurred that even if there is new pain with L3-4, surgery is not the right answer for it.

My hopes and prayers are that the SCS nerve stimulator will reduce my pain and narcotic intake by over 50%, and will hopefully provide even more relief as time goes by.

My doctors are 85% optimistic that with the nerve stimulator I'll be soon able to start up a better exercise regimen which will provide further relief.

I look forward to provide update to the progress, and appreciate all prayers and encouragement with this difficult decision!

-Dave

[Justin]

My hopes and prayers are that the SCS nerve stimulator will reduce my pain and narcotic intake by over 50%, and will hopefully provide even more relief as time goes by.

My doctors are 85% optimistic that with the nerve stimulator I'll be soon able to start up a better exercise regimen which will provide further relief.

I look forward to provide update to the progress, and appreciate all prayers and encouragement with this difficult decision!

-Dave

Dave,

I wish you the very best on Monday. I know this was a hard decision to come to, but you've truly done your research; thus, enabling you to move forward with great confidence.

I am hopeful that your pain will be greatly reduced and that you will be able to exercise more as a result.

Your patience and perseverance over the last couple of months will truly pay off on Monday. I'm looking forward to your updates in the Surgical Outcomes Forum.

Take care, my friend.

[KBear]

Dave, Great job doing your 'homework' and not just taking what the drs say as 'gold'. I wish you luck for surgery tomorrow and will be praying for you.

On another note, I saw the date for your surgery and can not believe August is over! Holy cow, time is flying.... makes me feel old just saying that. It also reminded me that it's my sisters b-day tomorrow, hopefully, I won't forget again and will remember to call her!

[dalhousie]

All the best for Monday Dave. I hope the SCS brings you much relief & you're able to develop a good exercise regime when recovered.

Looking forward to hearing how you get on.

[ajj1001]

Praying it goes well for you

[daveinaustin]

Thank you so much for your encouragements and prayers! We are so fortunate to have a forum where we can all come together and help each other through these times of our lives.

God bless all of you!

-Dave

[Justin]

Dave, you're getting closer to pain relief!

[Katie]

Blessings and best wishes to a successful and uneventful surgery tomorrow, Dave. I look forward to hearing from you.

[Justin]

Dave, today!

[Cindylou]

Dave good luck today with your surgery. I will be praying for you and will be very interested to hear about your outcome and progress with pain relief with this procedure.