Background Info

I had a Boston Scientific Precision Plus Spinal Cord Stimulator permanently implanted on December 14th, 2009. I have healed well and an now trying to optimize the available settings to provide the maximum relief possible. Currently, I visit PM doc and Rep JM about every two weeks for followups as well as programming. Each visit I have had with JM I've left feeling better than the previous time. I remain carefully optimistic.

People ask me all the time "Is it working?" and I think are sometimes shocked that it's not a straightforward answer (complete with me doing cartwheels and yelling "Yes, I feel great") If it's someone that doesn't know my history quiet well I just smile and say, "Yeah, it's doing pretty good" for those that know me well and can handle an intellectual convo regarding pain (read: someone who understands CHRONIC pain and doesn't write it off quickly) I fill them in on all the details...usually sounding something like this, "It takes time for this to work and I am getting better after each programming session. I really do expect to take this months (or possibly longer) to get the best benefits, but I am optimistic and look forward to *any* relief it provides." I also fill them in that this is NOT a magical cure that will make everything great and pain free. I fully expect to stay on medications, maybe lowered dosages but ah, that's not something I focus on right now. I am still only a few weeks "out" into recovery. Overall, would I say that I am glad I had the surgery done-YES. If you had asked me that a few weeks ago, my answer might have been different.

A Stimulating Swim...

As I rush to the ladies room (yes..thank you UTI for the necessity of a mad dash) I realize I have a thought cross my mind that most people don't (and won't ever) have to consider. My charging unit for my stimulator is "stuck" (compliments of Boston Scientific's adhesive patches) to my backside and I had a quick panic about dropping it into the toilet. Can you image that call to my rep, Mr. JM, "Um..hi, it's me again. I have a *little* problem. I have managed to take my stim charger for a swim" I highly doubt that the generally helpful Mr. JM would be glad to hear that, nor would my insurance company.

At the very least it gave me a giggle.