Introduction

Two years ago I had a Spinal Cord Stimulator implanted in the hope that it would help me cope with my chronic pain.  It worked very well…..For the first year.  During the second year it gradually got less and less effective and my pain rose to the level it had been before the implant was fitted.

During the summer I realised that the situation was only going to get worse, so I called the Walton Centre in Liverpool for help.  They arranged a clinic appointment for me and then a follow up appointment with my new consultant.

He was honest and told me that he feared the loss of efficacy…… Read the rest

It’s Official – Hospitals Are Boring!!

Well, haven’t I had a really exciting couple of days?  I was due to be admitted into the Walton Centre on Wednesday so that my Warfarin could be stopped ready for my Op on Monday.  The letter said get here by 10am but it also said to speak to the Bed Manager before you leave (but after 0830hrs).  Well, of course, it’s a 5 hour drive from home to Liverpool so this was a problem!

I phoned the Bed Manager on Tuesday and explained the situation.  She said it was not necessary for me to be there by 10am and suggested I call her back…… Read the rest

Hope You Had A Good One!

Well, we’re half way through the Christmas festivities and I hope everyone got a little of what you hoped for from Santa.  My kids got the Guitar Hero “Band Hero” game for the Wii and have rocked ever since!  It is very addictive and extremely good fun when the whole family gets involved!

As far as this site is concerned, I’ve added a number of plugins to adjust the output.  Mainly I’ve added a few ways…… Read the rest

I just got word today that I’m getting my surgery the week before Christmas.  I guess the timing isn’t the best in the world but I should be back with my family for the start of the holidays!

The Spinal Cord Stimulator I have implanted isn’t covering the area where I need it most.  The plan is to change the electrode that’s attached to my spinal cord.  Hopefully this will change the area of my legs that the “tingling” sensation from the device.  I talk more about the device itself here.

This time they’re taking extra care with the Warfarin.  I need to go down to Liverpool…… Read the rest

A Necessary Alternative?

My last trip to Liverpool was to see my Surgeon because my Spinal Column Stimulator has not been working properly.  Initially we thought that this was because the electrode on my spine had moved slightly but the Surgeon added another possibility that I don’t think I wanted to hear.

Apparently there is always a chance that a patient will develop a tolerance to the system.  This means that the device slowly stops working properly.  In my case, he said this was a possibility because of my description of pain slowly returning over the past…… Read the rest