Since I’ve now had the stimulator fitted for about 18 months, I thought it only right that I comment on how the first year went.

First Impressions

Getting home was the first hurdle.  There had been plenty of warnings about the potential for back pain after the op.  The pain was significant but manageable when I was either lying down or standing up.  Anything in the middle was pushing it.  On that basis, I really wasn’t looking forward to a five hour drive sitting in the front of our VW Camper.  It was sore, to say the least!  But, I did need to get home…… Read the rest

This post continues the description of my experiences having a Spinal Column Stimulator fitted.  The first two parts can be found at:

1. Stimulator Assessment 1
2. Stimulator Assessment 2

Pre-Surgery

After having a trial device fitted, it was obvious that there was a huge amount of potential for the full device.  I was told that they would expect the full device to be better than the trial, so if the trial worked, they would be very confident that the full device would do to.  As ever though, there were no guarantees so everyone’s fingers stayed well and truly crossed!

Fortunately,…… Read the rest

Apologies for the long delay since my last post.  It was not intentional!  We have been away for a while and my health has suffered a little.  I have also immersed myself in another project that took far too much of my time, but these are tales for a later date.

This post follows on from the last one: Stimulator Assessment 1.  It continues the tale of the process I experienced leading up to having my Spinal Column Stimulator fitted.

Stimulator Trial

At the end of the first assessment period, I was told I would…… Read the rest

I was referred to The Walton Centre in Liverpool to be considered for a Spinal Cord Stimulator.  I live in Scotland but the procedure is not available here.  This is why I had to travel so far.  Unfortunately this also meant that an application had to be made to my local Health Board for funding.  Obviously, this funding request was granted but it did delay the treatment I received.  From my initial referral to me receiving the full procedure took about 18 months.  I’m sure this wouldn’t have taken so long if I lived in the area.

Following my initial referral I was sent…… Read the rest

After several years of pain resulting from my DVT and subsequent Post Thrombotic Syndrome, I was offered the opportunity to be assessed for a device known as either a Neurostimulator, a Spinal Column Stimulator or a Dorsal Column Stimulator.  This is a system that is completely implanted inside the body.

There are two parts to this device, a battery/control unit and an electrode.  These are connected together via a lead.  The control ‘box’ is the oval shaped object to the right of the picture.  This is implanted in my side, round about where my elbow touches when my arms dangle by my side.

Read the rest