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Colleen Young, Connect Director avatar

Living with Neuropathy - Welcome to the group

Neuropathy | Last Active: Feb 28 10:08am | Replies (6760)

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Profile picture for rivermaya34 @rivermaya34

@joanland Yes, of course! I'm so sorry you're dealing with so much pain 😓 So, the trial is easy, but a little awkward because most of the hardware is external, minus the leads. They're put in one day and taken out 4 days later. During that week, make sure to be in touch with device reps, if need be. Depending how you do will determine your eligibility for permanent implant. If you do it, you'll have to do a pre-op appt (for insurance) that states it's necessary, etc. Then, you have to do a mental assessment (it's required and very easy - they will set you up for success, don't worry). Then, the surgery takes a few hours. They will put it on one side of your lower back. I woke up with my torso wrapped snugly and then I wore an abdominal binder for the first 2 weeks, which is actually surprisingly comfortable. Movement is your biggest concern. Depending on where they put your leads (They'll be sutured in), you want to make sure you follow the restrictions very carefully. 3 months of restrictions, then light duty after that. Biggest concern initially is leads moving. You will know if they do bc you will feel it. After a little while, that will not be a concern. Good thing is your reps can meet with you anytime to make adjustments and set programs on your remote, etc. They are always available to talk 24/7. You'll get an ID card and need to charge yourself (each person is different) about once a month. There should be minimal post op pain (just getting used to it there). Mine is a little awkward just bc I'm pretty thin, so mine visibly sticks out. It can be annoying while driving or sitting, but I mostly tune it out. You can still get MRIs (at least with Boston Scientific) and fly, etc. After 3 months, you should be normalizing and able to move more freely and getting pretty used to having it. It will be an adjustment, for sure. But, I believe it to be worth it. They also said you'll have to get it replaced about every 6-8 years. If it doesn't work for you, it can always be removed. Hope this helps...I'm sure I'm forgetting things.

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@joanland Also, stay feom magnets if you get it.