I did as well. Dr William Mauck did my Stimulator and one of psychologists at Mayo did my evaluation

@ayankeeinnm

My pain specialist told me who could do the psych evaluation. It only takes 15 minutes. I had to wait 2 months to get an appointment. An lcsw (licensed clinical social worker) who has a masters degree can do it. You might try calling public health department. I'd just be persistent until they get you in. Speak up for yourself.

Jim

Jim et al.

My insurance company requires a psychiatrist.  My psychiatrist refuses to write the letter because he is not familiar with the device.   I have been seeing him for seventeen years.  There are two other psychiatrists within 100 miles.  Neither is accepting
patients.

I read the posts again today and found a lot more failures than successes.  Don't really know what else to do.  Have read the distractions but not for me.

Thank you for caring.

@yankeeinnm

That's strange and unfortunate that the psychiatrist won't do the evaluation. I'm going to talk with the local company rep and ask him what you can do. I'll get back to you.

Jim

Thanks, Jim. I know the psychiatrist pretty well. He does not see clients personally. Has three med ladies and four counselors. I have only followed this thread recently. Have read only of failed neurostimulators. Would much prefer to read stories of successful implants.

@yankeeinnm

So far, I'm very happy with my stimulator. After 4 weeks of healing from the surgery, it has stopped more than 80% of the pain. It's only been a week, so that's not a lot to go on, but so far, so good. You can ignore all of the complaints about the vibrating people feel when it's on, or even after it's been turned off. With the new Burst DR, you don't feel anything. The only time you feel the vibrating is when they program it, but when they're done with that, you don't really know it's on, except for the relief from pain.

It doesn't work for everyone, hence the trial. If the trial implant, which is a minor surgery, gives you at least 50% relief, you will qualify for the permanent implant.

My only complaint this early in the process, is that the battery pack that's placed like a pacemaker bothers me. That's because I'm thin, so it's close to the surface and is very visible, and it hurts still to lie on it or wear pants that sit high on the waist. Mine is placed just above my belt line. This is one time when a little body fat around the middle is a good thing.

Jim

Hi, Jim,

Like your dog. Thanks much for the info. I'm waiting for approval from the insurance company. Please keep posting.