FINALLY!!!!

So I finally got to take pics of my back. These pictures were taken today, so they are about 6 weeks post operation. Please ignore the mess in the background of the first pic. We really are working on getting this place cleaned up, but like I said there's a ton of work to be done.

The vertical incision on top is where the leads were placed. The horizontal incision on the bottom is where the battery pack is. As you can see it's stil slightly discolored. In person it looks kind of bruised.

I'm still working on getting my cell phone to hook up to my computer properly. If I ever get it to work I'll post the pics from right after I had the trial put in.

The timing couldn't have been much worse...

Like I've said in previous posts, I'm so glad I went through with having the SCS implanted. It was one of the best decisions I've ever made. That having been said, the timing couldn't have been much worse.

My grandfather is dying of cancer. We thought he'd have more time, but it's not looking good now. He's on oxygen and pain killers constantly now, and hospice workers come in frequently to help him out. Of course it's important that I go visit him before he passes. The only problem is he lives about 5 hours (by car) from my husband and I. I simply can't ride in a car for that long of a time period.

We were going to visit him this weekend, but I don't think I'll make it. My husband says we can go up next weekend, but what if I can't ride in a car then, either? I don't think I'm going to be able to see him before he passes. It's heart-wrenching. My mom tells me not to worry about it, and that grandpa would understand, but that doesn't make me feel any better. This totally sucks.

Long time no post

I've been very busy lately, so I haven't had the time to post. We moved at the end of last month, and we haven't been able to get settled yet. This house is in total disarray, and needs to be cleaned before we can unpack anything. Once that's done, we need to start fixing it up to make it more livable. We'll get there, but it's going to take some time. I feel bad because I'm not really able to help out. Darn this SCS!

That's not to say I'm not glad I have it. I certainly am. It has been helping a lot with my pain. That's a wonderful feeling. Although my back is still pretty painful, I'm glad that I had the operation done. I know there will be an end to this pain, which I didn't know with the RSD.

I started back at work part-time on Monday. I work for 3 hours a day from the office, and then I come home and usually put in a few more hours. I have been working 7-9 hours a day most of the week. I think I've been overdoing it so yesterday I just came home and relaxed. I think I'll be doing the same again today. I've been taking 800 mg of Aleve (Sodium Naproxen) every 4-6 hours for the pain. It doesn't seem to be helping too much so I know I need to slow down a bit.

I've been playing with the stimulator settings a little. Most of the programs are pretty comfortable for me. I don't think I need to have them adjusted at this point.

The Representative from the company warned me that when I move I might feel sudden increases and decreases of the stimulation. For a while I didn't notice these changes, but just recently I started feeling them as I sit or stand, turn my head, or move in other normal ways. This is not going to go away, so I'll have to get used to it. I have to admit it is somewhat annoying, but I'm sure it won't take me long until I barely notice it is happening.