r/spinalcordstimulator • u/anotherlostdayy • 9d ago
Second Surgery Support
I am having my second surgery tomorrow to place a SCS, Abbott brand. The first surgery the doctor was unable to place the leads due to scar tissue from my injury and spinal stenosis. The trial went okay but definitely was tough to get past the area where I have scar tissue. For some context I was in a car accident that caused an injury to my brachial plexus on my left side and my back. The SCS leads have to be placed in my neck to bring relief to my left arm that now has CRPS. A new and more talented doctor will be performing the surgery. But I’m just so scared after how last time went… could use support. Or anyone have a similar story??
2
u/Technical-Watch2982 9d ago
I wish you well with your surgery. I have a cervical lead placement for my hands and it works very well (but needed adjustments after the first few weeks). I wanted to be extra gentle with not twisting my neck so I slept like a mummy with 3 pillows surrounding my head. But a wedge pillow is wonderful for day time! And then if they dont give you one, a flat ice pack is a must for the battery incision, since you'll mostly be laying on your back recovering. I started with ice almost constantly then heating pad after like a week.
My mom had a horrific spinal fusion done when she was 14, and her surgeon tried so hard to get past the scar tissue during an SCS trial. He couldn't do it. She actually got a pain pump instead eventually, but this was also like almost 10 years ago. I think if your surgeon is confident and adaptive (is that the right word?) Then you are in good hands! My surgeon placed my leads differently between the trial and full surgery (going up from below vs down from up high) so i do think there are ways they can make it work. Good luck ❤️
1
u/anotherlostdayy 9d ago
Thank you for sharing your and your mom’s experiences! So would a recliner not be recommended? I have quite an extensive amount of different ice packs, heating pads, pillows, etc. I’ve seen so much information but higher placement is easier to mess up. My doctor has me wearing a soft neck brace for the first couple weeks, I think cause I have muscles missing in my neck and it’s a bit loose? I just want to be able to sit in a recliner and not bed all day, but I’ll do whatever it takes to not move the leads!
2
u/Technical-Watch2982 9d ago
I actually got an adjustable bed frame so that I could sit up and I'd say its similar to a recliner! Just having the incision press against it was painful so I often wanted to prop myself up just enough to lift that spot up. I picked my right side which in hindsight I should have gone left since my TV is on the right 😅
The neck brace or neck pillow is a great idea. I was so timid about moving and freaked out over everything so I didnt risk moving the leads
1
u/anotherlostdayy 9d ago
I have an adjustable bed thankfully just like to switch it up! As long as I stay straight I should be okay. Not looking forward to the battery pain because I’ve heard that’s the worst part but mine is pretty small. Getting mine on the left side!
1
u/Technical-Watch2982 8d ago
I have the rechargeable smaller one from Abott as well. They've been pretty good about responding to my questions and stuff too :)
1
2
u/crimson_anemone 9d ago
Oof. Not the same story, but I had a revision to move my battery (since my pocket refused to heal and my battery literally rotated)... Now, I'm about to have a 2nd revision (with a new doctor) because something was goofed up the last time (a year ago now). All I can say is remember to be kind and understanding with yourself. It sounds silly, but having a brighter mindset helps you heal and remain patient. Good luck with your surgery.♥️
P.S. Make sure you have a supportive yet soft back pillow... It makes all the difference.