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        New Message Board Archives >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies 2005 >> DBS Implant Update
        
(Message started by: CHTom on Dec 1^st, 2005, 1:23am)

Title: DBS Implant Update
Post by CHTom on Dec 1^st, 2005, 1:23am

Last Thursday I had the voltage increased in my Medtronic Soletra 7426 implant increased by my neurologist from 2.5 volts to 3.0 volts. With the 2.5 volt charge, I did have a total of 6 pain free days beginning about 3 weeks after my discharge from the hospital following the implant, but then the pain free days stopped and I was back having daily, severe pains, usually between 6 and 10 on the Kip scale, with the occassional 2 or 3 hours of pain free times several days a week. My neurologist decided that I needed an increase and it will take about 2-3 weeks to see if the increased voltage is effective. After a voltage increase, the pain is very severe (feels like my eyeball is going to explode), but this time I had to return to work only 3 days after the most recent increase-OUCH (no pun intended)! The maximum amount of volts that can be given is 6, but I hope that I do not have to go so far. I have a follow up visit in February and in the meantime continue see my local neurologist weekly and am still taking Dilaudid and the Fentanyl lollipops, unfortunately on a daily basis; they reduce the pain somewhat, though I hate taking them due to the side effects (mostly constipation-OUCH again!). I'll keep the membership informed on my progress. I'd like to get some positive vibes sent my way as I need all of the support that I can get. Thanks.

Title: Re: DBS Implant Update
Post by Dave_Emond on Dec 1^st, 2005, 1:44am

The vibes are on the way Tom!
Thanks for the update, hoped it would have been a little better news, but looks like there may still be hope.
(I walked out of my docs office today calling everyone who worked there words this post won't allow. Most likely I'll skip the nerve blocks now. If ya can't count on someone for the basics, screw them messing around in my head! Knew I was pissed when I went in, and therefore asked Rex to stay home. Had he come with me, I think we'd be looking for bail money!) ;)
Hope it allworks out for you for the better, keep us updated,
Dave

Title: Re: DBS Implant Update
Post by E-Double on Dec 1^st, 2005, 7:45am

Hope relief finds you! ;)

Title: Re: DBS Implant Update
Post by CHTom on Dec 1^st, 2005, 7:55am

Thanks guys, I appreciate the good thoughts. The DBS operation doesn't work like the nerve blocks, but you are right, Dave-make sure the doc knows what he is doing before he starts messing around with the inside of your head; any damage to the brain usually can't be repaired (though in my case, some folks had said that I should have gone for a pre-frontal lobotomy :o!). I'll keep everyone informed as time passes. PFDANs!