[Sharon]

In June 1996 I suffered a brain haemorrhage as a result of an arterio-venous malformation.

Good thread here: http://www.documentingreality.com/fo...rmation-78558/

My story: http://www.documentingreality.com/fo...ed-19-a-14146/

After effects on leg and foot: http://www.documentingreality.com/fo...-my-leg-69779/

Bladder trouble: http://www.documentingreality.com/fo...tinence-88450/

Anyway, before and after surgery I had to undergo a ghastly femoral angiogram where a catheter is inserted into the femoral artery, fed up the aorta and dye injected to highlight the blood vessels in the brain to locate the malformation.

Check it out here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angiography

I hated it

The second angiogram went disastrously wrong and instead of inserting the needle to gain access into the artery, they went straight through the femoral nerve This caused such severe pain, I went into shock

For years afterwards I had to put up with severe neuropathic pain from my right lower flank all the way down to my foot. It felt like really bad stomach ache-type pain and electric shocks. I was constantly in and out of hospital on IV painkillers and receiving psychological support. I even resorted to moderate self-harm to distract from the nerve pain for just a few moments, it was a tragic state of affairs.

Time passed and I eventually saw a specialist who fitted people with spinal cord stimulators. This is an implanted device (mine is in my abdomen) rather like a big pacemaker in appearance that is connected by one or two leads (I have two) to the spinal region above the site of the affected nerves. It acts like an internal TENS machine by sending a signal downwards that blocks the pain sensation reaching my brain causing me to feel it. Amazing technology and it really helps!!

Details here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spinal_cord_stimulator

I have an old model in me at the moment made by Medtronic and the size of it gives me a cute little pot belly

I am now on the list for a new one which is implanted high up in my left buttock and is controlled externally very much like a WiFi device. I can even charge myself up from the wall and so it's battery life is a lot longer

Top image is an x-ray view of the new one in the upper bum cheek (not me but I soon will be like that).

The image showing three stimulators are the Medtronic brand I currently have. I have the largest one of the three as my pain control demands are 24/7 It feels quite remarkable when you manipulate my belly!!

Thanks for reading :)

[Oswald2001]

I'm glad that this technology is available for you.

[Sharon]

Originally Posted by Oswald2001 ↗

I'm glad that this technology is available for you.

Thank you Oswald, I don't know how I would cope without it. I don't think I could

[fattubbashit]

I must say Sharon, i have been impressed with your openess and honesty here online. I'm not a forum junkie, (this is my first)so its all new to me.But to see a friendly face , a level headed opinion, and the ability to share the cross you bear, positively, is testament to your character.Good luck with whatever you need do, to deal with your shit and continue to lead by example.

[collaredgirl65]

Glad you found some relief from your pain. And again, thanks for sharing with us.

[Enchantress]

Good ole' Medtronic!! Seems they have improved the quality of life for lots of people.

I also had a spinal cord stimulator, but it didn't help me as much as they hoped. Instead, my pain management doc put me in the hospital for a trial on a Intrathecal morphine pump. After just a few days, I was feeling wonderful with a pain level that was bearable for the first time in years.

Last summer I had my 2nd updated Medtronic SynchroMed pump implanted. While I've had many 'battery' changes (every 5-7 years) over the years which require only day surgery, they put a newer, larger pump in since the other had been in for 13 years and the new one would allow me to go longer between refills. The Medtronic rep (which are required to be in surgery as an observer) suggested a 40cc instead of a 20cc pump. The old one wasn't terribly noticeable, but this new one is, well....gigantic!! Ahh well, it's a small price to pay for the quality of life it's given back me.

Sharon, have they considered an Intrathecal Morphine pump for you?

http://http://professional.medtronic.../idd/index.htm

[imbok]

You are a tough gal for dealing with such adversity. On the brighter side, you can legitimately call yourself 'The Bionic Woman'!

[Karma]

Wow, fascinating story. Glad you're getting relief for the pain. Thanks for sharing Sharon. You ARE a tough one!

[Belzebub]

I could never imagine the pain, but i am glad you are ok :) Like Karma said "You are a tough one".

[Sharon]

Originally Posted by fattubbashit ↗

I must say Sharon, i have been impressed with your openess and honesty here online. I'm not a forum junkie, (this is my first)so its all new to me.But to see a friendly face , a level headed opinion, and the ability to share the cross you bear, positively, is testament to your character.Good luck with whatever you need do, to deal with your shit and continue to lead by example.

This is my first and only forum dealings too

Thank you so much for your kind words :) You're certainly not a fattubashit!!