[rkzenrage]

I have an ANS stimulator, have had it for a couple of years. I leave it on about half the time. It goes to L4 and I keep it turned-up pretty high. My sciatic damage is pretty complete.
Some things I hate about it is that I can't lie on my back or sit straight-up with it. I have to turn it off to swim, make love and a lot of other stuff like go to the dentist (I had to leave once because I forgot the remote or magnet).
However, for all the pain in the ass (no pun) it is, I would not trade it.
Has anyone had to have the battery replaced? How bad, or easy, was the surgery? I think about that sometimes, though I don't worry about it. Surgery is almost becoming a hobby, or job for me lately.
I was worried about being given crap at an airport or city hall, but that has not happened, everyone has been very understanding and cool. I keep that card on me at all times though.
It is on my MedicAlert as well, just in case.

This post has been edited by rkzenrage: 12 October 2006 - 03:05 AM

[cvelusc]

Thanks for this bit of info! I've been diagnosed with sciatica as well, but probably not to the same degree. I too have pain when sitting, but only on my right side (which has greater muscle atrophy than the left). I can sit comfortably for about an hour before I start to notice pain that increases to an intolerable level thereafter.

Where is the device implanted? How large is the device? Why can't you lie on your back or sit straight-up? Because of the device's location?

[rkzenrage]

The device is the same size as a regular pacemaker and works the same, but delivers the charge into your spine or large nerve next to it, depending on your need.
Mine is located on my left, over my lumbar muscles.
This is the company that did mine.

I can't lie down flat because I get too much charge, it is not fun.