Under the knife

On May 28th, Brian underwent a back surgery to reduce the chronic pain that he has suffered from since 1992. The surgical procedure required placing a permanent implant in has back called a 'Dorsal Column Stimulator'. Basically, wires run from Brian's mid-back down to his hip where a small battery pack was installed. This system provides electrical stimulation which keeps the nerves in his back and legs occupied and reduces the pain significantly.

For those who are interested in the full medical details, continue to read. If you are squeemish, then you may wish to skip this part: The surgical procedure required the surgeon to remove the back of vertebrae T-8 (this procedure is called a Laminectomy) which allowed the Dr. to place small wires against the spinal cord. He then 'fished' the wires down through the spine, and into the top of the right buttock. Another incision was made to place the battery pack just under the skin/fat layer. The battery pack is about the size of a silver dollar and is about 3/8th's of an inch thick.

Now that the system is installed, it is programmed by a technical rep to target the areas that Brian has pain in. This is done by a computer program and is aligned by Brian telling the tech where the stimulation is. The stimulation can be moved and then hard-programmed into the wireless remote. The remote is about the size of a cell phone from 8 years ago, unfortunately, but considering the alternatives is worth carrying a small brick around.

The battery pack is charged by placing the charging unit up against the skin where the battery pack is installed and allowing 3-4 hours will fully charge the unit. The wireless remote controls the intensity and the program # that was determined by Brian and the Tech. 4 different programs are available and slightly change the target area and the frequency pulse.

The electrical stimulation is just like that of a T.E.N.S. Unit, or if you don't know what that is, it is a mild, constant electrical shock that usually feels like a sort of massage.

Despite the lingering surgical pain, Brian is feeling quite a bit better and his chronic pain has lessened by a good amount. We will know in a few months to what extent this will help Brian's quality of life.