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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 9 of 9. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by greywolf on November 25, 2008, at 18:10:55
Well, it's been a little over a month since I had my VNS implant, so here's an update.
The scarring is a little more severe than I anticipated, especially the neck incision. But I can live with it. The swelling around the implant has finally gone down, and I'm getting used to feeling an implant in my chest. Kind of weird at first, but you get used to it.
The implant was turned on three weeks ago. It goes off for 30 seconds every 5 minutes. Took some getting used to because it really hits your vocal cords hard, but after just a couple days I was sleeping without being woken by it. My voice is generally hoarser than before, and especially when the implant is sending a signal. Right now it's only .25 milliamps, and they're shooting for 2.0 over the next year.
I haven't seen any benefit yet. Been depresses as all hell for months now, and nothing's changed. But, the docs were up front about VNS not being an overnight cure, so I will suppress my impatience and go with the program.
For anyone considering VNS, it may turn out to be an effective treatment, but be prepared to make a major commitment.
Greywolf
Posted by Phillipa on November 26, 2008, at 0:49:47
In reply to Update regarding VNS surgery, posted by greywolf on November 25, 2008, at 18:10:55
Greywolf has it been that long are you taking meds yet with it? It sounds scarey. Just me. Love Phillipa fingers and toes crossed for you.
Posted by Roslynn on November 26, 2008, at 17:31:38
In reply to Re: Update regarding VNS surgery » greywolf, posted by Phillipa on November 26, 2008, at 0:49:47
We are all hoping for the best for you!!
Posted by greywolf on November 27, 2008, at 19:11:52
In reply to Re: Update regarding VNS surgery, posted by Roslynn on November 26, 2008, at 17:31:38
Thanks for the support.
I'm still on Remeron, Abilify, Xanax . . .
VNS clearly doesn't work overnight, but they warned me about that right from the start, so I'm being very patient.
Greywolf
Posted by Phillipa on November 27, 2008, at 23:27:08
In reply to Re: Update regarding VNS surgery, posted by greywolf on November 27, 2008, at 19:11:52
Greywolf are thee meds working better? Love Phillipa
Posted by clipper40 on November 28, 2008, at 8:14:22
In reply to Re: Update regarding VNS surgery, posted by greywolf on November 27, 2008, at 19:11:52
I'm curious, did they give you any kind of timeframe or do people tend to have very individualized response times?
Posted by desolationrower on November 28, 2008, at 13:50:13
In reply to Re: Update regarding VNS surgery » greywolf, posted by clipper40 on November 28, 2008, at 8:14:22
Hm, that sounds intense, hope it works for you.
Will you be staying on those meds or going off once the power is all the way up to full?
-d/r
Posted by greywolf on November 28, 2008, at 16:43:00
In reply to Re: Update regarding VNS surgery, posted by desolationrower on November 28, 2008, at 13:50:13
From what I've been told, everyone responds differently to VNS. I'm still on meds and the meds aren't any more effective than before the surgery, but it's probably too soon to make any judgments. I'm at the point where I'll try anything, so patience is the rule.
Greywolf
Posted by JadeKelly on December 2, 2008, at 16:06:54
In reply to Update regarding VNS surgery, posted by greywolf on November 25, 2008, at 18:10:55
> Well, it's been a little over a month since I had my VNS implant, so here's an update.
>
> The scarring is a little more severe than I anticipated, especially the neck incision. But I can live with it. The swelling around the implant has finally gone down, and I'm getting used to feeling an implant in my chest. Kind of weird at first, but you get used to it.
>
> The implant was turned on three weeks ago. It goes off for 30 seconds every 5 minutes. Took some getting used to because it really hits your vocal cords hard, but after just a couple days I was sleeping without being woken by it. My voice is generally hoarser than before, and especially when the implant is sending a signal. Right now it's only .25 milliamps, and they're shooting for 2.0 over the next year.
>
> I haven't seen any benefit yet. Been depresses as all hell for months now, and nothing's changed. But, the docs were up front about VNS not being an overnight cure, so I will suppress my impatience and go with the program.
>
> For anyone considering VNS, it may turn out to be an effective treatment, but be prepared to make a major commitment.
>
> GreywolfGreywolf, you are a brave soul. I applaud you for making such a commitment. So we'll hear from you when the wait is over (and I hope and pray you'll have good news to report). I geuss you "took one for the team" cause I don't know anyone else on board who's tried it. But I'm fairly new, also. I, along with many others I'm sure, will be thinking of you during your trial. Good luck!
~jade
This is the end of the thread.
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