Count down to becoming a 'cyborg'

So...it has been officially confirmed that my stimulator operation will be 6th June 2014. 

We are going with NHS funding as BUPA haven't backed down in their idea of having another PRF procedure first. To be honest, that's fine with me. At least with NHS I will be under their system, and if circumstances change at least I will be held under the NHS for any revision surgeries etc in the future. All that matters is that I get the operation done and by Mr Patel. 

So it's count down time now!

Less than 2 weeks to go and it's about the only thing I can think about. I know I need this op, but it's taken me a while to get my head around it. Some people who totally get me, have mentioned things like how I will realise just how much effort getting up and getting into work used to take after I get this done. I guess that's true, and there is no other option for me.

I have soooo many questions though, partly because I'm a control freak and need to know everything. My consultant's PA has said I can email by it's if questions for Mr Patel to answer. This is what I've got so far;

* How long will I need off work? 

* What is the full recovery time?

* What will recovery be like?

* Will I need to stay overnight in hospital?

* Do I have a choice where the battery is placed? (I'd prefer behind me in lower back area)

* Will my hair need to be shaved?

* What are the possible complications?

* Is it a lot like pacemaker surgery?

* How long is the actual operation?

* What will I need to be aware of in terms of airport security etc after the surgery?

* What will I expect in terms of follow up appointments?

* Will the stimulator stop all my pain, or just the sharp pain & dizziness?

I will update with the answers when I get them.

It's all a bit real now. 

Not sure how I feel at the moment, but I think it's anxiety/panic/excitement!! 

All I know is I'm getting a few nick names already!! My brothers have said that it will be cool for me to be a "Cyborg"!! 

Makes me smile, at least!!!! 

More good news!

Well....it appears that I have been given a date for the neurostimulator operation now.....6th June.....!!

No paperwork to prove it yet, but have been told that that date won't change. 

Excited but a bit scared/anxious now!

I just hope it lives up to what I hope it will be!!

Apparently the NHS will allow that date, as I've been on the waiting list since October, and as you have to have a date with about 8 months, then that's perfect! They still want to see if the medical insurance will approve it, as apparently that will be easier in terms of paperwork and getting things signed off. At the moment though, as the insurance has now changed over to BUPA, they are stating they want me to have one more PFR, the same as the last two, before they will consider the neurostim! For me, that is ridiculous and just a waste of time! But if I get it done through NHS, I am happy, as at least it will be easier if things change to get revisions to the stim etc, if needed, at a later date.

Guess we just see now....but either way, who cares...as I'm getting it done no matter what happens!!!!

Phew!!!.............maybe!?

For once, I might have just been given some good news! 

Although I won't quite believe it until I actually have a date and the information through the post........BUT I have just spoken to my consultant's PA (strangely, on a day off work cos my head pain is so bad) but she has given me 2 gems of hope!
1. AXA have asked my consultant for an extra report to state why I am in need if the per nan stimulator and to explain this in reference to the NICE guidelines.
* Well, they have never asked for that before, so it sounds hopeful. We shall just have to wait until the end of the week to see what happens there.
2. I didn't realise that I've been on the NHS waiting list for sometime, and apparently they have approved the funding!!!!
* NO WAY....I thought that was a no hope. I was adamant that there wouldn't be funding for it, well at least it would be my luck that it wouldn't be for me!

So, it seems either way, I can get it done!
If it's approved by AXA it could be in as little time as 3 weeks, if NHS it's only 4-8 weeks wait, as I can have it done at Spire, because I have already been seen as a patient there!

So now reality kicks in!
Uh oh....I'm going to have a stimulator implanted in my body! But if it helps this pain, and for me to get my life back, then it's my only option.