Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) side effects and outcomes

Hello all,

I recently had the vagus nerve stimulator (VNS) implant procedure completed, and now one month later, after the second increase in "impulse intensity", I am starting to develop very negative side effects.  For me this is a hoarse (reduced to a whisper) voice that continues for the entire 30 seconds that the stimulator is on.  For me the cycle is 30 seconds on, 3 minutes off, so this has become quite a nuisance, especially since I am a teacher and talking all day.  I have heard of other people experiencing pain or tingling on their neck, head, or face, sometimes so severe that they have had to have the stimulator turned off and/or removed alltogether.  However, I have also read that most side effects fade over time, and there is even the possibility of positive side effects such as increases in mood.

 I am interested in hearing the stories of those who have the VNS implant and their experiences with side effects and how they manage those side effects.  I would also be interested in hearing the outcomes, both good and bad, of having the implant for several months and years.  Did the side effects eventually go away?  Was there a strategy you used to help deal with the hoarse voice?

Were these side effects worth any positive results?

Thank you for your stories and opinions,

JW