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1 week postop VNS

Tue, 06/30/2015 - 23:09

I am exactly 1 week postop from having my first VNS implant. It's horrible. That's all i can even manage to say.They had to turn it on immediatly following the surgery as i began having seizures (not totally unexpected). I was placed in a medically induced coma for 2 days to calm the seizures, but apparently was still really fighting the sedation. When I finally was somewhat coherent I remember this horrible, horrible pain (which is why i think the sedation wasn't working so well). Literally I felt like I was being shocked repeatedly; every 5 mins for 30 seconds. I couldn't tell anyone as I was on a ventilator. It was torture. The pain was worse than labor and I did it natural! They finally decided to turn it off and allow the incisions to heal for a couple weeks however I am freaked out to have it turned back on on July 14th.I don't want a repeat and I certainly don't want to live with that pain every day to deal with my seizures!

I guess I just need to know what happened. My neuro was very disappointed and she could tell I was too. I also told her that my depression and anxiety is through the roof right now and I have NEVER had a problem with anxiety! What did I get myself into? What have I done? Is this normal for turning it on so quickly? Why do I feel so betrayed by "Brad" the VNS rep. I feel he wasn't completely open and honest about things....I'm not a used car for goodness sake! Any ideas? Help with the anxiety? other experiences?

Comments

Mine was done as an

Submitted by SamanthaA65 on Sun, 2015-08-30 - 11:17
Mine was done as an outpatient but i did not have any seizures during surgery.  Mine was turned on 2 to 3 weeks after to allow for healing and removal of staples. Adjustments have been made i can tell when it runs, i have gone 18 months  no seizures, i use my vns and my meds.

Reader's Digest article:

Submitted by dmf1958 on Mon, 2017-04-03 - 08:57
Reader's Digest article: Medical Devices That Can Kill is a must read for anyone either with the device or thinking about surgery. Yes, that's me in the articlecenter4research.org/nrc-in-the-news/news-analysis.../medical-devices-that-can-kill/

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