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
poster:greywolf
thread:865257
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20081123/msgs/865257.html