Posted 11/1/2011 10:46 AM (GMT -7)
Hi Constant Headache,
Welcome to Healing Well. I have a Stim made by Medtronic implanted last December. I had this procedure done here in the UK. It seems each Neurosurgeon has their own particular way of doing this.
I do not know which way Dr Reed does this, but if I tell you how mine works it may help!!
The electrodes are attached to the occiptial nerves on each side of the back of my head. The wires were then tunnelled under my skin to a place on the front of my shoulder (bit like where a pacemake would be put) where there was some sort of tiny junction box where the wires were tunnelled again down to my stomach. This was all on my left side (I was given the choice of which side) The battery pack was implanted in the fatty tissue of my stomach.
I woke from the operation with three wounds which healed very quickly. One in the back of my head, one on my shoulder and one on my stomach. I was not allowed to even lift a kettle for six weeks and had to have complete rest whilst the wires and battery pack bedded in.
I cannot tell you the massive difference it has made to my headaches. I have been registered by my Consultant as an 80% improvement. However I would say each person is different. I still have constant pain but at a tolerable level, and I still have big attacks, but much less frequent and much less intense - this op has been a life saver for me!!!!
Hope this helps, take care
Ann