Apologies to those of you bored enough to read these pages for the recent lack of reports. I’m afraid I’ve been laid up with the chronic back pain I suffer from, so haven’t managed to get out much. However, I think this may be about to change.

After a long battle, I’ve finally been given the go-ahead to have surgery that means I could be pain free for the first time in years. I’m absolutely over the ****in’ moon. The procedure is called Spinal Cord Stimulation and in simple terms, consists of an electrode inserted in the spine and pulses are sent along the electrode from a ‘magic box’ that is implanted nearby. The pulses replace the pain sensation with a tingling which is slightly more desirable. The whole thing is managed by a remote control which can be used to vary the levels of the pulses. Here’s a video presentation for anyone who is interested.

I’m booked into hospital for 9th October for the trial which should last for about 2-3 weeks. If that is sucessful, then I’ll have the full implant done immediately. I’ll update the progress here for the sake of anyone reading who may be in a similar situation and is considering or has been offered this treatment.

Looks like I’ll be missing some fishing in the mean time while it’s all being sorted but that’s a small price to pay to be pain free. This also gives Seaford beach a chance to build up its stocks ready for my return.

Just gotta keep me fingers crossed that it works.

2 Responses to “I’ll be back”

1. Paul says:

   8 October, 2008 at 14:36

   Good luck with your operation.
   My partner also has crippling lower back pain from time to time.

   good that you wont be fishing – will leave some for the rest of us 😉
   good luck.

2. Vic says:

   12 October, 2008 at 19:36

   Thanks Paul. All went went well and I’m now pain free for the first time in years.

   It would appear that N.I.C.E. have now approved this procedure for widespread use in the NHS. If your partner if offered this treatment, I would seriously suggest at least having the trial for it.