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VNS(Experiences)
Sat, 06/11/2005 - 16:54Topic: Surgery and Devices
Doctor suggested my using VNS and I hate idea. I need to know you if you've used it?
Comments
Re: Did you mean to say that it
Submitted by txrhb1 on Wed, 2006-08-09 - 21:23
Yes, my implant is off for 5 minutes, and then on for 1/2 minute. If I use the magnet, it comes on for 1 minute at .25 higher than the normal setting.
My doctor did warn me about the possibility of nerve damage to the vocal cord. It is listed as a possible side effect in the patient manual. My doctor has noticed increased hoarseness in my voice, and is very cautious in turning up the settings because of this. Have you read the patient manual? There is a copy of it on the Cyberonics website, and I refer to it frequently.
((( hugs ))),
Barbie
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"We are each of us angels with only one wing, and we can fly only by embracing each other." -lucian de crescenzo
Re: RE: VNS(Experiences)
Submitted by mmgirl410 on Sat, 2006-06-17 - 09:47
I have also had the VNS put in and Agree with Kris about most of her experience. It is not extremely painful. The VNS has not helped my seizures, and I have just recently got a left temporal lobectomy. We will see how the results turn out but I would definately recommend the VNS before brain surgery.
Monika
Did you mean to say that it
Submitted by tbrdman on Tue, 2006-08-08 - 13:57
Did you mean to say that it comes on every 5 minutes for 30 seconds duration? Off time would 5 minutes and on time would be 1/2 minute. Mine was set for 1/2 minute on, but only 1.8 minutes off. I have had mostly absence seizures for the last 15-16 years, but grand mal before that. I was sold on the VNS because I was on so many differnt meds. and wanted to get off this poison that costs so much! Because I continued to have some seizures, my ARNP, operating under an M.D., kept uping the settings to a higher voltage every 4 weeks. Got up to 1.5ma strength, but much sooner than you did! Did your doctor tell you that the higher voltage too soon could cause the nerve damage? I felt good for about 10 months and then started feeling blah and tired. Didn't want to do anything. Trying to find out all info from anyone else who has a VNS. If you can answer these ?'s, I would appreciate it. Thanks again for your input! tbrdman