(VNS) A Long Recovery

Recovering from my VNS procedure has been a lone and hard road. At first when the device was turned on it didn't bother me that much. The stimulation was at a minimum level that I could tolerate.

  Unfortunately I was still having a lot of seizures. So when I went back to see the doctor recently, he had to up the dose of stimulation. 

I have recently been suffering from dizziness, disorientation, feeling lightheaded, shortness of breath, hoarseness of voice, and more seizures.

  I'm not saying just yet that the VNS is not effective. I'm just saying that there is a long time to recover from the surgery, and all the adjustments from the device. I am very sure that everything will work out in the end.
   I am just writing this article so epileptics who want this procedure will know what to expect. So far there has been a lot of pain with the healing, and a lot of dizziness with the adjustments of the VNS device.

      

Getting VNS Turned On

I just had my VNS turned on yesterday, I will tell you it's no picnic.When the generator was turned on right away I felt a jolt of electricity go up my neck and into my brain. I would have to say that I'm glad that I was sitting down because it was intense enough to knock me down. Other things I have experienced  have been shortness of breath, dizziness when standing, feeling lightheaded, and sore throat. 

   When I use the magnet the intensity is about double or triple of normal stimulation. When I went to sleep last night I woke up with a choking sensation in my throat. After waking up this morning I still felt very tired. Today I have already had two seizures, so I'm thinking that when I see the doctor  in two weeks that he may have to raise the dose of electric stimulation. 

  I have also decided to put the helmet back on because of the breakthrough seizures that are happening. One day hope to permanently rid myself of the helmet, but now I feel it's the right thing to do right now for my personal safety. 
   

  I would like to say to those considering having  a VNS implant that not everybody has bad experiences. I know some other people who I have met, that have had great results with the implant. These are just my personal experiences, and I'm only two days into this. I'm very sure that things could get better as I go along with this process. I'm just sharing this for those who may be considering getting this procedure. So you may have some things to think about before making a decision on if you would like to have VNS Therapy.