Posted by Ponder on September 10, 2003, at 16:10:48
In reply to Re: Another VNS study participant - To Ponder, posted by LifeTime on September 10, 2003, at 15:12:26
The "Therapy Factor" is very interesting. I believe at one point, they did change some other settings as opposed to increasing the amplitude. It is my impression that my amplitude setting is not the highest, but just a step down from that. I'll find out the actual numbers, thanks to your encouragement to do so.
To respond to your questions:
study site: University of Washington
date of implantation: Nov. 31, 2000
I was not in the placebo group.My next quarterly clinic visit is coming up on Monday. I'll have more info after that.
Although this is a minor thing, I will mention that I believe my surgeon did not leave quite enough length in the leads. At first they felt tight and somewhat restricting. They feel OK now, but the leads are quite visible. They look like a bulging vein. I was not advised of this possibility prior to the surgery, so although I was prepared for the unsightly bulge at the implantation site and the scar on my neck, I was not prepared for this rather visible effect.
When you're a single woman with a long history of psychiatric illness, you gotta protect what you've got going for you. My vanity causes me to repine for my previously more attractive appearance.
I find the voice alteration to be annoying. It distracts me while I am in conversation. (It's bad enough that others may not be listening while I talk; at least I should be paying attention.) I found some convenient small magnets that I am able to attach to my underclothing and turn the device off while on the phone, speaking in public, or engaged in an important conversation.
poster:Ponder
thread:255190
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030907/msgs/258827.html