Day #8 - VNS Device Activation

Today is day #8 of my VNS Therapy experience. About an hour and a half ago my VNS device was activated for the first time. It was really interesting (at least I thought so). I sat in a chair next to my doctor's partner as she pulled out the communicative device or as she called it, "the wand" which communicates directly to the implant. When the orange light started to flicker on the wand, I knew that the device was connected. She programmed the device for about 5 minutes, and then activated it. She set me for stimulation lasting for 60 seconds with 12 seconds in between. Unlike what I have heard from others, I barely noticed that the VNS was on unless I tried very hard to sense it ticklling in my throat. I agreed that it was okay to take the stimulation up to a higher dose. This time I could definitely feel the device working. It feels like a slight tickle along with some tightness to the throat. It is not too bothersome to me...yet. I think that over time I can learn to ignore this sensation. I noticed that when I talk my voice crackles or breaks up VERY slightly. A person would not notice unless they were specifically looking for this characteristic. My doctor said that I reacted very well to this therapy compared to some other people.

When I tested out the VNS stimulation using the magnet, I had some difficulty. It's hard to use, but my doctor said over time it will become easy. You have to give a slow stroke over the machine. Depending on the model, you may either have to move the magnet directly over your chest from right to left. In my case, I have model 103. So I swipe the magnet from the top of my chest slowly to the bottom. I'm sure I will get the hang of it because I have seizures daily.

I am thankful that today went well! Some people strongly dislike this treatment, but it's working out great for me so far. I will be blogging constantly to let you all know how it's going. To recap the current side effects there is: a feeling of tickling, tingling, or tightness of the throat during stimulation. But for me this is very light and unbothersome. It's hard to sing, so if you are in choir be sure to tape the magnet over the VNS implant. Doing so will stop stimulation, letting you use your voice as normal. So far this is all. I will also be decreasing my medication dosages a bit, so let's see if this VNS does any magic for me.