FAQ

    Throughout this whole ordeal, I have gotten many questions (and repeat questions) from people about the basics. Here are a few of the questions I've gotten and their corresponding answers:

Q: Is the stimulator on all the time or does it just "zap you" every so often?

A: First of all, there is no "zapping" of anyone or anything at anytime. :) Kind of felt the need to clear that up. For me personally, I have this thing on all the time. I have the ability to turn it on, off, change programs and change any other settings by using my remote.

Q: What do you mean by "change programs?"

A: The fine people from Boston Scientific and I have worked together on two occasions now to set up 4 specific programs. Each program is different in what it feels like to me and where I am getting coverage. For example, at night when I am asleep I like to have it set on Program 4. Program 4 covers my entire right leg and has a pulse rate of 70 pulses per second. At 70 pulses per second it just feels like a soft buzzing in my leg. On the other hand, during the day I prefer Program 3 which goes at 30 pulses per second. This one feels more choppy and is more noticeable in a different way. Wow, this is hard to explain... Anyway, you get the picture (kind of).

Q: How long does the battery last?

A: Well, seeing as it is implanted inside my body, hopefully a long time! Actually, the battery is rechargeable. Now this is really cool - at least I think so. The charger sits on the base station most of the time. This is a picture of the charger on the base station.

This is the charger off of the base station. It's not very big at all as you can see.

So about once a week I take the charger and put it inside this nifty (and stylish) belt to charge my IPG battery. It usually takes about one hour to charge. The nice thing is that I'm not tied down while I am charging. I just slip this belt on while I am making a gourmet dinner for my dear husband to be ready by the time he gets home from work.... Ok, maybe (probably) not. It's a nice thought though and I've been told many times that it is the thought that counts. Before I get anymore off-topic, here is a picture of the charger and belt. I just position the charger over my battery and it charges through induction. (Think of those fancy cell phone charging pads that don't require you to plug your phone in.)

In hopes of keeping this post short (for all you short attention span people like myself) I will call things good for now. More FAQ to come though! Hope you find this informative. Feel free to send your own questions to be added to the list!

Oh, and Merry Christmas!!!