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A spinal cord stimulator (SCS) was implanted today to treat your pain. Always carry your SCS patient ID card with you. You can use this card to show that you have a SES device in case it sets off a security system. This card will also show that you have a SCS device in case of emergency.
After Surgery
For the first week, you may have some pain and swelling at the incision site. You can apply ice for 20 minutes. Make sure you keep the ice off for 20 minutes before applying again. Avoid aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories or “NSAIDs” which can increase bleeding. These include ibuprofen, naproxen and meloxicam. You can take your pain medicines and Tylenol® as ordered by your doctor.
Activity Guidelines
You will need to restrict your activities so that the lead wires in your back do not slip or fall out of place. If the leads move out of place, you can lose stimulation. Stimulation may not be restored even if reprogrammed.
Follow your doctor’s instructions for driving and returning to work. Your doctor will tell you how long to follow these restrictions. It can take up to 12 weeks for the leads to heal in place.
Limit riding in the car to those trips that are necessary.
Do not raise your arms above your head.
Do not twist, bend or stretch your body at the waist. Use caution when changing positions. For example, you should log roll in and out of bed and bend with your knees.
Do not make any sudden movements.
Do not lift items weighing more than 5 pounds.
Site Care
You will have an incision in your back where the spinal cord stimulator was implanted. This will be covered by a bandage. You will need to take very good care of the site to avoid infection or bleeding.
You will not be able to take a bath or shower. You will need to take a sponge bath until your sutures/staples are removed.
Keep the area covered with the bandage. If the bandage becomes soiled, dislodged, or wet you will need to call your SCS doctor or nurse.
Check the site daily. Do not remove the bandage. Reinforce your bandage only if needed.
Your spinal cord stimulator leads will take time to heal in place. During this time your stimulator program may need to be adjusted. If you lose stimulation at any time, call the clinic. You should have follow-up visits with your SCS provider.
Signs of Infection
Fever over 100.4° F by mouth for 2 readings, taken 4 hours apart
Increased redness, swelling around the site
Any drainage from the site
When to Call
The day of the procedure, if you have any problems or concerns, call Madison Surgery Center.
For new symptoms or signs of infection call your doctor listed on the After-Visit Summary.
To discuss the next steps in your plan of care, contact the provider that ordered your procedure.
Who to Call
Madison Surgery Center (6 am-5 pm)
608-287-2200
UW Pain Clinic
608-263-9550
UW Spine Clinic
608-265-3207
After hours, please contact the ordering provider’s clinic or the provider’s clinic that performed the procedure. Tell the receptionist you had a procedure that day and need to see your doctor.
For emergencies please visit your closest emergency room.
If you are a patient receiving care at UnityPoint – Meriter, Swedish American or a health system outside of UW Health, please use the phone numbers provided in your discharge instructions for any questions or concerns.