This blog reflects my personal experience and understanding of VNS Therapy™. For medical advice, please consult with your healthcare provider.
As I get closer to my upcoming surgery date, I want to remember my first and second battery replacements. On average, VNS Therapy™ batteries last 1 to 10 years. My first battery lasted nine! It all depends on your individual settings (which I must say - how amazing is it that our doctors can tailor these devices to our individual needs?!)
Today I invite you to again travel back in time with me, first to 2011. With VNS Therapy™ helping to control my seizures, I was able to reduce the amount of antiseizure medication (ASM) I was on. I graduated from college with a BS in mathematics education and was teaching accelerated math classes at a high school in Colorado. Things were going really well, so when my doctor told me I was due for a new VNS Therapy™ device, there was no question in my mind that I wanted to continue with this treatment−sign me up!
Replacement surgery is considered less invasive, but my doctor explained the risks, and I still felt some nerves beforehand. Thankfully, the procedure went smoothly, and I was able to go home the same day. In my case, I returned to teaching the next day, but recovery time can vary, and some patients may need several days before resuming normal activities. My throat was a little sore, so I kept my voice to a whisper. You might wonder how a teacher could survive high school with only a whisper, but I kid you not—my classroom had never been that quiet before or since! My students were so loving and kind, and they kept extra quiet so as not to miss a word I said. For me, the soreness was temporary, but some people may experience side effects from stimulation such as hoarseness or voice changes. It’s something to be aware of, even though in my case it didn’t stop me from teaching. A truly unforgettable experience.
Next, I’d like to jump to 2017. I was married and teaching middle school mathematics in Wyoming. Life became quite stressful, as many of us have experienced, and it had an impact on my health. My doctor prescribed a new antiseizure medication (ASM), but I found myself having too many breakthrough seizures. What’s too many, you may ask? In my personal opinion, too many is when it starts impacting my life, and I know I want better seizure control. Unfortunately, the added medication caused some unruly side effects−I didn’t feel like myself and experienced mood swings. The scariest thing is that I didn’t even recognize that it had to do with the new ASM. So, I’m walking around thinking it’s normal to openly weep in front of people, and to yell at my husband. Thankfully, my husband had enough sense to say, “Do you think this could be the new medication?” A lightbulb clicked on.
Around this time, we moved back to Colorado, and I started seeing a new neurologist. I shared my struggles with the new ASM, and he helped me get scheduled for a new VNS Therapy™ device that includes an AutoStim feature. AutoStim can deliver stimulation in response to a rapid increase in heart rate, which may be associated with seizures. My doctor explained how this feature works and how it could complement my treatment plan to continue managing my epilepsy. What a difference it makes to have a doctor who listens to my concerns and works with me to find the right combination of treatments!
With the new implant’s success, I’m able to wean off that difficult medicine and get my life back on track. This second battery replacement goes smoothly, and again I’m able to go home the same day. This time, the surgery is scheduled for the day before Thanksgiving - which I later learned is a rookie move! My throat was sore, and let’s just say the turkey and potatoes weren’t as magical as they usually are. So, let’s call this a pro tip: avoid scheduling surgery right before a holiday! 😉
As I prepare for my third VNS Therapy™ replacement surgery, I find myself reflecting on the incredible journey this device has taken me on. I can’t believe all the pieces of my life that didn’t have to change, thanks to VNS Therapy™. For one, I was able to get a great education, and I have had multiple fulfilling careers. I have also been able to continue singing throughout my life, which is something I never would have wanted to give up. I am currently a member in a local chamber choir, and thanks to the magnet I’m able to temporarily pause stimulation during performances so that it doesn’t affect my singing voice.
People sometimes try to feel sorry for me because I need to have surgeries to maintain the battery of a medical implant. To those people, I say: change your mindset. I am fortunate that this device exists and that I get to lead my best life with the help of VNS Therapy™. Every surgery carries risks, such as infection or complications, and stimulation can cause side effects like hoarseness, coughing, or throat discomfort. My experience may differ from others, so it’s important to discuss risks, recovery, and side effects with your doctor about what to expect. If you’re navigating epilepsy, don’t settle—advocate for the treatment that fits your life, not just your diagnosis.