Tag: Navy (Page 3 of 55)

Jumble of thoughts for Friday’s blog.

Yesterday, bright and early, we showed up at our local hospital in Granbury, TX, for my vein mapping appointment, the first step in having a Fistula installed in my arm.

An AV fistula is a direct surgical connection between an artery and a vein, most commonly created in the arm for long-term hemodialysis access in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), also known as kidney failure. Its primary counterpart is the AV graft, which uses a synthetic tube to connect the artery and vein when native vessels are unsuitable.clevelandclinic+3 Research has indicated that, if possible, the AV fistula is superior to the AV graft, so that’s what I’m hoping my arm will support.

The napping took about 12-13 minutes per arm. The tech used a sonic device, like what’s used to look inside pregnant women to look at their pre-birth child/children. She made notes from time to time on the resulting echogram. Toward the end, she asked me if I was diabetic, to which I responded in the affirmative. I asked her why she asked, and she stated that it was apparent from the procedure that I was.

For those who would like to know more about this procedure, here’s what Perplexity provided:

Vein mapping is a key, painless preparation procedure before surgically installing an arteriovenous (AV) fistula for dialysis. It utilizes ultrasound imaging to evaluate veins and arteries in the arms, guiding the surgeon to the optimal site for fistula creation, thereby improving the likelihood of successful and long-lasting dialysis access.

Purpose of Vein Mapping

• Assesses veins and arteries in the arm to determine if they are suitable for fistula creation.
• Helps the surgical team select veins that are large enough and have optimal blood flow for a successful AV fistula.
• Reduces the risk of early fistula failure, infection, or post-surgical complications.

The Mapping Procedure

• Vein mapping is performed using an ultrasound (often a Doppler ultrasound), which sends sound waves to visualize the arm’s blood vessels.
• The scan typically takes about 45 minutes to an hour and is painless, without the need for anesthesia or recovery time.
• A digital map of the veins and arteries is produced, showing their size, depth, and blood flow.
• This information is used by the surgeon to choose the optimal location to place the AV fistula and to predict potential challenges that might arise during surgery.

Benefits and Outcomes

• Studies show preoperative vein mapping is associated with a higher rate of successful AV fistula creation, especially in the forearm, compared to procedures without mapping.
• Mapping helps avoid less preferred options like graft placements if a healthy vein is available.
• Patients with preoperative vein mapping have improved outcomes, including higher rates of access patency (long-lasting functionality) and fewer secondary interventions.

Practical Considerations

• Vein mapping is especially helpful for patients with a history of vascular problems or those at higher risk of complications.
• The procedure is non-invasive, convenient, and can be completed in an outpatient vascular lab setting.
• Results guide both patients and surgeons in planning and optimizing the fistula creation procedure for hemodialysis.

In summary, vein mapping is a simple, effective way to maximize the chances of a successful and durable AV fistula, improving dialysis outcomes and reducing complications.

I’ve embedded a video below to explain the results of the required change of events leading to hemodialysis.

In the past few blogs, I have discussed in depth the concept of GRIT, which yesterday came home to roost. My dialysis nurse informed me that we are on the cusp of shifting over to home-hemo. Seems my peritoneal is no longer doing the job it once accomplished as indicated by decreasing Kt/v. Also, my kidneys are crapping out as indicated by the decreasing amount of urine collected for adequacy tests. This could have been mitigated to some extent by using a 2.5% solution for the adequacy tests, but I know I’m producing even less urine, a couple of drizzles per day. So it’s time to man up and excel at new challenges in the future with GRIT.

Here is the text of what and how I was informed:

“While I did note a slight decrease in your urine output, the change is not substantial. In June, you brought in 80 mL, and at your most recent visit, I measured 60 mL. Both of these volumes are below the threshold we use for adequacy calculations and are therefore considered as “zero” in our assessment. That said, I remain hopeful that your results will still meet adequacy requirements.

Additionally, I noticed that you brought in a slightly greater volume of peritoneal dialysis (PD) fluid this time, which is also encouraging and may contribute positively to your overall results.

However, I believe it is an appropriate time to begin discussions about establishing a permanent vascular access for hemodialysis. I know how thoroughly you approach medical decisions, and I encourage you—if you haven’t already—to begin researching arteriovenous (AV) fistulas and AV grafts.

The AV fistula is considered the gold standard for hemodialysis access due to its long-term reliability and lower risk of infection. Still, not all patients’ blood vessels are suitable for fistula creation, in which case an AV graft may be a more appropriate option. It’s important to note that a fistula often requires 3–4 months to mature before it can be used effectively, which is why beginning the process now is prudent.

Our first step would be to schedule a vein mapping ultrasound, which evaluates the size and condition of your veins and arteries. These results are then reviewed by a vascular surgeon, who will meet with you to discuss the best access option and plan for surgery accordingly. Because these appointments and procedures can take time to coordinate, I recommend we begin initiating the process soon.

Please feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns. I’d be happy to talk through any part of this in more detail. Let me know your thoughts.”

And here’s my response:

“Start the ball rolling aka bring it on. It is what it is. We’ll do our best to excel at this challenge also.”

Uodate: Vein mapping appointment in progress. Step one.

Update2: Scan this morning at 0900.

In the past couple of blogs, I have developed the concept of GRIT, first as it applies to people like myself on Peritoneal Dialysis, then the background of the situation I faced in the military, which I posit enhanced the concept in me. In this last blog about the concept of GRIT, we will delve into the title, which addresses the Hypothesis: People with military training and experience are positioned to achieve better dialysis results than their civilian counterparts, all else being equal.

To address this hypothesis, I turned to Perplexity with the following Prompt and results:

Prompt: Do military personnel, through training and facing the enemy, have more grit than civilians?

Military personnel who undergo training and face enemy situations tend to exhibit higher levels of grit and psychological resilience compared to civilians, especially those without similar endurance training or exposure to adversity.pjpr.scione+2

Grit and Military Training

• Military training is specifically designed to push individuals beyond their comfort zones through deliberate practice, endurance tasks, and facing realistic stressors, often fostering higher grit, which is defined as sustained passion and perseverance toward long-term goals.pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih+2
• Studies show that military trainees with higher grit scores are more likely to complete challenging courses, such as special operations selection, than those with lower grit.havokjournal
• Grit can be cultivated through exposure to adversity and repeated, goal-driven practice, which is central to military environments but less so in typical civilian life.gritmilitarygym+1

Resilience and Psychological Well-Being

• Research comparing military personnel (with endurance training) and civilians (with none) finds that service members score higher on psychological well-being and often display more adaptive emotional regulation under stress.onlinelibrary.wiley+1
• While raw resilience scores (the ability to bounce back from hardship) may not always differ significantly, the way resilience translates into effective coping and well-being is generally more pronounced in the military group.pjpr.scione
• Military environments promote collective resilience through teamwork, strict discipline, and a shared sense of purpose, contributing to grit and the capacity to face adversity.gritmilitarygym+1

Civilian and Military Comparison

• Civilians typically have higher expressive suppression (hiding feelings), potentially due to fewer structured challenges or less need for overt emotional regulation in routine life.pjpr.scione
• Military personnel’s frequent exposure to controlled adversity and high-stress simulations enhances grit and moral competence, critical in mission success and facing real-world adversities.pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih+1
• However, individual differences exist, and not all military or civilian individuals respond identically to adversity; both nature and nurture contribute to grit development.havokjournal

In summary, rigorous military training and facing enemy threats generally foster greater grit and resilience in military personnel compared to civilians, particularly those not exposed to comparable levels of adversity or structured endurance challenges.pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih+2

1. https://pjpr.scione.com/newfiles/pjpr.scione.com/22/22-PJPR_1_1.pdf
2. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10013315/
3. https://havokjournal.com/culture/military/grit-a-necessary-trait-to-ensure-success-in-future-operating-environments/
4. https://gritmilitarygym.com/behind-the-barracks-how-military-training-differs-from-everyday-workouts/
5. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/smi.3343
6. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11407409/
7. https://search.proquest.com/openview/bc15e6c8d7b5c6b9358b680cd65e4adf/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=18750&diss=y
8. https://scholarlyworks.lvhn.org/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1249&context=select-program
9. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/smi.3271
10. https://news.va.gov/1474/the-civilian-veteran-gap-widens-further/

Based on the above research, it is evident that the hypothesis is valid. Here are some points to consider that are often overlooked. Military experience changes individuals in many ways, and I suggest it is GRiT, which is ingrained in their being through training and experience.

1. Discipline and Routine

Military training instills a strong sense of discipline, which can translate into a structured approach to managing health. This discipline helps patients adhere to dialysis schedules and treatment protocols, enhancing their likelihood of positive outcomes.

2. Mental Fortitude

Service members often develop resilience in the face of adversity. This mental toughness can help them cope with the physical and emotional challenges of dialysis, allowing them to persist through tough treatments and maintain a positive outlook.

3. Problem-Solving Skills

Military training emphasizes critical thinking and quick decision-making. This skill set can enable patients to navigate the complexities of their treatment plans, troubleshoot issues, and advocate for their needs more effectively.

4. Support Networks

Veterans typically have strong camaraderie with fellow service members, which can foster a robust support network. This community can provide emotional and practical support during the dialysis process, contributing to better psychological well-being and adherence to treatment.

5. Goal-Oriented Mindset

Military personnel are trained to set and achieve goals. This goal-oriented approach can motivate dialysis patients to focus on their health objectives, such as improving their overall well-being or preparing for a transplant.

6. Adaptability

The military environment often requires individuals to adapt to rapidly changing situations. This adaptability can help patients adjust their lifestyles and coping strategies in response to the challenges posed by dialysis.

7. Coping Mechanisms

Service members are trained to handle stress and trauma, which can enhance their ability to cope with the emotional aspects of chronic illness. This can lead to improved mental health, reducing anxiety and depression commonly associated with dialysis.

8. Advocacy and Empowerment

Veterans are often well-versed in navigating systems and advocating for their needs. This empowerment can translate to proactive engagement in their healthcare, leading to better communication with healthcare providers and improved treatment outcomes.

Conclusion

Overall, the combination of discipline, resilience, support systems, and a goal-oriented mindset associated with military backgrounds can significantly enhance grit in dialysis patients. This grit not only helps them endure the rigors of treatment but also improves their overall health outcomes.

While many experiences in life add to a person’s grit profile, I am going to relate a handful that I know were very influential in my personal life.

Let’s start with how and why I joined the US Navy in the first place. My parents were lower-middle-class and both blue-collar workers without the advantage of even a high school education. As a result, when it came time for me to consider going to college, it was preordained that I would have to work my way through college.

I first attended what was then New Mexico A&M with the thought in mind of going to school for a semester, then working at the White Sands Proving Grounds in a program A&M sponsored for engineering majors. While this program sounded good from afar, I soon learned that the compensation while co-oping was not nearly enough to support oneself, let alone meet the expenses of enrolling in their Mechanical Engineering program. After one semester, I transferred to Wittenberg University in my hometown, which had a program in engineering linked to Case Institute in Cleveland, Ohio. To pull this off, I had to work full-time, which I did as a gas station attendant on the evening shift, some 4 PM to 11 PM at Joe’s Sunoco. After a semester and a half of being a full-time pre-engineering student and working full-time, but making passing grades, my parents suggested I join the military, and when I finished my tour, they would be able to help me out.

A little over three years into a four-year tour in the Navy, my father suddenly died, and all bets of any help were null and void. As luck would have it, almost in concert with my father’s death, the Navy instigated a program wherein if you passed a test that was more difficult than describable, you would be selected to attend either Purdue University or the University of Washington. I made it through all the barriers and received my third choice of a major and school, Electrical Engineering at Purdue University, where in four years I obtained a BS & MSEE with Distinction.

As you can see, I had many opportunities to pack it in, but didn’t. While not having the deep pockets that many parents have, my parents instilled in me the many advantages of education, so I pressed on. This is one of the many ways life’s experiences contributed to my grit.

Here’s another instance. After joining the Navy, I was shipped off to boot camp in San Diego, CA. It was early Spring and seemed to rain all the time. We had one bucket of water in which to wash and rinse our clothes, and had to hang them out to dry using clothes stops (short pieces of line) with military precision. We had to accomplish this task daily, in rain or shine. Many times we hung our clothes in the rain, took them down in the rain, and wore them wet. When a recruit bitched to our Company Petty Officer, a whizened Chief Bosanmate named Crocker, he replied, “Sympathy is between Shit and Syphillis in the dictionary, and that’s where you are.” In other words, man up. Griping is not going to change things. You’re in the Navy now. Deal with it. His quip is still with me, and I often think back when life gets a little out of hand, what Chief Crocker would say about it.

Here’s a third instance. While stationed aboard the USS Long Beach CG(n)-9, I was at one point the Talos Fire Control Officer, responsible for all the computers, radars, and display equipment that were involved in engaging N. Vietnamese aircraft and, in particular, MiGs. We were the first US ship to actually shoot down several MiGs. Up until we arrived in the Gulf of Tonkin, it had been strictly an air war, and we provided a new deterrent to the combat picture. I was at the same time the Senior Watch Officer, which meant that I was a bridge watch stander and responsible for the training of all junior officers standing watch on the bridge. Along with all of this, I was also the Weapons Liaison Officer, the person operating between weapons in one ear and control in the other. As a result, the Captain wanted me in the ship’s Decision and Control area when MIGs were up, and we were presented the opportunity to go after them. He set me up so I stood watch on the bridge driving the ship from midnight until four in the morning, and stood watches from noon to four in Decision and Control. Now MIGs didn’t know or care when I was on watch, so they came up in the late afternoon and stayed just out of engagement range and otherwise dilled dalled around, so I never got off watch at four, more like six. This took place for sixty days at a time, during which I NEVER got more than four hours of sleep at a time. This effort over a nine-month period taught me resilience like no other situation could have. I learned how to pace myself, concentrate on what’s important, and above all else, to approach any situation with GRIT foremost in mind. Who needs sleep? Not a Lieutenant in a nasty war zone involved in why he is there, shooting down enemy aircraft that were only there to harm our troops. BTW, as a result of my performance in this and other combat operations, I was promoted two full years early.

One more: Along the way, as a senior Lt Commander, I was told that I was diabetic, which in normal circumstances is a career-ending ailment. Rather than acquiesce to the disease, I started running, modified my diet, and changed my lifestyle. In due course, I was found to be physically fit for any duty anywhere. I pushed myself to overcome this shortfall while on active duty. This took more GRIT than I can describe and is yet another instance where real obstacles can be overcome if one sets their mind to the task at hand. Yes, diabetes eventually won, and I am on dialysis now, but hey, I’m alive and still enjoying life.

GRIT got me here.

For the next several blogs, I will delve into the four-letter word GRIT, exploring what it is, how it is developed, if at all, and how and why military-trained personnel are better equipped with it. The initial blog will relate how it affects those of us on dialysis and how it contributes to our successful treatment.

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Grit: The Essential Trait for Success in Peritoneal Dialysis

Living with kidney failure and choosing peritoneal dialysis (PD) is no small decision. Unlike in-center hemodialysis, PD gives patients freedom, independence, and flexibility, but it also demands personal responsibility, discipline, and resilience. While medical knowledge, proper training, and support systems are vital, one quality often determines whether a patient thrives on PD—grit.

At its core, grit is the combination of perseverance and passion in pursuit of long-term goals. It’s about sticking with something even when challenges pile up, setbacks occur, and progress feels slow. For someone on peritoneal dialysis, this character trait is not optional—it’s essential.

Daily Commitment in Peritoneal Dialysis
Peritoneal dialysis is not a once-in-a-while treatment; it becomes a part of daily life. Patients must set up sterile environments, follow very specific procedures, and maintain rigorous schedules, often every single day. This consistency requires commitment when motivation runs low or when physical fatigue sets in. Grit helps patients push beyond the initial overwhelm of learning the process and turn it into a disciplined routine that safeguards their health.

Overcoming Difficulties and Setbacks
Even the most dedicated patients encounter obstacles: occasional infections, equipment problems, or travel restrictions. These moments test mental strength and patience. A person fueled by grit approaches setbacks with problem-solving determination instead of resignation. Instead of thinking, “This is too hard,” a gritty mindset reframes the challenge as, “This is difficult, but I will find a way to make it work.” That resilience can be the difference between success on PD and feeling forced to switch to another treatment option.

The Role of Passion and Purpose
Grit isn’t only about endurance—it’s also about passion. Patients who connect PD with a personal purpose, such as wanting to be there for family, pursuing meaningful work, or enjoying more independence in daily life, are more likely to stay motivated. PD offers freedoms that in-center dialysis often doesn’t: the ability to travel, to maintain employment, and to take control of one’s own care. Anchoring daily treatment in these larger goals creates the fuel for perseverance.

Support and Self-Belief
Having grit doesn’t mean doing everything alone. Family members, caregivers, and healthcare providers play critical roles in encouraging consistency and problem-solving. But ultimately, the patient must believe in their own ability to adapt and stay committed. Each successfully completed exchange reinforces confidence, and over time, the cycle of effort and small victories strengthens resilience.

The Bigger Picture of Thriving with PD
Patients with grit don’t just “get through” dialysis—they find ways to flourish. They learn to balance treatment with hobbies, relationships, and personal goals. They celebrate progress, like declining infection rates or improved lab results, and use those milestones as stepping stones toward a sustainable future.

In the world of peritoneal dialysis, medical expertise provides the tools, but grit supplies the drive. It is the trait that transforms a demanding regimen into a manageable lifestyle—and ultimately into a source of empowerment. For anyone beginning their PD journey, developing grit may be one of the most powerful treatments of all. It works for me.

In tomorrow’s blog, we will delve into my background and how it helped develop my GRIT-facing approach to life.

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Since I am the one who is undergoing SCS, I have dug deeper into the subject. Of interest to me is the AI aspect of the device being used in conjunction with SCS, the HFX, and research studies about the efficacy of such treatment. In the blog, I will first present more complete information about the former, and embed three research papers concerning the Efficacy of such treatment.

More on the AI aspect:

The HFX device is a spinal cord stimulation (SCS) system that uses advanced artificial intelligence (AI) technology to deliver personalized pain relief to patients with chronic pain. It was developed by Nevro and is known as HFX iQ or HFX AdaptivAI in its advanced form.

How the AI in the HFX Device Works

• The system integrates high-frequency (10 kHz) spinal cord stimulation therapy with AI algorithms built on extensive clinical data—over 20 million data points from 80,000 implanted patients—to optimize individualized therapy programs for pain relief.
• AI analyzes patient inputs such as daily pain levels, medication usage, activity changes, and quality of life factors through a companion smartphone app.
• Based on this data, it provides personalized, real-time therapy recommendations and adjustments to maintain or improve pain relief over time.
• The system uses Bipole Interlacing™ technology that creates custom therapy programs dynamically.
• It also features Smart Power technology to reduce the frequency of device charging to as little as six times per year.
• The AI is designed to optimize therapy responsiveness by learning from the patient’s unique pain experience and evolving their treatment accordingly, accelerating relief and improving quality of life.
• Advanced remote monitoring allows physicians to access real-time data on the patient’s pain journey, device status, and therapy effectiveness, enabling proactive clinical intervention.

What the Device Does for Patients

• It provides continuous, personalized pain relief by blocking or quieting the pain signals at the source in the spinal cord before they reach the brain.
• Patients can engage easily with the system via the smartphone app, reporting pain and lifestyle data, thus empowering them in their pain management.
• The AI system helps to reduce unnecessary hospital visits by enabling remote adjustments and monitoring.
• It addresses multiple chronic pain types, including back and leg pain, painful diabetic neuropathy, non-surgical refractory back pain, and upper limb/neck pain.
• The therapy offers a wider frequency range than many other SCS systems, helping patients maintain effective pain relief long term.
• Clinical studies and real-world data support its efficacy, showing faster and sustained pain relief with improved patient quality of life.

Nevro’s HFX iQ with AI technology represents a transformative advancement in spinal cord stimulation therapy by combining robust clinical evidence with intelligent, data-driven, and patient-centered pain management.

And now three research papers:

Back in the nineties, when I was racing Porsches, there was a saying among racers that second is the first loser. While this philosophy may be fine in the testosterone-filled racing paddocks, in real life, it falls short of reality. What really matters is what you learn from failure. This is especially true in the medical field, and by association, the approach patients take to their care.

This blog started off as a medium with which to relate my dialysis experience. Over time, it has expanded to all things I am experiencing from a medical and life perspective. Being honest with myself, I like to take a check on how I’m coming across; are my true experiences and mental state being aptly communicated? To run a gut check, I wrote the following prompt and asked Perplexity to look over my shoulder and report. You decide from the response.

Prompt: You can’t win without losing because by losing, you learn where you need to improve. Apply the previous statement to concepts explored on my website, www.feeser.me, and construct a 500-word blog entry.

Your statement, “you can’t win without losing because by losing you learn where you need to improve,” resonates profoundly with the personal and medical journey chronicled on your website, www.feeser.me. The core concepts explored—particularly perseverance through health challenges such as peritoneal dialysis, ongoing diagnostic tests, and grappling with chronic conditions—illuminate how setbacks become catalysts for growth and self-improvement.feeser

Every setback, whether it’s a medical test that reveals an unexpected complication or a treatment that doesn’t bring immediate relief, is a lesson in disguise. For instance, a Doppler ultrasound or MRI might deliver unwelcome news, such as evidence of a blockage or circulation issue. The initial response might be disappointment or even defeat—but these “losses” carry valuable information. They clarify what isn’t working, deepen understanding of underlying problems, and direct care teams toward more effective interventions.feeser

This cycle—testing, learning, adjusting—is a powerful motif throughout your journey. The very nature of managing chronic kidney issues and pursuing peritoneal dialysis means embracing uncertainty, facing new challenges, and often falling short of the hoped-for “win” of perfect health. But each “loss” in the form of a difficult diagnosis, a failed treatment, or a new symptom is a push toward refinement. It’s the body’s way of teaching both patient and provider where more attention, research, or effort is needed.feeser

Beyond medicine, your narrative highlights another universal truth: resilience is forged in the face of adversity. “Never ring the bell” becomes more than a slogan—it’s a philosophy grounded in the willingness to face losses head-on, learn from them, and use that knowledge to fuel the next attempt. Through setbacks, weaknesses are exposed, but so too are the threads of perseverance that make ultimate wins possible, even if those victories aren’t always defined by total recovery, but by progress, adaptation, and hope.feeser

For readers on their own health journeys—or facing unrelated personal struggles—your story stands as a blueprint for reframing losses. Instead of tallying them as failures, they become essential steps on the path to personal growth and self-improvement. The key is relentless self-examination, openness to new inputs (whether medical data or emotional support), and the steady resolve to move forward, no matter how many times life knocks you back.feeser

In summary, the lessons from www.feeser.me are clear and powerful: Losing is not the opposite of winning, but its prerequisite. By losing, we identify blind spots, recognize growth opportunities, and develop the ingenuity and resilience needed to ultimately win—however we define that victory. Every challenge met on your journey, and chronicled on your site, exemplifies that unyielding spirit. In both health and life, the path to victory is paved with the wisdom gained from every loss.feeser

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Content from www.feeser.me[1]

Check sources

1. https://www.feeser.me
2. https://www.feeser.me/2025/08/18/uncharted-waters/
3. https://www.feeser.me/tag/fms/
4. https://www.feesers.com/why-feesers/about-us/
5. https://www.feesers.com/products/
6. https://wpastra.com/website-templates/blog/
7. https://www.feesers.com
8. https://www.feeser.me/category/uncategorized/dialysis/
9. https://www.productiveblogging.com/how-to-choose-the-right-theme-for-your-blog/
10. https://www.feeser.me/page/22/
11. https://www.wpbeginner.com/showcase/best-free-wordpress-blog-themes/

During Friday’s visit to my neuro clinic, we decided to go forward with the SCS (Spinal Cord Stimulation) device permanently. Next Friday, I’m scheduled to have the temp device removed. In three weeks or so, I will have the “permanent” device, known as HFX, installed. I’m certain many are in the dark about these devices as they are relatively new (FDA approval for use in the US 2023). Thus, I’ve filled in the blanks with the information that follows. I’d like to note that I now have feeling in my lower legs, can feel the ribs in my socks, and have not had one incident of sleeping leg cramps since installation. It’s working.

What is HFX with AI SCS?

• HFX is a proprietary, high-frequency spinal cord stimulation therapy, primarily used for managing chronic pain, especially in conditions like diabetic neuropathy.anesispain+1
• AI SCS (Artificial Intelligence Spinal Cord Stimulation): Modern SCS systems, such as Nevro’s HFX iQ (which is what I am to receive) use AI algorithms to personalize and optimize pain relief for each patient. The system continuously learns from patient input regarding pain and lifestyle changes via an app connected to the stimulator, making tailored adjustments automatically to improve outcomes.wvumedicine+2

How Does the Process Work?

1. Pre-Implant Trial: Patients are fitted with an external SCS device to see if pain levels improve before considering permanent implantation.baptisthealth. This is ongoing now.
2. Implantation: If results are positive, a minimally invasive surgical procedure implants a small electrical stimulator in the hip or back. Wires (leads) are placed in the spinal column near target pain receptors.baptisthealth
3. Ongoing Adaptation: Patients regularly provide feedback (via an app) on their pain, allowing the AI to “learn” and alter the stimulation parameters for optimal relief—even as their symptoms fluctuate over time.fiercebiotech+1

The Science Behind It

• The system delivers high-frequency (10,000 Hz) electrical pulses to the spinal cord, which interrupts abnormal pain signals from nerves reaching the brain, reducing or eliminating the perception of pain—including numbness and dullness in diabetic neuropathy.redbuttepain+2
• AI makes the system more intelligent. The stimulator’s programming is guided by a vast database of real-world patient outcomes—over 20 million data points from tens of thousands of users. The AI identifies effective settings based on this data, and adapts therapy as needed for each patient.fiercebiotech

Results and Improvements

• Pain Relief: About 76-80% of patients see significant and lasting pain relief, far outperforming traditional management with medications.csog+2
• Improved Sensation: Some patients experience restoration of sensation in their feet, not just pain relief. This reduces the risk of injury due to numbness—an important benefit for diabetic patients who may not notice wounds.redbuttepain
• Quality of Life: Reduced pain and improved sensation allow for greater physical activity and reduced reliance on opioid painkillers.wvumedicine+1
• Glycemic Control and Weight Loss: There is emerging evidence that patients undergoing this therapy may also see improvements in glycemic control and modest weight loss, both beneficial for diabetes management.pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih

The AI Aspect

• Personalization: AI learns from your ongoing feedback and adjusts therapy without the need for frequent office visits or manual programming by clinicians.fiercebiotech
• Data-Driven: Utilizes massive datasets and cloud platforms to identify and recommend effective therapy adjustments for maximum relief.fiercebiotech
• Adaptive: As your symptoms change (e.g., pain intensity, sensation), the AI can tweak the electrical parameters to match your needs, aiming for continuous optimal results.wvumedicine+1

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In summary, HDX with AI SCS for diabetic dullness in the legs represents a breakthrough using high-frequency electrical stimulation—personalized and optimized by AI—to dramatically improve pain, sensation, and overall quality of life for patients with diabetic neuropathy – which is me, folks.

More information about the device may be found at the following link: https://www.nevrohfx.com/

So there I was, completely prepped for the HDX procedure, when we noticed several nurses flying by outside the curtain of my hospital bed. Finally, the HDX representative, who was very friendly, stopped briefly by and told us that there had been an incident. This was followed by not one, but two nurses coming into our curtained-off enclosure to inform us that the surgery had been called off. Upon this news, the second nurse, who was the charge nurse, unhooked me from the drip and other stuff and left so I could get dressed.

On the way back, while in the normal DFW traffic, we received a call from the doctor’s scheduler to reschedule our procedure. My wife, who was driving, told her we would call back when home and had access to our calendars, which we did. My HDX install is now at noon on Wednesday, with a follow-up on Friday at 1130. These times are much better as I won’t be required to cut into my dialysis duration.

See, even in the worst times, there is a God.