I am preparing for an SCS trial in a few days -- packing luggage, actually, as we are going 180 miles by train to get to the hospital for the trial.
The nurse said to wear loose-fitting clothing such as sweat pants. OK, but what size? 
I don't know of a reason that my girth should increase as a result of percutaneous lead implantation for a trial. Can someone enlighten me on that? I suppose that implanting the IPG permanently in a subcutaneous pocket could cause some swelling, but for the trial I would not expect a change in waist size. Am I wrong?
Brothers
Herniated L4-L5 disc.
Physical Therapy and epidural steroid shots before and after surgery failed to help.
Hemilaminotomy and Microdiskectomy
Second back surgery for CSF leak and repeat herniation of same disc.
You will have a lot of tape and wires. You will have a belt holding the IPG around your waist. Wear very comfy pants and a roomy shirt. A zip up would be great.
Good luck,
Melissa
You're right. Do not expect a change in girth. This is all very exciting. Are you coming home right after the trial or are you staying at a hotel? Depending on the amount of scar tissue you have, the trial could hurt a lot OR it could not hurt much at all. Plan for the worst and hope for the best. Much, much good luck to you. I know you have a great doctor. I hope the SCS helps. Susan
You are going to be sore and tender and you do not want anything tight such as belt rubbing you. I would not say your girth will change, you just do not want to irritate your back by a tight belt. A sweat suit sounds perfect. You do not want anything snug across your back and waist.
Best of luck..
Cheers
Patsy W
Never ever give up HOPE.
Hope keeps us alive.
Wear loose clothing and stop over thinking it.
Dave
Thanks for your replies to this mundane question.
Hotel, Susan. I expect to bug the ANS rep several times to tweak the program.
Brothers
Herniated L4-L5 disc.
Physical Therapy and epidural steroid shots before and after surgery failed to help.
Hemilaminotomy and Microdiskectomy
Second back surgery for CSF leak and repeat herniation of same disc.
Good luck on your trial! I think that your normal size sweatpants would be fine as long as they have some give to them. I wouln't go buying a bigger pair just for the trial. Do take advantage of the rep as much as possible. Also, don't forget that for the tria the stimulation will be very positional, but you won't have this issue if you decide to get the permanent implant which makes a difference. I know how nervous I was before the trial but even if you have pain it will be very short lived.
If you have any other questions please feel free to send me a PM.
Julie
38, working mom of 5yr girl
SCS trial a success! Permanent SCS scheduled for 10/29
Minimally-invasive L4-S1 TLIF with hardware on 12/3/08- failed
MRI, discography and CT scan 9/08. Severe DDD L5-S1, large hernaition L4-L5
3 epidurals, radiofrequency ablation, 1 SJ injection, accupuncture, PT, and many others
MEDS: norco, gapaphentin, lexapro, amitriptyline
Surgeries: Laminectomy L5-S1 03 (infection post surgery), Myomectomy 06, sinus surgery 06
Lord have mercy on your rep. I hope he knows every single detail of every single part of the system. LOL. I went to work during my trial, so I wore my regular clothes (business suits, etc.). I hope you're staying at a nice hotel and that you (and your wife?) go out for a nice meal and a little sightseeing while you are there. I'm keeping my fingers crossed. Susan p.s. If you do go out for a nice meal, ditch the sweatpants.