After the operation, you can stay overnight or go home the same day. You will have two bandages, on the chest and on the left side of the neck.

You may have pain for a few days and feel a small bump where the device was placed. Your provider may prescribe pain medication. If you have got antibioticstake them as directed.

Do not shower, swim or use a hot tub until your provider approves. You may be allowed to have mushroom baths with your incision covered.

Avoid wearing tight clothing that may rub on your incision. Change your dressing as recommended. Wash your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds before and after changing dressings.

Check your incision for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, increased pain, warmth, or pus.

Your stitches will absorb on their own.

Ask your surgeon if you need to avoid driving or using machines.

You will have a follow-up visit to program the device in 2 to 4 weeks. The device is set to deliver stimulation at a specific frequency for a specific period of time at regular intervals. The device is usually set to low levels at first to see how your symptoms respond.

You get a hand-held magnet to use at home:

• Sweeping the magnet over the device provides extra stimulation.
• Removing the magnet causes the device to resume the programmed stimulation cycle.
• This allows you to control the device as needed.

For example, if you have epilepsy and a seizure is about to happen, you can swipe the magnet to send an extra stimulation.

You must have regular checks so that your device can be monitored. Your provider will check:

• That the device is in the correct position and working correctly
• The number of stimulations delivered
• If the programming needs to be adjusted
• How much power is left in the batteries

Check with your provider before doing any image processing, e.g MRas it may interfere with the device.

Be sure to go to all your follow-up visits as long as you have the device.

Side effects may occur due to nerve stimulation and are temporary. When you first start using VNS, you may notice:

• Hoarseness or a change in your voice
• Mild cough
• A tickling sensation in the throat
• Shortness of breath
• Pain in the neck or throat
• Nausea, vomiting
• Difficulty swallowing or speech
• Tingling or tingling sensation in the skin
• Headache
• Difficulty sleeping or worsening of sleep apnea

These side effects usually improve with time.