I have opted out of an SCS even though several docs have recommended it.

Every doctor seems to say something completely different.

The last one told me that the only way to stop my RSD from spreading was to get an SCS. He said I would be able to drive myself to a hotel nearby right after the surgery, then drive myself home the next day, 3-1/2 hours. He said I could get the SCS implant on a Friday and return to work on Monday. That they could run 4 leads, one for each extremety to allow for future spread. When I told him that on my RSD support board, people don't return to work for weeks, don't drive right away, are still on medications, have had the SCS CAUSE spread... etc etc... he said it was only because HE did not put it in. Talk about only interested in the $$$$$$$$$ and telling a patient anything. Can you imagine getting a perm. SCS implanted and driving yourself 3-1/2 hours the next day, returning to work 2 days later and not having the leads move? He also said that it was nonsense that a trial would work better than a permenant stim. Said he has never had a trial work better than the perm. SCS. He was in with Stanton-Hicks for years, so I **assumed** he would know what he was doing with RSD. Every question I asked him about RSD was answered with "You need an SCS" I asked about the amount of ketamine in my topical cream... "You need an SCS" I asked about the rash I get "You need an SCS".... grrrrrr

I have read several places over the years that the SCS works best for people with RSD in the outer extremities. Since the majority of my pain right now is in my shoulders, neck and back... I just don't think it's worth trying for the risk and cost for the way RSD has been in my body.

My feeling is that since the RSD has popped up in new injury areas for me... I will sooner or later get it from falling or something in another area. The SCS would or would not be able to cover the new area.

And... since I am not covered by worker's comp - just by my employer's insurance, I would have to pay 20% of the cost... every time something go wrong as well as the first operation... and that's a lot of money for the small chance it will help.

Sorry... nothing on the poll for me to click.

Jules