I had an SCS implanted in November '06 for my arms/hands. Now mine is by Advanced Bionics, and my Dr swears by them for the upper extremities, has done hundreds of SCS implants and wouldn't go with any other company for upper body SCS, he says they are the best. For lower body he prefers MedTronics. And he has a really high success rate, even with RSD patients, 85% or better that get successful long-term relief.

I have only one lead for each arm, that may be different between Advanced Bionics and MedTronics. I don't have any limitations on my mobility at all, only restricted activities per Dr are bungee jumping and parachuting (LOL)- because of the hard jerks that could dislodge the leads. I told him he could be pretty sure I wouldn't be remotely interested in either of those activities! I was really restricted the first 6 weeks post-op though - no bending, reaching overhead, lifting, turning my head, etc. I could drive after a week or so, but very carefully and turning my whole upper torso to check behind when backing up..

I'm NOT pain-free, by any means, and didn't expect to be - but my arms and hands are my most painful areas, followed by my neck, upper back and feet. The SCS takes most of my arm pain away, and has dropped my daily pain from a 7-8 to about a 4. That is such a BIG difference! I'm not constantly distracted by pain all the time. I can do things with my family. I can concentrate enough to follow a TV show or read a book. I laugh and smile and enjoy life a lot more. A huge benefit is I'm sleeping much better, and deeper too, I'm dreaming for the first time since I was injured!

I recharge the battery about every 12 days or so, it has a lifetime of 9-10 years before replacement, depending on your power usage. My program is very low-power so my Dr says I may go 12 years before I need a new battery. Of course, it's just under 7 months since I had this put in, I have no idea if it will continue to work this well for me, but I have had no problems so far so I continue to think positive. The SCS has just been a very positive experience for me, for which I am extremely grateful as I was running out of
effective relief options.

Advanced Bionics is also the maker of the cochlear ear implant, I have been very impressed with them overall, very helpful all the way through the process.

beth