I have had my stimulator since July 31, 2014. It worked great at first but after 2 months it stopped being effective. One side effect that the doctors don't warn you of that is rare but can happen is that it can cause you to randomly fall. I had that happen from day one when the stimulator was put in. I am now having it removed on Wednesday Feb. 4th. This is just my experience with it. I know some one who has had theirs for years and it is very effective, each person is different. As for the recovery I found it to be pretty easy of course you can't get the site wet, and my doctors had me where a brace to keep me from bending and twisting for 6-8 weeks afterwards. I would recommend having some help at home for a bit because we never realize how much we bend and twist each day.