I have had mine for almost 4 years. Depending on where the implant is placed depends on your recovery. Mine is a single lead up my spine to the base of my neck. The battery is implanted in my right hip. I had to wear a neck brace for 6-8 weeks to be sure I didn't move my neck too much so the lead would heal in the proper place. The battery site was tender and actually looked much worse than it felt.