Hi Wordgirl,

I had an implant of the SCS on November 17, 08. My RSD is in my arms at this point. So, they were able to stimulate both arms.

The stimulator has been wonderful as far as the affects and how it's helped my arm. It has taken all of the sensitivity away. I can wear long-sleeved shirts for the first time in 1.5 years. The ceiling fan doesn't hurt.

But, I have to say, the recovery is long. Like, very long. Because my RSD is in my arms, they needed to thread the lead (from the base of my skull) down the length of my back (starting from about 6 inches down from my skull where the lead comes out of my spine), underneath the skin to the battery. So, all of that skin is disrupted. It's taken until now where my back is better. But, I do have burning patches in my back. I don't know if it's spread or not, or if I'm still healing. I have a desk job so I have to have a pillow on my chair because I can't put my back against the chair yet.

You really need to think of the pros and cons for you - just you. Have you had the trial yet? That's required before you have the permanent implant. That'll give you some idea of what it'll be like. Also, have you exhausted all other options?

Good luck to you. It's not an easy decision.