I have had my SCS successfully installed for five years. SCS can be an effective tool in the management pain for RSD, particularly if it is installed within six months of the onset. A key determinant in the success of SCS is the experience and qualifications of the surgeon. Many Interventional Pain Management Specialists implement SCS's, but only a handful are expert SCS surgeons. I would recommend that you carefully research the experience of your surgeon specifically with SCS and RSD patients. When I had my SCS installed, I had been a patient by a leading Pain Managment Center who had a surgeon who implement SCS's, however, they recommended I seek an outside referral for my SCS due to the surgical requirements and the detailed follow-up care. In addition, there are key differences between the two SCS products, ANS and Medtronix. I would encourage you to research both products and determine the product that meets your current and future needs. You will find that most surgeons only work with a single product. For example, I have an ANS stimulator implemented with leads for all four extremities, although at the time of the surgery my RSD was present in only two extremities. Within 24 months, my RSD spread to a 3rd extremity and my SCS "turned on" automatically, having been already programmed to do so. ANS was the only vendor offering leads for all four extremities. This decision saved me from having to have a second SCS implemented when my disease spread. The other key factor I have not seen mentioned in other messages is the experience many RSD SCS patients experience that over time, the severity of their RSD is reduced, sometimes even going into remission. I have read at least one article on this subject. Given your young age, this could be particularly significant. The SCS trial, while cumbersome, will give you important information to help you determine the viability of SCS for your particular case. SCS is an exciting technology for the RSD patient when implemented by a highly qualified surgeon, having selected the optimum product for the patient. I encourage you to consult with multiple surgeons and to speak with RSD reference patients they provide who have the specific SCS's they are proposing. Best wishes to you!