I think to answer alot of your doctor/patient questions... ask your doctor to speak to patients of his that currently have SCS. My dr is huge on support, and actually makes you talk to a few prior patients of HIS to answer any questions, feelings of fear, doubt, or concern before the surgery takes place so we are 110% 'there' for the implantation. He does not want us going into it doubting him as a surgeon/doctor or us as patients as it is a procedure that takes alot of strength and patience... Also, he had me talk to someone where the SCS did not help, just to prepare me.
After speaking to patients of his, it made the decision easier as I knew how he as a doctor dealt with problems or any issues that arose afterwards. I am thankful, my Dr. smashed those feelings before I even felt them!!! He see's so many patients and knows the change and difference the true understanding of one rsd patient to the next.