I had a SCS implanted as well (Dec 2010), and this caused my RSD to spread/flare. I love my heating pad. It's nothing fancy, but with pillows I can manage. Some days I hurt do bad, that all I want is the heat to try to ease things or at least "warm me up". When areas get cold (especially the implanted pieces), it is much more achy.

I did receive an electric blancket for my car a few years ago. This has been a God-send, especially when in the car. It works on your cigarette lighter, and is amazing. I kick on my heated seat and wrap up in the blanket, and am happy as a clam.

Recently, I have been questioning the implant's benefits versus the new symptoms, the new areas of my body that has been affected. When I had the trial, it was successful, but really for one day. The doctors knew that I was going to have lead migration problems and I think "forgot" when it came time to implant, as they did not surgically place the leads. I had another surgery in Dec to surgically place a paddle and fix my battery that had flipped and poked out. This surgery is when I really noticed the increased problems.

The doctors did not tell me the chances of spreading/flaring. I hadn't found this forum until just recently. I didn't really understand my diagnosis of RSD/CRPS, as the information available is not really informative.

Sorry for the rant and hijack. I do love my heat (I had previously loved ice until I learned ON MY OWN that it was causing more damage)! I am also slowing coming to understand this "disease" and wish more was known about it. It seems like it has been around a long time for it still to be in testing or trial stage.