Fiona, my stim has given me fits as well. I first had it implanted in Sept of 2010. My leads migrated and my battery moved to where it was unable to communicate and it was sticking out about 1/2" from my side. I even ended up in the hospital the day after it was turned on due to chest wall and abdomen stimulation.

In Dec of 2010, the doctors moved the battery to my upper buttock and surgically placed the leads and paddle to prevent migration and to be able to give better coverage. Immediately following this surgery, I was told the device would be on as opposed to waiting the 4 to 6 week "recovery period". Well, the rep tried the stim again in the recovery room and as long as I wasn't moving, the stim delivered proper coverage. Any movement set the stim resulted in migration and painful stimulation. They turned it off and thought it might have something to do with all the swelling and the sensitivity due to two surgeries in the same region so close together. '

I swear it seemed like I was in for re-programming every other day! As soon as I would have coverage in the office (even with moving, sitting, standing, etc), the ride home would have it back out of whack. One rep even started with baby steps and said until some of the swelling went down, that I would have to as we called it "tune in". This involved me having the stim on and moving, arching my back, etc. The following week, and a different rep, it was once again re-programmed because she felt I really shouldn't be moving like that and was afraid it was do more damage then good.

I finally have three programs that "work". It still doesn't provide the coverage I had one day in the trial, but I still have my stim on. Some days I don't bother, as it seems to hurt and make me more tired. I think it's because of the stimulation of other areas. I still have swelling and actually since the surgical implant, two doctors agree that the RSD has spread.

I have undergone two more epidural blocks (just finished the 2nd yesterday), and am waiting to see what the next step is. I too am thinking that I have such an expensive wasteful piece of equipment in my ***, but after talking with the doctor yesterday, removing it might make things even worse. We are taking it one day at a time.

Have you talked to your doctor about migration? Has he/she recommended trying a few more blocks? Changes in your medications? My doctor yesterday ordered a "special" ointment that contains neurotins (spelling?), pain reliever, muscle relaxants, etc all mixed together. Before they can once again concentrate on the stim and the "original region", he feels they have to get the new areas under control.

Good luck to you, and trust me - I know how you feel about the "wasted" device. I am just hoping that it is doing it's job, that I just have too much going on to notice.