I'm one of the ones who has a medtronics unit.
I'm happy with the unit........it's the HEALTHCARE I have issues with ... couple that with the fact that my body seems to be falling apart.....

Sorry, I'm wearing my grouchy pants today.....

If I were to start everything all over again, I'd make certain that I got better follow up care.....meaning, be more proactive in calling the shots if my Dr is too high in the clouds of arrogance to talk to me on 'my' level and 'LISTEN' to me when I say I 'think' there may be a problem......

Yes, these units require maintenance......but the way I see it (in my case anyway).... is that I would have spent even MORE time curled up in pain and in bed watching life pass me by. Charging my battery once a week (or so) is ok with me and a fine tradeoff since it does cover the burning pain that had me rendered useless..... and wishing my life would end

I just wish that I would have received physical therapy.......and a quick peek (via fluoroscopy or xray) shortly after implantation to make sure things are as they should be.
I guess if my Dr were sitting here right now, he'd probably say that it is MY responsibility to advocate for myself in my treatment.
Scuse me, but I guess I didn't 'know' enough from a medical standpoint to know 'what' I was supposed to be advocating. I was pretty caught up in my pain battle and trying to hang on to this side of life.

I hope things go smoothly for you....
It's good that they are giving you a choice in the matter.....
I'm sure this will be a good experience for you. Just be good to yourself and careful after the surgery

Caring
Rae