Hi eliijennings and welcome to the group. My heart goes out to you for all you have been through. I too have RSD and know firsthand the tremendous pain you are going through. My RSD started in my right arm and shoulder. I was diagnosed in November 2006 after close to two years of symptoms. It has since spread and now includes my entire upper body (basically everything that would be covered by a long-sleeve turtle neck sweater). Recently I have started having symptoms in my lower back and I am afraid it is spreading there as well. I cannot even begin to imagine enduring all the shoulder surgeries you have been through. I tore the labrum in my right shoulder and had to have surgery to repair it in December of 2009. Even though I went through physical therapy and did all my exercises faithfully my shoulder froze and I had to have a 2nd surgery in April 2010. It was grueling! I cannot imagine 8 surgeries!!! I too have had a spinal cord stimulator implanted (In Aug. 2007). I agree with you--it is the worst experience one can imagine. When they wake you up and they are trying to get the leads/paddles in the correct place it is indescribably excruciating. I can't imagine having to go through it a second time. I pray it goes well and you will not feel the same type of pain the second time. My SCS worked wonders for about 6 months. I was able to return to work as a Registered Nurse (I had been on short-term disability at that time) and I was able to completely go off all pain medication. Unfortunately for me after being back at work for 4 months my stim stopped helping my pain and instead started mimicking my pain. My RSD also started spreading at that time so I was back to square one and was forced to go on full disability (March 2008). I hope your insurance comes through quickly and you are able to get your stimulator replaced quickly. I pray it works well and you are able to go back to your part-time job and get some much needed pain relief. As for the meantime, know you are not alone. There are others out there who know firsthand the hell you are going through. If you ever need to "talk" feel free to contact me. If nothing else I can be here to listen.
Cricket