I too suffer L4/L5/S1 nerve damage and similar to you Mark with burning pain. I'm not sure at what level my leads are placed. I know my Consultant did say they would be placed above my fusion at L4/L5. However it doesn't help my back and Rep is unable to help me in that respect. I do think that having the paddles implants is definitely a better route as these paddles are 'bedded' in and seem to work a lot better than the leads. Well from what I have read and researched.

I also didnt have the luxury of setting my own unit when reprogrammed!! This was ALL done by my Rep while I said yes/no/maybe!!! Again that would be great to do our own tweaking. My Rep uses a hand held device attached to my programmer to do the tweaking. All sounds very different to your system Mark. But would be ideal. Also having more time too. Generally I only get about 45 mins as there are always others awaiting the reprogramming. Our Rep comes from UK. Although I have been told a guy will be placed permanently in Ireland to make it more accessible .