Interesting to read about your issues with your SCSs. I had mine implanted in Feb 1999 for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. As you can tell I need a battery replacement but have been putting it off. Have to do it soon though. My leads are implanted at the base of my neck and the "Brains and Battery" are just above my belt in my back on the RT side. They had to snake an extension cord to reach the leads. It covers my entire left arm up to shoulder. Now I was always skinny, around 125-130lb but had gained weight before the implant, 180lb. I had to go back to bury the plug for the extension plug 2 mo later because it was bothering me. I lost 60lb in 60 days! They did a little procedure to bury it and adjusted the signal some. The Doc said that maybe the nerve that controls hunger was being effected. No kidding. A lot of you folks with shoulder blade, shoulder pain should look at the TOS forum as RSD and TOS are kissing cousins and most TOSers have both. BTW the yellow light on the 7434A controller if on longer when you shut it off, it is time to get a new battery or at least talk to a Doc. Good luck. Remember the first 100 years are the hardest.
Later Mark J