Frank ...I found your posts in a couple other forum here at neuro here is one (you are the 3ed post down)
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread151022.html

I am understanding you have had yours for 7 years and are on your 3ed stim unit.. and are waiting for new leads for almost a year now so stim is off in that time ??? you probably have leads for your spine and not for face???? Is it Medtronic or Boston sci or St Jude ?????????

I got panicked All I could picture was the wire across my back getting ripped out for no reason and with no issues or trouble with my lead or my stim. . even so I am going to contact my stim company and see if they replace the whole stim unit even if there is no issue with the lead or the wire... ask if they just wear out... and if one is forced to upgrade.
I will feel better knowing the answer to that. and I will post the answer when I find out . sorry for my panic freak out. I do feel stupid for not knowing this but I dont know everything I dont even know half of everything lol
PEACE
BMW