Go for the less pain...... that feeling between or just below the shoulder blades may be the entry point of your electrodes, whether percutaneous leads or paddles via laminectomy. It will abate over time.... one of my most significant pains was at t8/t9 where the laminectomy was done for the paddles, but I am SO glad I have them as they work quite well even now, two years plus later.

Prayin for all, and thrilled for TKaye too!
mark56