Thanks guys. While I am pretty miserable (physically), I am trying to focus on the knowledge that if this had happened two weeks ago, I would be flaring from head to toe. Really. This IS major improvement.

There are no magic bullets, for me anyhow. I have multiple sources of severe pain and current medical tech. can not address them all. This implant sure has pulled a big chunk out of the mix and it is a miracle. I knew I was pushing the envelope and could easily go into a major flare. Sometimes, we just have to do what we have to do then try to suck up the consequences. I'd do it all over again.

Another interesting side note. My bladder function has improved with the scs. I was not totally incontinent but had "issues". Due to surgery related nerve damage, I have reduced sensation in the saddle region. I never experience bladder urgency. If I wasn't careful I would not empty completely and was subject to frequent UTIs. Thankfully, I do feel pressure when the bladder fills and can get to the toilett before I would spontaneously empty. I was real close to having to cath. Now, the number of times I "go" per day is appropriate with my fluid intake. I only wake up, needing to use the bathroom, once per night rather than every 1-2 hours. Now I just need to be certain that I totally empty. I told Pain Man about it and he just smiled. He said it was an infrequent bonus but never mentioned it because he didn't want to get my hopes up on a long shot. He wanted my focus on the successful trial. Life is good.