Hi Mike, Welcome to NT.

The Central Nervous System consists of the brain and the spinal cord; everything else is considered the Peripheral Nervous System.

I generally only speak for myself, but I don't think I would be out of line saying that many/most of us on this forum believe that second/multiple opinions are always a good idea, especially in contemplation of any kind/type of invasive procedure, and even moreso when the procedure involves the nervous system.

Is it safe to assume you've been through, or are in, Pain Management?

I would suggest/recommend that, in addition to multiple medical opinions, you become proactive and learn as much as you can about your specific condition/diagnosis, dorsal column stimulators (a.k.a. Spinal Cord Stimulator, SCS) in general and the one being proposed, the specific procedure(s), risks and complications of spinal surgery in general and those related to stimulators and the proposed procedure & unit, etc. (There are some folks here who can attest that some surgeons have been known to dismiss/skim/gloss over the "risks and complications" and "post-surgery/recovery" parts of procedures.) You have a right to have any questions and/or concerns addressed to your satisfaction and/but you may have to be assertive. I believe this is all important to the success and recovery of any procedure.

We all want physicians we can trust, and to trust in our physicians, but experience has taught me that even very experienced specialists - the best people in their fields - can sometimes be like the proverbial guy with a hammer who sees every problem as a nail (which itself is a good reason for getting multiple opinions).

I see that you found the SCS/Pain Pump forum. It has excellent resources, and is one in its own right.

Best Wishes and ,

Doc