@gypsyblue I can’t help you with regard to efficacy in autoimmune disease, but my son has a vagus nerve stimulator implanted to help with epilepsy. It’s implanted in his chest wall with the wires running up through his neck, connecting to his vagus nerve.

The only side effect he’s had is that when it goes off it changes the tone of his voice and he can’t drink for those seconds that the device is deploying. His goes off for 30 seconds every 90 seconds throughout the day. He’s 27 and he just had his 3rd device put in, so on average his are lasting about 5 years.

If you are thinking about it, perhaps confirm the following:

1. 30 seconds ONCE a day doesn’t sound like a lot - ask how many times a day it will be scheduled to go off per day.

2. Double check whether the device is implanted in the neck or chest wall.

3. Find out how long they think the device will last before you would need a revision surgery to replace the device.

All my doctors are at Northwell Health on Long Island where the research was conducted. Unfortunately, I wasn’t a good candidate for the trial.

My son is finally seizure-free with the neurostimulator and able to drive for the first time in his life so it’s been life-changing for him.
Best of luck with whatever you decide!