Surgery to remove Reactiv8 was maybe 30 seconds on outpatient basis. No big deal.

Sorry, 30 minutes

I had my SCS removed about two years ago. It was pretty straight forward. With the prep work and other stuff, no more than an hour, if that.

My pain management doctor wants to implant a stimulator but said if it doesn't improve my condition that he will not remove it but will just cut the wires. I was horrified. I know they do a 10-day or so initial, but I do not want it to be permanently there if it goes bad. Has anyone else had this happen? Should I look for another pain management doctor?

find another neurosurgeon. I interviewed three doctors, and chose the one who implants the most, plus, I liked him.
I had the Abbott SCS inserted. two years later, I had it removed, and the neurosurgeon was very sympathetic. He removed the device and the "paddles". I wouldn't choose the wires; the paddles allow more efficiency to "move" the pain up to the brain to stop it.