I’m a 100% service-connected disabled Vet now 27 surgeries into life and unfortunately there will be more. Multiple spinal fusions, knee replacements, spinal cord stimulator both implanted (2015) and explanted (2019), neuropathy travels from lumbar region down my left leg to my toes. It would be difficult for me to recommend a stimulator. I just received a set of Walkasins via the VA but have yet to trial them. Regarding the stimulator, the batteries have a +/- 5 year lifespan but if you dig deep into the white papers you will find that the efficacy, how long it is actually effective, averages two (yes, 2) years. I had eleven (11) programs because every time you move or change positions it removes a contact point from your cord thereby making it less effective or fully ineffective. Neither the device rep nor the pain mgmt Dr. explained this of course because in 2015 between the $21k device + surgery + anesthesia + a paper clip or three (j/k) the total was just over $70k and none of them want to lose that cash. When it becomes ineffective your insurance won’t replace it because it’s “still functional” but you’re stuck with it. I have yet to find anyone who is long-term happy with their implant not that it’s not a decent pressure relief valve when you’re at the end of your wits. There are now external/wearable devices on the market that may offer you a better long-term solution than an implant but many are not covered by insurance … yet. Don’t give up your fight to find a workable solution FOR YOU. You have to be fully engaged otherwise you’re getting a crapshoot solution.

~ Get busy living or get busy dying.