I did not have mine removed. My symptoms improved over time and resolved by ~ 9-12 months. Once the device epithelializes, which takes almost a year in some patients, nickel levels usually drop and symptoms improve in most people. this is what happened for me. I toughed it out through ~9 months and was pretty much back to normal by 12 months. I chose waiting rather than open heart surgery (down the sternum). One hear surgery has a long recovery and many risks. I am glad I waited it out.