Interstim

[ICNJess]

Help!! Ok, it was suggested today that should the DMSO not be working (which they are figuring out NOW that it is not) and should the pain doc not be able to help me, that I might get an Interstim. Is this painful? What is it like? Will I be able to have children with this? Please, somebody, help me. I'm 20 and scared and confused, and I desparately need answers.

Hugs,
Jess

[tigger_gal]

HI Jess,
Yes you can have children with the interstim. You will have to turn the device off during your pregenancy. I was told this by medtronic. this is there web stie www.interstim.com
I had the stage trial, surgery is painful, seeing that you are being cut open. the incesions are what hurt but it was well worth the pain for me.. I had my stage then my trial 2 weeks later. In sucess stories is my story for the interstim I wrote it 4/20, kind of like a diary. if you cant find it let me know and i will email you it I have no regreat and would do it again.
hugs
brat

[ICNJess]

Cindy, thanks so much. Do you get knocked out for the surgery? God, I hope so. I hear that there is a wonderful physician about an hour away that does them and is just great about it. I am looking forward to being pain free. I am trying to get around the interstim website, but not that lucky. I will read your story.

Thanks and a great big hug to you!!!!
Jess grouphug

[mbrogier]

Hi, Jesse. Yes, I have the interstim. I really have had a lot of improvement with it...AT LEAST 50% decrease in urgency/frequency and the bladder spasms aren't as bad. Each person is different--that's why they do a trial. I had the trial where they anchor the lead to your spine--its more effective and it can't pull out or move which would make it ineffective. No, they do not put you completely out--they have to see how you feel when they turn the device on. I was comfortable and slept until they woke me up. I felt an immediate improvement. You will be sore, but you've been living with discomfort anyway. Yes, you can have children, and yes the device must be turned off. The reason for this is that there haven't been any trials on the effects of the stimulator on pregnancy--who wants to volunteer for that?? Medtronic also recommends C-section delivery. There is risk that the lead could be moved during delivery. Mine is in the absolute best place, so that's probably what I'll plan on. My implant worked for about 6 months and then I started getting a burning sensation at the generator site and pelvic floor tension (the device is supposed to relax muscles) It has malfunctioned and has more voltage than it should. I am having it replaced/repaired at the end of the month. I think its worth the surgery, and I miss not having it. It helped me with my IBS a lot too. My rep said that she has had a lot of patients tell her that-- I hear that Medtronic is going to seek FDA approval for use in IBS patients. I hope it works for you. Its still not a miracle treatment. My surgeon said it would eliminate all pain. It didn't, I found a doctor that does the implants along with other therapies and I have other treatments as well--hydrodystentions is one. I wish you the best. Hang in there! By the way, I'm 25, and I've had IC for 3 years.

[Teri]

Remember ladies!!!!!!!!!!
The device is NOT for pain. If you do get the benifit of some of you pain being relieved it's a bonus~

[deborah b.]

I AGREE WITH TERRI IS NOT RECOMMEND FOR ((((((((((((((PAIN))))))))))))))!!! I HAD THE INTERSTIM IN BUT I HAVE HAD MY TAKEN OUT BECUASE I WAS HAVING PROBLEMS WITH IT. I DO NOT KNOW WHY THESE DOCTORS ARE TELLING PATIENTS THAT IT IS FOR THE PAIN!!! GOOD LUCK IF IT WILL HELP WITH THE PAIN. THERE IS ANOTHER DEVICE OUT THERE THAT IS FOR PAIN AND IT IS CALLED THE ANS. DEBORAH

[marg54]

Hi everyone,
I haven't been on for such a long time. I have had my Interstim since June of 2001. Everything was great until one of the leads migrated out of place. June 30, my uro placed a brand new lead which seemed even better than the first. Unfortunately, the generator site and the area of the wire placement became very infected. I had to undergo emergency surgery to have it all removed. I was in the hospital and had to have some IV anti-biotics. I have been without my Interstim for about three weeks now and I can sure tell the difference. My uro tells me that he will be able to replace the generator and the leads in about three months. Meanwhile, I am back on Ditropan XL, and good old Advil! No, the Interstim is definitely not for people who have pain as their primary symptom. I can say it really has helped cut down the amount of trips to the bathroom for me. I sleep better with it too. The Interstim system is not for everyone, you need to do your research and make certain that your Urologist is up on all of the latest info. Thanks for listening!

[Michelle33]

My Uro has set me up a consult with a specialist in our area to have this procedure done. My main problem is pain. I've been reading everyones messages and you all say it's not for pain. What exactly is it for? Also, what kind of surgery is it? My Primary Physcian is against it because of my IBS. When I have surgery, I get an ileus afterwards. That means I get a Miller Abbot tube and a least a 2 week hospital stay. It's a nightmare. I have it several times now. If the procedure worked for the pain, I wouldn't mind going through it again, but now I just don't know. Thanks.

[tigger_gal]

michelle if you pm me with your email I will fill you in, its not for pain ok
brat