Interstim/Stimulator Pain

[CarolinTexas]

I'm being considered for an Interstim or a spinal stimulator and am scared to death of implantation problems. I've heard of these devices migrating around, causing pelvic and SI joint pain, etc.

My questions:

1. I've already had 3 low back surgeries, IC and SI pain etc. Has the interstim been known to aggravate pain in these areas?

2. I also have a 'bony butt'. There's just not much of a fat covering as I've lost a lot of weight over the last two years (5'6' 122lbs). It's uncomfortable to sit on a park bench w/o a pillow. Do you need a good fat layer in the implantation area to reduce pain?

3. I've also had serious problems with scar tissue and resulting nerve entrapment with previous surgeries. Can these suckers cause pain from scar tissue buildup or nerve entrapment?

Hope I posted this in the right forum, if not, feel free to move it. I really need to make a decision on Monday at my doc's appt as he wants to schedule the trial.

Thanks to anyone who will address any of these questions,
Carol

[DebbieB]

Hello Carol ;

1. I've already had 3 low back surgeries, IC and SI pain etc. Has the interstim been known to aggravate pain in these areas?

To answer you on this one , I just had my third surgery on the InterStim, second surgery was due to faulty lead wire and the last one on May 29 , was to replaced the pacemaker due to the battery stop working ..
The battery life line is from 8 to 10 years ..
I had this device for over 8 years and I have not had much back pain other then the surgery that meaning being very sore and hurting just the first four weeks after..
I am still sore right now and it is just over two weeks for me ...
As for you having all this surgeries on you lower part of the back, I would tend to think you would be a bit tender in that area ..
The lead wire is placed on your Sacral nerve S2, S3 or S4 ..
I have a six inch incision with this one but I think the new ones are only two inch incision.
The pacemaker ( Implant ) is placed over you right butt area a inch incision with the new device the old one which I had before is about a four inch incision

2. I also have a 'bony butt'. There's just not much of a fat covering as I've lost a lot of weight over the last two years (5'6' 122lbs). It's uncomfortable to sit on a park bench w/o a pillow. Do you need a good fat layer in the implantation area to reduce pain?

I am able to sit on a bench w/o a pillow before but I would say now I need a little comfort to sit , as I am still a bit sore ..

3. I've also had serious problems with scar tissue and resulting nerve entrapment with previous surgeries. Can these suckers cause pain from scar tissue buildup or nerve entrapment?

I had no pain with scar tissue at all ..


There are lots of girls that are here that have the InterStim I am sure they will post you their answers ..

I wish you all the best on your decision..

Debbie

[CarolinTexas]

Thank you very much Debbie. I really appreciate that information. It's seems because every surgery has been such a disaster, I've been really scared.

[DebbieB]

Hi Carol;

You are very welcome !!
I can understand why you are scared to do this , I know I was very scare but when it was all done with, it is really was a piece of cake to do this surgery as I said this was my third surgery but you know I would do it all over in minute as to the wonderful success I am having with the InterStim Implant..

I hope you the best !!!

Warm hugs, Debbie