Urinary Incontinence

[Guest]

I have been searching for information on a device called Interstim SR. Found a little, but still have a few questions. Has anyone here had the implant surgery done, and how is it working for you? I have had retention for 12 years now and have to self-cath every 3 hours (even through the night) or I experience a lot of pain in my right kidney from the pressure of a full bladder. Anyway, since 1989, I have had 4 surgeries on my bladder and right ureter, which corrected other urinary problems I had, but of course, there was nothing they could do about the retention but self-cath. I've started seeing a urologist at a large medical center and he thinks Interstim SR might get me to a point where I don't have to cath anymore (OMG! When he said that, I broke down crying - the cathing, uti's meds, and losing my job as a soldier in the US Army have all contributed to such a deep depression that at times I thought about giving up completely.) So, any info you are willing to share would be hugely appreciated - I don't want to go into this surgery with high hopes and 'get my apple cart dumped AGAIN. Thanks.

[Guest]

Hi, I'm a 43 year old female with Hysterectomy and Pubovaginal sling in 1999. Since then I have had severe urge incontinence. This year, my doctor mentioned that the Interstim device might be beneficial for me. I had my external monitor for 2 weeks, when I received a 50% reduction in leakage episodes. Since I had the implant in September, I have only had to change my clothes 3 times because of leakage. (This was from 6 episodes per day average.) It has dramatically improved my life. My doctor had told me ahead of time that I was possibly his best candidate for receiving it. In my opinion it's worth a try to see if it works.
[quote] I have been searching for information on a device called Interstim SR. Found a little, but still have a few questions... [/quote]

[Guest]

momof4,

Thank you for sharing your experience and encouragement. I am going to try the Interstim. Surgery is scheduled for March. If you learn any additional info before then, please let me know. My email addy is: [moderator note: e-mail address has been removed] .
Thanx, Puppies

Hi, I'm a 43 year old female with Hysterectomy and Pubovaginal sling in 1999. Since then I have had severe urge incontinence...

[Guest]

So, the time of your surgery is approaching quickly. Are you planning on having two surgeries - one to have an external monitor, to see how well it does, and the second to take out the external and implant the internal? What are the scheduled dates for this? I'll be thinking of you at that time. Best wishes to you.
[quote] momof4,

Thank you for sharing your experience and encouragement. I am going to try the Interstim... [/quote]

[Guest]

If you are looking for any product Information related to Incontinence, there is a great website that lists many products with features etc.

http://www.incontinencesource.com

good luck!
[quote] So, the time of your surgery is approaching quickly. Are you planning on having two surgeries - one to have an external monitor, to see how well it does, and the second to take out the external and implant the internal... [/quote]

[Guest]

Yes, 2 surgeries. First is supposed to be first 2 weeks of March. Doc will call this week with specific date! If first goes well, then second will be 2-4 weeks later. Kind of excited that maybe this is the answer I have been waiting 13 years for, but still very nervous! All prayers (good thoughts) welcomed and appreciated.
[quote] So, the time of your surgery is approaching quickly. Are you planning on having two surgeries - one to have an external monitor, to see how well it does, and the second to take out the external and implant the internal... [/quote]

[Guest]

I am also a Christian, so I will pray that this may be the answer that you are looking for. Again, best wishes to you during the upcoming weeks.
[quote] Yes, 2 surgeries. First is supposed to be first 2 weeks of March... [/quote]

[Guest]

FINALLY, both surgeries complete and recovery going well. First surgery was 31 March. They did it outpatient with general anesthesia. It took a couple more days at home before I felt like doing much. Worst problem with this part was accidently pulling the external wire when I wasn't paying attention. Kind of a drag carrying the battery pack around for 2 weeks, and the tape used to hold the wiring in place caused some major skin irritation. BUT, I was able to void (had urinary retention) for the first time in 12 years! Second surgery was done 14 April - also outpatient. That went much better. Did not have general anesthesia, just conscious sedation (but I don't remember any of it!LOL). Anyway recovered much faster, able to sleep through the night without cathing and successfully voiding on my own!!! Here's the only small problem - I developed an infection in the surgical site and was back in hospital for 2 and a half days. But IV antibiotics squared that away and today I am doing GREAT! Thanks momof4 for all your encouragement! If anyone else wants to know - The current information at medtronic's site discussing the procedure was not the way my doctor did it. AND, I would recommend this surgery to anyone with chronic urinary retention. It has DRAMATICALLY changed my life!

[quote] I am also a Christian, so I will pray that this may be the answer that you are looking for. Again, best wishes to you during the upcoming weeks... [/quote]

[Guest]

Isn't it great when the technology works so well, including the expertise of the doctor?! When I had my external Interstim, the doctor had a difficult time putting the wires in their proper place. (He claimed that there was not enough fat in my body to hold it in place!) During both surgeries, I was given very little anesthesia, because I have such a major problem with general anesthesia. In the first surgery, I was alert during all but 10 minutes. So, I remember everything that happened. It was interesting talking to the anesthesiologist during this time. I found out that we have a lot in common! Since my permanent implant, I have had occasional changes to my settings, and it's still working well. Best wishes on your recovery.

[levi]

Please tell me the name of the physician who implanted the interstim. I also suffer from urinary retention.