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Anyone have sacral neuromodulation (InterSTIM) for bladder issues?
I have a neurogenic bladder with idiopathic urinary retention. I’ve had two cystoscopies that were negative for problems except my bladder is floppy and enlarged. I’ve been through urodynamics and my bladder has limited functionality. They’ve recommended the MedTronic InterSTIM (I believe that is correct).
I’m reluctant to proceed with this because I want to know what caused this problem. Is it the same reason I have IBS-C? I understand idiopathic means they don’t know why, but I don’t want to focus on the problem if it’s part of a bigger picture. Is it possible I have a neurological disease like Parkinson’s or MS?
I’d sincerely appreciate hearing from others who’ve experienced this?
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@jerseymom71
hi Jerseymom71
thanks a lot for your reply. I have decided not to do the STIM because in the one week trial I got no improvement in my urinary frequency at night. I am going to go to a botox injection and see how that works
I am an 88yr old female who had hoped for fecal incontinence over urinary, so was excited to learn about the Interstim Device. My first surgery is scheduled for the implant on 4/27, the second on 5/7. However, now that I've read what others have experienced, plus learning more about the facts of this device, I've decided to cancel altogether. One of the reasons is that I am VERY thin, so where would the implant go? I am also very active & have decided that this is just not what I should be doing, too many possible complications!
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1 Reaction@ging3
You made a very good decision! At our age, (I'm 79) it's not a good idea to have any surgerical procedures unless it's a life threatening situation! Our bodies just don't recuperate that well anymore. I am incontinent and just live with it. They had a medication that worked for 9 years but now they don't give it out anymore! So I just cope with the pads and not venturing out a whole lot where there isn't a bathroom handy.
It's good that you are active! That's important to good health.
I wish you the best.
PML
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2 Reactions@pml
I recently did the stim test. I noticed a big improvement in urinary & fecal issues. The only problem I had was that it was very uncomfortable & hard to sit. Even when the test was over & wires taken out, I had some pain by my tail bone. Is that usual? Would it be like that with the implant also? I’m trying to makeup my mind about doing this.
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1 Reaction@chicagogirl48
That's nice that the test you had helped you. However it's too bad you were uncomfortable afterwards. Did you ask your doctor about it?
Before you do the implant you might want to give that area of your body a rest for a while. Also do some research and see what side effects you can expect. The Mayo Clinic website is a good place to get that information.
Prayer always helps. After all God made you and he can fix you. I'll say a prayer for you also.
PML
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2 Reactions@cdhmri5 It's coming up to 1 year now since your Interstim surgery, how has it worked out for you? Thanks in advance for your reply.
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1 ReactionI have a neurogenic bladder and I had a second opinion about what else I could do besides straight cath. She said the interstem but I decided I didnt want that
I have got the InterStim since last June. I’m able to void a lot better, but unfortunately still need to catheterize at least four times in 24 hours. And, having a hard time with recurring UTI.
@jerseymom71 Hi I am getting one this Thursday ,, are you happy with your ? any problems
Hi I have one, got the implant last June. I’ve experienced improvement with the amount I void on my own, but I still need to catheterize several times a day.