1. < Digestive Health

Has anyone had the interstim procedure?

Posted by geriincary @geriincary, Oct 6, 2023

After anal cancer treatment (radiation and chemo) I am having trouble with my bowels. Going to the bathroom 3-4 times a day. Have had physical therapy (pelvic floor) didn't seem to help. This procedure is an insertion of a wire and a pacemaker kind of devise to help control the muscles near the rectum.

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frances007 | @frances007 | Oct 6, 2023

in reply to @geriincary I have a Medtronic intersim device located in my sacral spine so that I can empty my bladder without using catheters. The current one I have is actually the second one, as it allows me to have an MRI. I have had great success with this device, and while it can be painful at times for me because of my drastic weight loss, and have no fat in my back, I do not want it removed which is what has been offered. At one time I was having issues with intermittent passive diarrhea and my urologist told me that the programmer could be set in a different way so that this situation could be avoided. I am very happy with my device and I would suggest that you try to watch some of the YouTube videos created by Medtronic that will address your questions and concerns. The device works, the procedure to have the device "installed" did not take very long, and you will be given instructions on how to recharge the device (weekly) and how to change the settings.
Best of luck.

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geriincary | @geriincary | Oct 7, 2023
In reply to @frances007 "in reply to @geriincary I have a Medtronic intersim device located in my sacral spine so..." + (show)
@frances007

in reply to @geriincary I have a Medtronic intersim device located in my sacral spine so that I can empty my bladder without using catheters. The current one I have is actually the second one, as it allows me to have an MRI. I have had great success with this device, and while it can be painful at times for me because of my drastic weight loss, and have no fat in my back, I do not want it removed which is what has been offered. At one time I was having issues with intermittent passive diarrhea and my urologist told me that the programmer could be set in a different way so that this situation could be avoided. I am very happy with my device and I would suggest that you try to watch some of the YouTube videos created by Medtronic that will address your questions and concerns. The device works, the procedure to have the device "installed" did not take very long, and you will be given instructions on how to recharge the device (weekly) and how to change the settings.
Best of luck.

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Thank you so much for responding. I am glad it worked out for you. I have the test in a few to see if it works for me. But I appreciate hearing from a first-hand account. My best to you.

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frances007 | @frances007 | Oct 7, 2023

in reply to @geriincary Thank you. I hope it works as well for you as it has for me. Admittedly, getting a hold of Medtronic can be tasking at best, but the device itself does work very well. Let me know if I can be of further assistance. Also, I do know that my implant has a lifespan of 10 years, while the prior one had a lifespan of 5 years, and I do have to recharge the thing on a weekly basis, however it is very easy to do so.

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