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Interstim for urinary retention
I'm in a minority of women who has developed urinary retention. Everything known to man has been tried, except one. The Interstim procedure. I'm scheduled for 6/24. In the meantime, I have to be cathed weekly, but it always leads to a UTI which leads to retention. Vicious circle. I desperately need help and pray someone who's reading this can help.
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@hdwoman
Do they know the cause of your urinary retention and how long have you had this?
There are neurological causes of urinary retention. What tests and imaging have they done (ultrasound, MRI, CT scan, etc.)? Have you seen a neurologist?
What are all of your current symptoms beyond urinary retention? You may want to have your brain and cervical spine checked with MRI to see if there is anything affecting your central nervous system and communication to your bladder. I have cervical spine compression/myelopathy and it can cause urinary retention or control issues plus many other symptoms below your neck.
1. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15427-urinary-retention
2. https://www.healthline.com/health/urinary-retention
3. https://www.bladderandbowel.org/bladder/bladder-conditions-and-symptoms/urinary-retention/
4. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/why-is-it-hard-for-some-women-to-empty-their-bladders
5. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4271374/
6. https://www.bladderandbowel.org/bladder/bladder-conditions-and-symptoms/urinary-retention/
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3 ReactionsThank you so much for your reply!
To add to your list, I've had a cystectomy done too. Showed nothing.
I thought I did my due diligence, but you've given me a plethora of info I need to check out.
Thank you again!
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4 ReactionsHow did the surgery go? Was it affective i am considering but cannot find anyone else with retention who has gotten the implant.
Thanks and it's really too soon to tell. But for me, there has been a 50% improvement as of now. I'll take it! Statistics show that it's about 85% effective on average. Along with the links posted above by dlydailyhope, check out Medtronic that makes it and search Interstim online for more info. I go back in 2 weeks for a check up.
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2 ReactionsI just had the InterStim procedure this week. My Phase 1 trial went well with a 50% decrease in trips to the bathroom. So I’m encouraged and hoping for good results. I have overactive bladder and was in the bathroom 22-24 times daily before InterStim.
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2 Reactions@rainyday541 I just had the Interstim surgery as well, last Monday! Hope you're doing well!
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1 ReactionI am doing very well. Having this procedure has given me freedom to go and do things I like without worrying about finding a bathroom in time or an accident. Thank you! How are you doing?
@beachgirl13 I have retention and trouble emptying bladder. This implant has been brought up a few times over the years. I am so scepticle, hoping to learn a lot from real live people living this as I am! I dont understand at all how this will work for me, does it give off a little "buzz" when my bladder has a certain amount of urine to cue me to go? If thats all it does it won't work for me, it would have to make my muscles that help contract and empty work and I think mine are shot from years and years of holding my urine when I was a little girl. My mom punished me so severely for having accidents, she had an easy time with 3 sisters before me and I think I just wasn't ready to train. I was too young to understand getting in trouble for urinating in my pants-just equated urinating with being punished and turned to holding my urine to avoid getting in trouble...pretty sad story. Hope we can share stories and situations to help figure out what to do.