I need to talk to someone who's tried the Interstim

[ibtracy]

Hi, my urologist is really pushing me towards the Interstim unit. I guess the first is a 7-day trial period and if things do not work out then it can be removed. If it does work then the actual implant is put in under anesthesia. I know it's not indicative for pain but there's a patient at my urologist's office that just went through the 7-day trial and then had the unit permanently placed and said she totally has her life back. She can work again, go shopping and go out in public. I suffer from chronic everyday pain and urgency of up 50 times per day during bad flares and I'm wondering if this would help at all. This gal claims her pain is gone and everthing.

I just have doubts and am scared about having something foreign implanted into my body. But the plus side is our deductible is met for the year and it isn't going to cost anything to have it put in, so i'm thinking why not try it and if it doesn't work then I'll have it removed and know that I tried it and it just wasn't for me.

Would someone please help me decide what to do? I need to talk to someone who's had the actual unit - whether it helped or didn't help, whether you'd recommend it or not it doesn't matter. I just want to weigh all the aspects to make a positive decision.

Thanks in advance for anyone that might be able to help me.
~Tracy K.

[ICNJess]

Hi Tracy,

I have the Interstim. It did not help my pain in the least, I wish it had though. I wish I could give you some guidance, but it's really a decision you need to make on your own. In my opinion, the surgeries were a breeze. Interstim is not for everyone, so weigh this decision carefully, compare the good stories with the bad, and make sure your doctor is very knowledgeable on the procedure. Definitely ask the patients who it failed for to share their stories, as wells as the good. And please exhaust all other options before you give it a go.

Hugs and good luck,
Jess

P.S. The Interstim reduced my urgency/frequency from 50 times a day/night to about 13.

[ibtracy]

Thanks so much Jess for your info, I hope I get more than just one reply because I'd really like to hear both sides of the story. Thanks for your time, I really appreciate it! :)
Tracy

[dyno]

Tracy, This is one where if you go to the Interstim boards and expand out the days you can find a lot of threads on this subject. Here is one thread I saw with a variety of responses on it.http://www.ic-network.com/forum/showthread.php?t=8240.

There is a lot of information to get on this treatment. I just know what I read and this is something that you are going to have to research and decide for yourself. There are a few that do get pain relief but I have read about more that don't get it than do. It is suppose to help with frequency.

Good luck in your decision, I wish you the very best. :grouphug:

[ibtracy]

Thanks Dyno for the link and your reply. I appreciate anyone's help or advice whether it be positive or negative. I'm trying to weigh all aspects of this. Keep it coming... :)
Tracy