Previous Interstim users, how bad is the surgery after the trial period?

[ibtracy]

Give it to me straight, dont beat around the bush, how bad is the surgery for the permanent implant? I'm a real baby when it comes to pain and definately not some tough cookie who can get through anything so like I said. Whether you think it's good or bad, tell me what it's all about.

I apprecite everyone's help. I'm really scared but am curious and need facts so i can make an intelligent decision. My life is virtually taken by IC and my kids suffer because I can't travel or ride in the car for very far. I want my life back and if this will do it then I'm all for it.

[ibtracy]

I'm really looking for anyone's help here, it doesn't matter if you had a bad experience and would never do it again or if it's something you're really impressed with....please i need info!

[ibtracy]

I'm the only one responding to my own post. I know there's many out there that have endured this procedure and can maybe help me feel less nervous about the actual implant surgery. I'm not afraid to hear that it was a horrible experience if it was and anxious to hear from all of you that have had great success.

Please just tell me how bad the surgery is!
PLEASE REPLY, PLEASE! I NEED TO KNOW ALL THE FACTS

:idea: Tracy

[rubjen]

Hi Tracy, I Am Looking At The Interstim. I Was Dx. In 1989, Having Had Phyicians,tell Me Its All In The Head Or I Don't Have Pain, Had Abad Effect On My Well Being. Now I Have A Doctor Who Understands. But I'v Taken Every Med. Over The Counter An Prescribed, No On Elmiron, Still Having Lots Of Pain, So The Interstim Is Next On The List. God Bless Us Both, An Good Luck Rubjen

[ICNJess]

Hi Tracy,

I am sooo sorry I didn't reply to this quicker, just getting to this thread now! I've had the Interstim for a year, and it is not bad. The surgeries are so easy--at least they were for me.

Here's my experience...

The trial is such a blur because they give you versed to relax you. They ask you can you feel the stim here, here, here...the doctor stimulates the nerve with the Interstim rep--he has a hand held thing that looks like a PDA. You tell them where you feel the tingling, if it hurts, etc.

Okay by far, the implant is the easier of the two surgeries. You are knocked out, and the implant goes in. I had a little bleeding from the wound a for a few days and had to change the bandage a couple of times. It healed up very well, just a few inch long scar, and a couple other scars where the other lead was and taken out. When I woke up, I was in recovery, and the Medtronics rep was teaching my husband and parents how to use the remote--since I was pretty groggy. You will be pretty tender for awhile, but pain meds help with that.

If you'd like to talk more about the surgeries, PM me, I'd love to help out if I can. :)

Hugs to you,
Jess