What is Interstim?

[theoutlaw77]

Is Interstim the same as a spinal cord stimulator? Either way, what is it? And, if they are different, what is a spinal cord stimulator? Thanks.

[patricia1]

Hi I am not sure about the spinal cord stimulator. But I do have the interstim. The interstim is a device that is implanted either in the upper waist or buttocks area. From the unit there are wires (called leads) that are attached to the sacral nerve area in the spinal area. The leads are suppose to block the nerve messages to decrease your urgency and frequency. The send a plusating sensation to the nerve. This not for pain although some who have gotten the interstim have had pain relief as a added benefit. Could the spinal cord stimulator be the same as a tens unit. The interstim is implanted in two stages. The first stage is called a trial period to make sure the unit will work for you. Usually you will take a voiding journey before the trial then another during the trial. If the unit works well for you then you have the interstim implanted. Usually this is done as outpatient surgery. There are many pros and cons with the interstim completely do research first. Also this is consider a last resort after all other treatments have been done and failed. I hope I answered what the Interstim is.

[Portia17]

I saw my uro today and I told him I do not urinate as much anymore which is good. My problem is the pain. So he is adding pain stuff to my dmso for another 6 weeks and he set up an appointment for me to see a a doc about INTERSTIM

I think I am cancelling this appointment, too many nightmares I read on this board

[patricia1]

Portia think long and hard if the dr wants you to get the Interstim for pain. The device is for urgency and frequency only. If people get pain relief that is a added bonus. Alot of drs will tell patient that it is for pain to and it is not. The interstim is something not to be taken lightly. How ever you deciede I hope all goes well for you.

[Portia17]

patricia

Thanks for your help but like I said I am cancelling my appointment because I know it is not for pain and with all the horror stories I hear I do not my problems to get worsek.

Thank you for your reply. It was very kind

[ktrncl]

For me I have the innerstim and it really works for the frequency and urgency of urinating but it doesn't cure pain I think the pain is worse for me now not only do I have pelvic and urinating pain I also have gained back and leg pain If I had it to do all over again I may not have it done do to all the pain I have gained. But it helps the urgency and frequency so if you couldnt stand that part I would do it. But, if I could have taken the medicines they had prescribed I wouldn't have had it done. But unfortuately I couldn't take the meds because of reactions to the medicines or it didn't do what it was suppose to.