Interstim Removal

[yorkiemom]

Has anyone had your Interstim removed? Could you tell me the procedure, please? How long does the surgery take take? How long in the hospital? Do they put you under? Do they put a cath in you? Any restriction when you go home? How about pain after the removal? I haven't turned mine on for two years (it was for pain, not frequency, and obviously didn't work) and need to get it out. My doctor isn't very good about telling me all the details about surgery which is why I'm asking someone who has been through the exerience. thanks much!

[patricia1]

I cant say about removal. I did have a revision. In which the old unit was removed and a new placed in a different place. The first one was in my waist and he put the new one in my butt. Anyway here are my answer to your questions:

How long does the surgery take take?
I was told mine would take 2 hrs, but it really took 3. There was more damage than what was thought and it took longer than what was expected.

How long in the hospital?
Mine was done on an outpatient basis. I did not spend the night. I was in surgery by 7:00am and home by 2:30pm.

Do they put you under?
I was put under light sedation at first to find the right area for the new leads b/c the old ones moved and after that they put me under all the way.

Do they put a cath in you?
Yes and I was sent home with an antibotic for UTI afterwards

Any restriction when you go home?
No driving or lifting for a week or so. Afterwards just listen to your body and what it tells you.

How about pain after the removal?
My pain was bad. I was thinking that this would be like when I had it done the first time. But because of scar tissue in both the old site and the old leads it was harder. The removed the old one and that is one incision. The moved the leads lower, so that was another incision plus getting the old leads out then placing the new unit another incision. Total 3 and all on both sides of the body therefore I could find no comfortable place.

Remember this is my experience, not saying yours would be like this but I dont want you to be surprised if it is. I was not aware that it would be as bad as it was. Then again it might be a breeze for you. I wish you luck and prayers when you have it done.

By the way I still am not happy with the new stim yet.... :mad: