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[ICNDonna]

r cleckler
Registered User


Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 2 need help i have had my perment interstim for 4 weeks this wednesday. it still has an opened place in the incision and runs everyday. the dr. says nothing to worry about but i'm beginning to worry. don't really know if it is helping or not. i'm still taking demerol every 2 hours JUST TO SURVIVE.

[ICNDonna]

If you still have drainage after four weeks, it does sound like there might be a problem. And you should not still need demerol for that long a time. Has your doctor actually looked at the drainage?

Donna

[dancemomof2]

No you should not need that kind pain meds after 4 weeks. I was sore but nothing more then a bruise type hurt. My draineage was very minimal for a few days and nothing at all after the first week. You really nee to have that checked out, and let your rep know as well as keep at your Dr. about this. Infection is a possibility with Interstim and better to be safe then sorry.

[tigger_gal]

Oh I agree, you need to have that looked at. You shouldn't have any drainage, I did not have any after the first week. I also did not need any pain meds after the 2nd week, and that may be pushing it. keep us posted on what happens.

[traceann]

I don't have the Interstim, but any wound/incision that is still draining, as the rest of the ladies said, definitely warrants a peek by your doc. I had that happen with my appendectomy incision and my doc wanted to see me right away, I ended up having a post-op infection that needed some special wound cleaning/care and antibiotics...best to push them to get it checked! :)

Hugs!!!
:)

[patricia1]

Have you gone to the doctor and let him see the opened part of the wound? An open incision will let an infection in. This is not normal. Anytime it is draining like this needs to be looked at ASAP. Also when I had mine and the revision done in May I had a harder time with the revision and it took me a good month to get over. But when I had the first one I did not need anymore pain meds after the first couple of weeks. You might and more than likely have an infection and this could be the cause of the continued pain and drainage.

[r cleckler]

Have Seen The Dr Twice And He Still Says No Problem. Living With Ic Is Enough Without This. I Have Been On The Demerol For Over A Year Now Just Not This Often, Just Wanted To Know If Anything Else Works Better. I Know My Body So Well But Sometimes I Think Noone Listens To Me And They Think I'm Crazy

[emilyrose197377]

I am sorry you are in that much pain . I would tell your dr. your fears. I to understand what you are going through I just had the trial interstim surgery last monday 8 days ago and I am not just sore I am in major pain it hurts bad. I hope you feel better soon.

[patricia1]

Try going to the ER and letting them look at it. See if they might think there is an infection. Your pain is it coming from the Interstim itself, the surgical portion, or is it the pain your had before your surgery. I ask this because the interstim itself does not treat or help with IC pain. I really do think someone else needs to look at this...

[ICNDonna]

You might specifically request that your doctor have your drainage cultured --- you could ask him to "humor you" so you will stop worrying.

Donna

[ICNJess]

I agree, this really needs to be dealt with. I hope you get some answers soon.

[Katrina]

You received some great advise. I sure hope you get some help and relief....:grouphug:

[r cleckler]

Thanks For The Help As For Where The Pain Is Coming From I Do Have Severe Bladder Pain, But This Is A Little Different. I'm Going To Call Dr Again Tomorrow. Thanks For Listening And Caring.

[r cleckler]

Thanks Everyone For Caring, I Talked To Dr. Again Today. Last Night I Woke Up With Burning And Incision Was Bleeding Where It Is Gaped Open, I Removed What Appeared To Be A Stich But It Was Hard String. Not The Lead Going To Dr. Tomorrow. He Alreday Has Me On Antibiotic So Maybe It Will Get Better. Keep Praying

[icsonja]

Dear r, please take this very seriously, if your surgeon won't, you have to go straight to an ER or to another DR and have your drainage cultured. For many permenant pain from the implant site happens, it can cause tailbone pain and back and leg pain too. You know your body and you will know if this pain is IC pain or some new pain you have thanks to interstim.
And I dont know why people keep insisting that interstim isnt marketed for pain, it is, it is in all the pamphlets and in the book and videos about how much interstim will decrease your pain, the only reason I can think of as to why we keep reading here on posts that interstim is not for pain is because those of us who have had them (me included) have found out that our pain has either not gotten better or has actually gottten much worse, and in places we didn't even hurt before! It is a misrepresentation from Medtronics to imply that IC patients will have less pain, it is just the opposite .
I for one, would NOT include the SALES rep in my treatment discussions, it is , after all their JOB to sale you this device and they will do anything to get you to keep it in.
Please remember,no matter how "nice " the rep is, he or she is a salesperson, not a Doctor, dont rely on them for ANY medical advice and be wary if your DR seems to listen to the rep as to how to treat you, see that as a warning flag, and seek a Doctor who doesn't need a salesperson to treat you.
What you are experiencing R cleckler is a post op complication, please, please don't ignore it or let your Doctor ignore it, it could be a potentally serious situation. If you are having fever and or chills go to the ER, ignoring this could cause nerve damage.
I will be praying for you and praying you stay strong and be an informed, proactive patient.
Sonja

[Shars]

Sonja is right. I always posted it is not for pain, but I did not know that now it is
in Medtronics phamplets that it is for pain. It did make my IC worse as far as my bladder pain and put my bladder into awful spasms.
She is also right you need treatment and I have always said don't deal with Medtronics
reps..they are just that a rep. Deal with a doctor and his staff for any and all questions. There are very good reasons for that and if you did more research on Medtronic you would see why. It is extremely important that you get medical attention for this possible or existing infection, do not deal with reps and deal only with a doctor. There is those with damage and permanent damage from interstim. It can do all Sonja said and more. If you consider the definition of a rep you will see that
they are there to sell a product no matter what the product is. You need a medical professional that has your best interest at heart and if you can't fin done then you
be your own advocate on this and insist they give you help.
I really pray your situation gets better and you do get some help.