My InterSim is working now!

[peiti]

Hi,

After the sixth repgrogramming, the InterStim is finally working for me. I can't tell you how much happy I am.

I know before the InterStim implant, my frequency was not very bad compared to some severe IC patients. I went between 16-20 times a day on average, but more than 20 times if I had a flare. I have had IC for 10 years, and really wanted to have some relief from the frequency.

I know there have been a lot of debates on InterStim of its efficacy and safety. I sure admit it is a major surgery and with surgery, there is a risk. However, I am so glad that I have this option. We tell newbies that there is a hope. I want to say InterStim is my hope.

I am my doctor's first InterStim patient.

[Katrina]

(((((((((hugs))))))))) great!!

[lotsofgirls]

Wonderful!!!!!

[Alexa]

I'm so glad it's working for you!!!!

(wish I could do a hug smiley!) :)

Love,
Alexa

[dyno]

Peiti,
I am glad it is helping and hopefully the worst is over for you now.

[tigger_gal]

lol we need two thumbs up
I am so glad your interstim is working right again:) I had to have a few programmmings too..
congrats to your dr to always nice to hear a great success story with a first time procdure:)
I am happy you are doing well. :)
Brat

[ICNJess]

That is wonderful!! Congrats, I sure hope things stay great!!

Hugs and Love,
Jess

[Mimi-in-Chicagoland]

Whoo Hooo! I'm so glad it worked out for you! (Big Grin)
mimi from the chat room

[peiti]

Thanks everyone. I have to admit when it didn't work, I really had doubt on it. Now, all I can is unbelievable.

I thank God for giving me InterStim. Even it may stop working at any minute. I am still grateful.

[littlebear]

Hi Peiti, How wonderful! Enjoy! Best wishes, little bear

[Dixiefireball]

wonderful i'm so happy it is working for you it is great to hear a sucess story! (((((hugs))))))

[mary a]

I'm very happy for you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[tigger_gal]

I am reposting this to let people know that the interstim surgery is not really all that bad... hugs to all of you.. I would do it again in a heart beat.
Brat

Hello Everyone, I hope you all are doing well.
Where do I begin..... It took me a year to decide to have the interstim done. I took alot of time to make a very large decison that would affect my lfe greatly in the mean time I done alot of research on having a device put into my body.
My uro (which by the way is my god) is the most wonderful man that walks the earth. He explained to me and my husband in detail of what would take place during stage 1 and stage 2 surgery. There were no questions that lingered in my mind after I had left. I was clear on all the details of everthing before I left his office, to include pre surgical insurance information. I had taken in a list of questions with me that were all answered.
On April 2nd I went in and had the stage 1 surgery done. I met a rep from metronic she explained everythin to me in deail and was wonderful. Next... That is where they put in the wires in side my body. My muscels and my nerves did not respond (even with the device turned up to the highest level) and, they had to end up putting the leads in by x-ray. My uro was upset by this and only had the hopes that I would respond to the interstim after surgery. The incesions were fairly small, they made on above my tail bone, one on my right butt cheek, and then ran the lead to the other side and out my right butt cheek (sorry didn't know any other way to explain this) I had a 3 foot lead out a hole there in my butt and was connected to the grey box.. ... After surgery I was very very numb.. When I voided I could not feel myself wipe, that lasted for about 3 hours after surgery....
April 3rd, I turned myself on , and felt the pulsating of the interstim in my rectum, when I layed down I felt it in my butt and lower back. At first it was not even on 1 as the days went on I got it far up as 2 - 2 1/2..tops. (as my body adjusted to the pulsating and the ansetisia (sp) wore off) My voiding went from 21 to 30 down to 7 to 10 times a day... omg what a difference and a relief . My stage trail lasted two weeks.
April 16th, back to the hospital... Where I met with my rep again and again explained to me all about the interstim device and my remote, antenia and magnets... everything, she was very informative.. Well here we go in O.R. again They re-opend the incesion on my right cheek and implanted the device its self... I went to the hospital at 6;30 am and returned home by 11:15 am.. It went very well.
April 18th, still sore... as expected for what I have been thru... But all is grand and I am doing well.
If you are thinking of having interstim done don't hestitate to ask me any questions.. I had no problems and am recovering very well...
Thank you all for you support and prayers..

Cindy

[snowgirl]

Brat,

One of my next options given to my was the interstim implant. Scared like everyone else. I pee at night every hour sometimes like today every 30 minutes. I am so tired in the morning. It is getting harder and harder for me to work as I as so tired all the time from peeing all night. Today I try to take a nap and I can't sleep 30 minutes later I am awake in pain to pee. I am especially interested in your posts and experiences as I do believe you go to Beoumont the same place my uro at U of Michigan would send me. I know 2 names of the urologists who put them in and I think I would want the one you have - he sounds like he is the one to have. My gyn also wants me to consider a hysterectomy but first I must consult with my uro to see if that would make the bladder worse. I don't get on the boards often but good to see your name out here and as a reference if I decide to go that route to Beoumont with Dr P.

Vicky

[tigger_gal]

HI vicky I pmed you :)
Brat