Can the Interstim irritate the sciatic nerve?

[jensue973]

I have had the Interstim since 2005 and since this January I have been having problems with my sciatic nerve and wondered if my Interstim could be causing any of the problem. Does the sciatic nerve control the bladder? I am just curious because I am having alot of problems. I do have a slight bulging disc in my back but also wondered how my interstim affected it. I have lower back pain with pain down my left leg. At times the pain can be unbearable and I am on so many medicines nothing seems to help. My leg either kills like I am getting an electric shock or it throbbs, or I have numbness. Tongiht I was driving down the road and all of a sudden my left foot felt like it was on fire. I had to look down thinking maybe it was it hurt so bad like a burning sensation. I am so sick of all this and just want a solution so wondered what anyone thought if they have anything to do with one another...Thanks

Jennifer

[SrMaggie]

I was having sciatic pain and believe it or not when I went for pelvic floor evaluation the therapist gave me some exercises that actually relieved the pain in that area. It involves a stretch of the muscles and it really did the trick. I try to do them twice a day as she asked and when I do it makes a difference.
I don't know quite how to explain it.
With one leg straight, bring the other ankle up to rest on your thigh just above your knee. Then bring the straight leg up and wrap your hands around it so that you are stretch that leg that is bent and resting on the thigh. Can you visualize that? Hold it for 30 sec. then do the other side. Repeat 3 times.
I also had some medication from my gp which cuased some weight gain - lyrica. It helped not only the sciatica but also the IC pain. I went to another doc in the practice by mistake and she changed the lyrica to topamax which supposedly does the same thing, but it also reduces the appetite to assist in weight loss. My appetite has dropped to almost nothing. And the pain is relieved to a degree also.

[tigger_gal]

this is a tough call. that stim leads are placed in is sacral nerve area, however not in the nerve itself. The lead could have moved, or you disk is hitting a nerve. I have sacralititis, 2 protruding discs and my tail bone has been busted and healed in the wrong position. So beside having the the interstim I have a lot going on in that area. Call you doctor and ask that he do xrays and compare them the the originals when they placed the generator.

[ICNDonna]

My suggestion is to get in touch with your doctor. Severe pain should never be ignored.

Sending encouraging hugs,
Donna

[DebbieB]

Hi Jennifer,

I agree with Donna, please call you doctor about this matter!!

The wire is not attach to the sciatic nerve itself..
You may just need an adjustment as the wire may have move..

I know when my leg goes numb it has to do with my setting..

I would shut off the pacemaker and get in touch with your doctor ..

Debbie

[ICNDonna]

If you click on http://www.ic-network.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=82 you can find posts on some of the problems people have had with the interstim device. It's entirely possible that your current problem is not related in any way to it, but you will want to find the cause at any rate.

Warm hugs,
Donna

[ICNJess]

Your pain sounds a lot like mine. I would talk to your doctor ASAP and find out what is going on in there. It could just need a reprogramming...but if not, it's better to find out soon before anymore damage can be done. :grouphug: