Interstim and Pregnancy

[firefly]

Hi all, I have been referred for the initial tests for Interstim (to treat Fowler's Syndrome rather than IC, although I'm hoping the IC might benefit too). I am 23 and my husband and I would like to have a family some day. They assure me you can be pregnant and have an interstim but I wondered if anyone had any actual experience. Obviously it's a big consideration if I decide to go ahead. It's a very scary, big decision but may be the only way to get my urethra functional again. It's so hard because the bad experiences sound so awful - I don't want to end up worse than I am already!!

Thanks for any advice.

firefly xx

P.S. my main symptom is almost constant urge to pass urine, day and night, bladder full or empty. Very disturbed sleep - sometimes none at all as trying to pass urine every ten mins. No medication or instillation has worked for me yet and my pain is increasing :-( Becuase of my continuing tiredness I am having to go part-time at work which gets me down. Sometimes urgency/frequency is so bad I don't leave the house for days. My uro says Interstim is the next step and has referred me to London (only place they do it here). I'm still uncertain.

[dancemomof2]

You just have to turn it of during pregnancy and through delivery.

[firefly]

Thanks :) that's one concern off my mind at least!!

[maryla]

That' s what my medtronics rep says also that it should be turned off during pregnacy. I had my interstim implanted Jan 16th I have the same issuse as you with feeling like I have to go 24/7 whether I just wnet or not. I can't say that the stim took all that away, but it has lessened.:woohoo:

good luck, God Bless,

[theclownster]

Hi there! At one point my urologist mentioned the interstim and my concern was the same as yours in terms of pregnancy, so I consulted my OBGYN. She shared that she did not suggest that I get it until after pregnancy was no longer an option for me. She said that it could complicate things if there were complications with a pregnancy. When I shared her feedback with my uro he called the medtronics rep who said it would just need to be turned off during pregnancy. It still makes me uncomfortable. I also did not think that I was a good candidate for the interstim implant at the time because for the most part my symptoms are under control with medication and I see interstim as a last resort treatment option. My uro had suggested the interstim when I was having a flare and reporting an increase in symptoms. He has respected my decision not to get the interstim and is very supportive.

Best wishes as you decide what is right for you!
Jennifer

[tigger_gal]

I was told also that it needed turned off during pregnancy and delivery. I would make a list of thinsg you want to know prior. If you check my links below it may answer some of your concerns. Have you tried badder instills? I am doing the lidocane and sonium bicarb at home.