Status at six weeks after Interstim implant

[rjyoon]

I've been playing around trying to get my sleep to improve. At first I changed too many things at once, and then I didn't know which thing helped. I've now been changing more things slowly, and have determined that Interstim definitely helps with my sleep, but only if I turn it up higher than I ever had it during the trial. So, I'm back to being glad I got Interstim (I thought I'd done it for nothing for awhile). I'm only getting up once at night, and my sleep quality is much better. I actually feel rested in the morning & don't feel trashed like I used to. I'm hoping my fibromyalgia will improve with better sleep. This is the whole reason I started down the Interstim path.

My healing is going very well. I'm actually wearing pantyhose today, and think I'm going to make it through the day, unlike some earlier attempts. I was getting tired of only wearing my really long skirts with knee highs, so I'm glad. Maybe I'll try jeans this weekend for a few hours -- but I gained weight during my inactivity right after Interstim surgery, and I haven't lost it yet! My regular jeans definitely won't fit now. I'm back to my regular workout & hope to lose a few pounds soon.

I'll go through airport security for the first time post-Interstim on the 23rd, and I'm not looking forward to that at all (I already go through in a wheelchair, which is a pain). If anyone has tips, please let me know. I've already copied the part of the manual on going through security so I can carry it with me.

So far I've recieved most of the bills for my three surgeries, and they total about $38K (before insurance adjustments). I don't have the hospital bill for the third surgery, and that should be a big one because it will include the IPG. Can't wait to see what the total is.

[dyno]

I hope that this will be your answer, thanks for the update.:)

[Snuph]

I have had my interstim for four years. I travel a fair bit and have gone through security gates. I just show my card and I am ushered around the metal detectors. They then find female security to do a hand search. I think I should write a survey on the differences in airport security in this world.even in same airports. I have had some adventures in countries where english was not prominent ( not at airports necessarily but boarding ferries between islands or mainlands) but on the whole it is a bit of a joke. As my daughter said once she got searched better at a rock concert. The last search I had was fairly thorough but the poor security guard was blushing. Noone in any airport has ever read the metronic card.
I have had no problem with security attitude but you will get some stares from other passengers. I just smile back.
If you are in a country where security's english may be poor it is easier to say that you have a pacemaker. They seem to know that word.
No one in any airport has ever read the metronics card.
I am off to Montreal in two weeks!
Maureen

[DebbieB]

Hi rjyoon,

Well having my InterStim Implant almost five years.
I was just away and it is very interesting to say the least going through the security gates at the airport..
Also this was my first time at a airport.
I did not go through the metal detectors at all.
I just told them that I had a pacemaker and they did not look at my Medtronic card at all .
I did not like the body search at all it was not a very nice thing having every one watch you and she even went up my legs and in between my legs it was more embarrassing to me then anything..
When coming back at another airport it was a bit better but I can understand why they have to do this and it for everyone security..



Debbie

[peiti]

I went to Thailand last month and went through the security gates. Nothing happened. I went through the gate and it didn't detect that I had a metal device inside of my body.

I think it is because my rep turned off the magnet. She didn't give me the magnet to turn on/off my IPG.