I LOVE My InterStim!

[bahhumbug941]

Got the test implant yesterday, and I'm all ready seeing improvement. I got it for severe frequency/urgency, and retention. I'm still too stiff and sore to go without cathing, but WOW my frequency/urgency has improved! Instead of going every 45 minutes, I'm only going every 2 hours or so. And the best part: I don't have the constant UTI feeling anymore--I don't FEEL like I have to go until I actually HAVE to go!!! I only had to get up to go to the bathroom four times in 12 hours of sleep last night, and measured 300ml's during one of those times. This is amazing, because when I had the urodynamics done, I couldn't hold more than 90ml before being in the "Gotta go, gotta go, gotta go right now" agony. I'm just hoping everything keeps going as well as it is presently. Just wanted to post some positive encouragement and commentary about the InterStim, because for me, it's been a miracle so far. (If anyone wants to see the pictures, just let me know. My back looks like something from the Discovery channel--pretty cool!)

[dancemomof2]

:woohoo:

[Claredale]

I am soooo happy for you. Even if you feel better, please get all the rest you can!

So excited!!!!!

Tracey

[tigger_gal]

interstim:woohoo::woohoo::woohoo:

[SharonA]

That is wonderful news. I really hope it keeps getting better and better.

[bahhumbug941]

Thanks for everyone's well-wishes and excitement!! It means A LOT to have the support on these boards. I'm getting plenty of rest--not even getting out of bed except to go to the bathroom and stretch my legs to get the blood flowing until at least Monday. I don't want to take ANY changes of one of the leads getting displaced or infected over the weekend, that's for sure. Thanks again, everyone! XOXO

[Bessie]

:woohoo::woohoo::woohoo:
That is awesome. So glad it is helping you

[GriffsMommy]

:woohoo:That is so great! I'm so happy it's working so well already. I hope it only gets better from here.

[rjyoon]

Wonderful!

[bahhumbug941]

Wel, I've had the Stim in going on the third night now. As someone with ADHD and OCD, I am losing my mind. My bedroom is a disaster and I haven't showered in three days (although my boyfriend did wash my hair for me, wonderful man). I can't find a comfortable position to sit in without the top of my butt hurting, or worrying that I'm inadvertently pulling a lead out of place; and I can't stretch out my legs straight and have the Stim on the setting I want it on for my bladder because it makes my foot twitch and my toes curl under. I hope that is a side effect that goes away when the long-term implant goes in. Do any of you have after-test-surgery stories? Not being able to do anything is driving me crazy!!! (But the Stim works oh, so amazing!)

[GriffsMommy]

I don't have the stim but I know there are lots of posts about people's recovery from the trial and permanant surgery on the boards. I know Cindy (Tigger Gal) comes to mind as one who chronicalled her recovery for us when she had to have her stim replaced a couple of months ago.

[Shana1234]

Please post pictures if you feel up to it! I get my trial this Friday and even though I've read everything I can get my hands on, I still want to see and read more about people who have had it themselves. I'm so nervous!

I'm planning on going back to work on 12/26, which is 4 days after the surgery, but 5 days off if you include the surgery day. I have a desk job, but I'm still worried it won't be enough time off of work. Do you think that's enough?

I hope your trial continues to go well and you get the relief you need. I've had severe urgency here and there but my real issue is retention, but I do know how that UTI feeling is and how horrible it feels to not go away.

My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Shana

[Shana1234]

Also, if you want to read about trial stories, Sarojini has posted her story on a website that is really detailed and helpful. I'm re-posting her message from another tread below.

New Site http://home.earthlink.net/~jen424

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Wow... I haven't been here in a long time. I hope all of the old-timers I used to know are doing well, and I hope all of the newbies are finding support, information, and lots of love here!

I just wanted to stop by and let you know that since my ISP gives a free website with each account, I've taken advantage of it. I have, over the last few months, built up a site that chronicles my experiences with IC and my search for relief. It also includes almost all of the tips for coping that I've found out on my own, or that I learned largely from people on this site. It is still under construction, and I'll be adding more features as time allows... but...

Please visit at http://home.earthlink.net/~jen424 should you wish to.

[Claredale]

Shana, I am worried about the short time you are able to be off work. Please be careful and stay away from anyone that may be sick. Your immunities will be down, so just be very careful and get as much rest as you can. How long will you have off after you have the permanent implant put in?

Bahhumbug, my implant did the same thing with curling my toe under. Once I had the settings changed, it stopped doing that. There are still times if I turn my remote up if my pain has increased for some reason, it will still turn my toe in, but it's not like when I first got my implant. I remember very well what you mean about getting in the right position. Luckily I am very much a stomach sleeper or sleep with my leg pulled up to the side, so the only time I really had a problem was when I was awake and trying to watch TV or read. It was just sore, I didn't feel scared in any way that my leads would move since my doctor told me to just take it slow during the trial. Of course I was out working in my flower bed planting bulbs (yes I was VERY DUMB) after the 2nd day of my permanant implant (I stongly don't recommend you do anything remotely like that!). Working in the yard is my stress relief, but I found it wasn't a good idea at that time!

Hugs, T83

[Texas Baby]

Bahhumbug,
I had problems with my toes etc. too. They just need to adjust your settings.Mine would even give me a little surge in the nether regions when I went into the library or grocery store because of the anti theft scanners at the doors. I also loved loved loved my Interstim. I had mine for almost 3 years and it not only ended my fequency, urgency but cut down greatly on my pain(about 97%!):woohoo: sadly, I had a freak accident and had to have mine removed and was no longer a candidate for one. I must admit the wonderful things they can do nowadays. My pain management doc wants to put one in for my back pain/ nerve pain. We'll see Anyway I am so so glad things are working out for you!!! i hope you continue to do well!
Blessings& hugs,
Eva