Second Interstim

[Guest guest]

When I first joined this list a doctor on the list told me about a

pacemaker-type device that was very helpful for his wife who suffered from

neurogenic bladder. I asked my urologist about it and was told it was still

considered experimental and not covered by insurance. Several years later

insurance companies began to cover the device called an " Interstim " . I was a

good candidate for it. My first Interstim was implanted 5 years ago. It

provides electrical sacral stimulation. It improved my bladder, but much to my

surprise it had a positive effect on bowel function and I began to walk better.

I have a drop right foot. After five years the battery died and after a fall

the leads were dislodged. This week I had my second Interstim implant. The

surgery has changed. I was awake (although sedated) through much of it. The

doctors need your response to insure correct placement of the leads. A

representative from Medtronics was there to assist. The surgery went well. I

have a little pain but its not too bad. I won't be able to swim for a couple of

weeks which I really miss. If anyone has any questions as to whether they would

benefit from an Interstim, I'd be happy to try to answer any questions.

Medtronics is doing a study as to the effectiveness of the Interstim for bowel

incontinence. You can find out more on their website

www.interstim.com<http://www.interstim.com/> There are also Interstim

groups.

Kay

(Manchester, MI)