Incontinence / OAB Community

Welcome OABSuffer and thanks for posting.

I would suggest a couple of things to get some other points of views.

One would be seeking a second opinion from another urologist. Secondly, would be calling the FDA and see if they've had complaints about InterStim and what they are.

You can speak to the doctor recommending InterStim to you and find out if it will be a problem for MRIs. You can also call your local hospital's radiology department and find out if there are any concerns with scans and InterStim.

Finally, for the airport check point issue, I would call your local airport and ask to speak with their TSA airport security representative. They may advise you to carry a note from your doctor.

Here's some information about InterStim , sponsored by Medtronic, so it's not unbiased. They have this information here: "For further information, please call Medtronic at 1-800-328-0810 and/or consult Medtronic's website at www.medtronic.com ."

Hopefully one of our other members who has had an experience with InterStim will share, too.

Let us know what you decide,

Byroney

I've found a number of helpful resources on WebMD related to the specific topic of interstim therapy, which I didn't even know whas an option. While I still share some of the same safety concerns as oabsufferer, I am cautiously optomistic that this might be the right solution for me at this time but have many more questions.

I've been troubled with overactive bladder for a number of years and the approach of simply increasing my medications just hasn't seemed to work...

I was surprised to see that you can actually get a trial for this device to see if it would even work (more on the trial here: http://www.webmd.com/urinary-incontinence-oab/oab-treatment-11/about-therapy ) This trial option might help reduce the concerns for others, as it did for me?

I think the best source of information will be my doctor, but I am curious to see if anyone out there has had the thereapy and wether it worked or didn't work for them and would be willing to share their experience...

I have had had an interstim therapy device from Medtronic since March of this year. You have to let your doctor know before any EKG's or etc. As for check point issues; I have not flown yet with it but they do give you an identification card in case there is any questions regarding your device setting off security. If your have any other questions just ask

Yes I currently have an interstim device in me for the past 8 months. Prescription drugs did not work and with the help of a medtronic employee this has. The procedure is kind of scary. I am only 28 and have been called very young for this kind of medical problem. But after my 27th bday I fought with oab for almost a year.

Thank you blubase42 for your response! While I have not yet taken the step to go through with the trial I have discused Interstim with my doctor, who believes it might help my situation.

If you are comfortable sharing, I'd be curious to learn how having the device has changed your life?

Also, since you seem to have been in a similar place having tried medication that didn't work, I'd be curious to hear whether, if you had to make the decision for interstim again you would still make the same choice to have the procedure?

Hi Healthy_Mama68, This device has changed my sleeping pattern tremendously for the good. I would get up 7 times a night. Trying to deal with everyday tasks was very difficult. Night is when it is the worst for me. Now I do have some nights when I will get up like 3 to 4 times but this is rare. Even though it toke 2 surgeries to actually get the wire placed in the right spot and a 3rd to implant the device I think I would still make the same decision. Not being able to get sleep or do things because you always have to go to the restroom is hard. I do still have to watch my caffeine and alcohol intake and try to stay hydrated but overall I am glad I did. You do still have to be a little cautious on some things. For example, the gentleman that worked with me from Interstim (who was so awesome I might add) told me that some things could interfere with the wire and it may move. There was a lady I guess that went out fishing on a lake and they hit alot of waves and it was very rough waters anyways it did move the wire some and also you should be careful to avoid falling hard like on ice or etc. You still must be a little cautious of these things. I am rambling on now but when the medicine wasn't working, don't get me wrong it would help a little but still urinating 14 times a day with side effects was just not good enough for me and I was willing to try anything. Also I guess some people use a combination of the medicine and Interstim as well. I hope I helped.

Correction: It was suppose to say 7 plus times and 14 plus times a day in my reply above

I was 19 when I had my first Interstim implant put in. Since then I have had one replaced due to infection and one replaced due to a low battery. I have no problems at plane checkpoints, just have to receive a patdown or go through the xray machines. No MRIs, but CT scans are fine.

Can I ask how long you have had yours and were your infection was?

Hi - my daughter is 17 and is thinking about getting the Interstim implant. Can you tell me how you are doing with it? And if you would still recommend it. She is very active and I have read that some folks have had movement in wires and the implant itself. How big is the scar? And how much pain were you in after the surgery? Most people are so much older but since you are just two years older, I thought I would get your opinion. Any input would be appreciated.

I have an Interstim therapy device and it is not a cure all. It does help, but I still leak and have to use catheters daily. I also do not have very much fat on my backside, so my device sticks out. It gets caught on things when I sit and it hurts when I sleep on the side that it is on. I absolutely HATE my device, but it is better than no having it at all. So frustrating!

Hi, i'm 29 and have had the interstim for a year and 4 months now. It was the best decision I could have ever made. I would say my problem has improved to 98% and my self esteem has gone up so much. I have been on a air plane twice since the surgery at a smaller airport and a very big airport. I showed them my card and was able to go through security with no problems. The one thing they told me I can't do that I was sad about is horseback riding. I hope this helps