Bladder Control

by **blizzybear** on Sun Aug 19, 2007 3:21 pm

I AM HAVING ONE IMPLANTED IN SEPT, I JUST WANTED TO KNOW IF ANYONE HAS HAD ONE. HOW WAS THE FIRST PART OF THE PROCEDURE, HAS IT WORKED, DID YOU HAVE ANY SIDE AFFECTS OR PROBLEMS, I URINATE AN AVAERAGE OF 20 TO 25 TIMES IN 24 HRS. I AM OUT OF OPTIONS. APPERICIATE ANY INFO.

by **UroDoc** on Sun Aug 19, 2007 8:31 pm

I am one of the original implaners and my patients that respond are doing great, actually they are the patients that come in and hug me. If it works it does and if it doesn't you will know. There is no in between. So if the test works you will do great, but don't kid yourself if it doesn't. It will be like turning on a light switch it will change your life or not. Good luck.

by **blizzybear** on Tue Aug 21, 2007 2:05 am

THANK YOU IT HELPS TO HAVE INFO, I CAN RELAX MORE, BLIZZ

by **lyann73** on Mon Aug 27, 2007 7:52 pm

My doctor has recommended the Interstim device for me. I have had urinary frequency problems since I can remember my earliest recollection of going to the urologist was when I was 16 and I had trouble voiding. The urologist stated that the opening for me void through was the size of a little girl and he did a procedure in his office to enlarge it.

Recently my significant other pointed out that I go to the bathroom a lot. I dread going to places where there were not bathrooms. I have recently started going to events at public parks and using the port a pots. Every who knows me just accepted that I go a lot.

My doctor tried vesicare and enablex. enablex 7.5 works however, I experience blurred vision and indigestion. The 15 mg dose worked excellent for my control, however I couldn't deal with the increased blurred vision and indigestion. I have been on the enablex about 7 months. I don't experience many bouts of indigestion (however when I do... man they are something else), but I still have the blurred vision. I am so pleased with the improved control and lessened frequency that I tell all my friends about seeing a doctor for bladder control therapy.

My question is should I go back to the 15 mg dose (that works best for my control) and hope that the side affects will lessen with use? or should I opt for the surgery? I believe the batteries have to be replaced (surgically) every 5 to 7 years... I am only 43. I don't know if I want to commit to having surgery every 5 yrs (worst case). How do they keep the leads/device from moving?

by **UroDoc** on Mon Aug 27, 2007 9:43 pm

I would get the testing , first stage of Interstim done and make your decision form there, if it works it will change your life. Battery changes that I do take about 15 minutes and are done under IV sedation and local anesthesia (lidocaine skin injection). Definitely worth the upside of decreased frequency and urgency. Good luck.

by **OABandIC** on Tue Aug 28, 2007 11:27 am

would they put a stimulator in a child, or is it only for adults?

by **UroDoc** on Tue Aug 28, 2007 12:46 pm

I am sure it is not FDA approved for children, but some centers may offer implantation off label for severe cases

by **OABandIC** on Tue Aug 28, 2007 1:13 pm

ok- thanks!
i know my doctor was talking about giving me botox injections, which are still experimental, so that could be possible, too

by **bubbles609** on Wed Aug 29, 2007 3:42 pm

Hello BrizzyBear...

I have had OAB for a # of years...Medications failed to provide a reasonable lifestyle..
Had Interstim trial last July 2006 and the trial was great..
I was soooo excited and happy and Dry...I had the permanent implant in August 2006
No Pain..
No Side Effects...well wait yes there is ... being dry and confident (without worry for wetting episodes).
I highly recommend it...My life has returned to normal...I can sleep through the night.

Any more questions..please feel free to contact me...

GOOD LUCK....it is a very wonderful device.!!!