InterStim Part One: One Week Post-Op

One week post-op.  I'm feeling good.  I still have that pain in my buttock where the test needles were inserted, but it's waning.  I have no pain where the two wires are exiting out of my lower back.  If anything, the gray wires are becoming a major annoyance simply because they are so long and constantly having to tuck them away is a nuisance.

But the big question is:

Is the InsterStim working?

You bet your sweet bippy it's working!  I am so beyond thrilled.  It's working for both my urinary and fecal incontinence!  I've had a few, let's just say, "opportunities" to see if it would work in a particular, er, "situation"  Worked like a charm.  I have even turned the stimulation off to see if it was just good luck.  I leaked. So, that tells me that I have done the right thing. I have not been this thrilled about anything in eons. My life is about to change for the better.  

I go in to see my CRNP, Sondra Barker, for another dressing change on Friday.  She's been so kind and helpful not only to me, but to my husband, as well.  We will then discuss InterStim - Part Two - the removal of the outside wires and connecting them to the device that will be implanted into my buttock.  Again, this surgery will be done by Dr. Conrad J. Duncan.  I can't say enough wonderful things about this man.  I highly recommend him. 

As of this writing, I have not needed to take any kind of pain medication.  I think the pain gets worse late at night, now, so if I need it, I take it then, The itching has also stopped.  I'm getting to the point where I feel like I can do more, physically, but I still can't do anything that requires bending, lifting, or pulling or being pulled.  So much for walking the dog!  I get very antsy at this point.  I start feeling like I can lend a hand to my family.  Having a puppy, even one that is house broken, makes life a bit harder; even for healthy people, so the family is tired.  I want to help out so much, but I don't because if I pull a wire out, or even just a bit so that it migrates, my InterStim will fail.  These are the same wires that I will have, permanently.  And just when I feel great, it'll be time to head to St. Agnes for my next surgery on the 4th of February.  And then, it's six weeks of doing nothing but heal. Glad I can crochet!

If you're reading this and you are interested in learning more about InterStim, click this link.  

I'll update soon.  

Peace,