InterStim School

I saw Sondra again today.  She took my journals and determined that the InterStim is working.  Then we, along with Rob, began InterStim school.

The first lesson was the learning the basics;  how to turn it on, turn off, and how to turn the battery off.  I will need to do that if I ever enter a courthouse, an airport, and while I am not using it at home.  She told us that I shouldn't have to fool around with it that much, which is good because it takes two AA batteries.  I was advised to remove them when I don't need to change the stimulation settings.

It was during this lesson that I learned something very interesting. Actually three very interesting things:

Actual Size!

1. I will need to have my InterStim's battery, which is located within the machine inside my body, replaced anywhere from 3-5 years from now.  That will require a very minor surgical procedure.  The good thing is, while the one I will be getting is rather small, the next one will be tiny, the size of the top knuckle of my thumb! And, I will be able to get MRIs if need be.  At present, NO MRIs for me.
2. At present, InterStim has not been tested for pain relief for IC.  It is being studied in Europe right now.  Still, many urologists offer it to patients for IC pain.  Patients with IC can urinate up to 40 times a night!  InterStim does help with that.  I would get up between ten-twelve times a night to urinate.  I now get up ONCE. So hopefully, by the time I need a new one, Studies will be undergoing in the US.  I also learned that InterStim WILL NOT HELP WITH FLARE PAIN.
3. And probably the most interesting part was when I was told that I would have TWO of these implanted.  One for each kind of incontinence - bowel and urinary.  One in each cheek.  Daw, a matching set.  No more twerking for me.  Damn.

I am very excited and also very nervous.  Sondra shared a few of her patients stories with me - both of which had no life before InterStim.  Stuck in the house.  Like me.  Afraid to go out with friends.  Like me.  Unable to travel. Like me. They have gotten their lives back.  Traveling.  Long walks in the woods. You name it.Well, okay, there are limits.  No bunjee jumping.  No jumping out of planes.  If I ever fall, I must call Sondra.  If I ever need anything, nationwide, I can call Medtronic and they will send a rep TO ME. Kinda nice, 'eh?

Surgery should take maybe an hour.  I'll be home that day, and can even walk my dog if I feel like it.  I have to say that the thing I'm looking forward to the most is TAKING A SHOWER!  Sponge bathing sucks.  I washed my hair for the first time in over nine days yesterday.  Even gave myself a trim.  You've no idea how refreshing that felt!  Oh, and speaking of hair, I noticed a few days ago how many grey hairs were on my bathroom floor, lately.  I brushed it and a lot of hair came out.  I told this to Sondra and she nodded and simply replied,

"Anesthesia. That happens a lot, and unfortunately, it'll happen to you for a while longer because you'll be under again on Wednesday."

Crap.

It's only temporary.  It's unnerving to see so much of your head.  Another sentence I never thought I'd say.

It's Friday and I'm gonna see if anyone wants to play a wicked game of Chess.  And as everyone is either sleeping, watching TV, or working on computers, I suppose I can just finish the book I'm reading.

Peace,

Mary