Medtronic Bowel Control Therapy

Hi , I don't know much about this therapy but it sounds really interesting! Hopefully some others here can share their experience with it and we'd love for you to keep us updated on how it's working out for you! - Hannah (www.IrritableBowelSyndrome.net Team)

IBS4ever, I saw your post and registered for an account so I could reply to you. I have had the Medtronic Interstim implant for bowel control for almost five years. I got it because of bowel incontinence issues caused by pelvic floor damage and muscle and nerve damage from the birth of my first child. That condition is exacerbated by my IBS-mixed type. When I have normal bowel movements or constipation, the device works well, and I get to the bathroom on time. When I have diarrhea, the Medtronic device often sends the message to the sacral nerve that I need to get to the bathroom urgently, but I still don't always make it there on time. Loose or liquid stool continues to cause me problems and embarrassment even with the Interstim implant. I do think I have a decrease in "accidents" with the device, but I still carry a bag of clothes or wear protective undergarments or just stay home when I am having flare ups of diarrhea.

Thank you so much for answering! I am thinking that my IBS/D is very similar to yours due to the same issues. The diarrhea that I have seems to start in the upper part of the colon and can be heard very well as it rushes thru. That is what I feel will be the issue, unless a nerve can be reached in that area. Are you going to leave yours in? Also, how was the pain when you had your device put in? I have a Triazolam .25 mg (halcion) pill that I have to take one hour before the procedure. I don't think that it will put me under enough to take care of the pain. There is a Facebook group and some of the pics look bad enough to worry me about the pain level. And, I assume that there would be a different pain management with the regular device. Your description of your IBS/D sounds just like mine....sjc in Florida

I will keep my device in until the battery dies. When it's time to consider a new, upgraded device, I will see if that's my best option or if some other options are showing promising results. I can say that I am happy with the results I am getting. I just have to remember that it improves my condition but can't be expected to cure it. I wish it would, though.

I had little to no pain when the device was implanted. There are two procedures. One to implant the wires in the tailbone to transmit signals (from an external device you wear on your waistband) to the sacral nerve. The second procedure is about a week later to implant the device IF you had good results. I was awake for the procedures, so I could indicate to the surgeon whether I felt the pulses and where. However, I remember absolutely nothing about the procedures because of whatever drugs were administered. I do remember being calm. It went quickly because I had a very skilled surgeon, and after both procedures I was surprised at how little pain there was.

Not having a Facebook account, I haven't seen the pictures you referred to. There were two tiny holes in my back over the tailbone and a small line along the upper buttock where the device was implanted. The surgeon called it a "pocket." The scars aren't super noticeable. I had no complications of any kind.

Just find out whether you can expect good results when there's liquid stool/diarrhea because, if not, you might decide this isn't the best option for your particular situation. Good luck making your decision, IBS4ever.