How Long Did Your Interstim Device Last? - Interstitial Cystitis (ICN) Support Forum

***Sarojini*** · 07-27-2010, 07:32 AM

So, I feel a bit weird posting this in the "failures" section, because I'm an InterStim SUCCESS story. I was diagnosed with severe IC in 2004, and then did the Stim in 2007. The device has done wonders for my frequency and urgency for the last three years, and while I still require a pain management plan, I can safely say that the InterStim really changed my life.

HOWEVER....

This past week, my beloved Interstim bit the dust. I realized my symptoms were coming back and that I could not feel the stimulation any longer, so I tried turning it up with my controller, only to discover that the controller no longer recognized that there was a stimulator in my butt. Went to the doctor today to have it checked, and his fancy programmer/controller didn't even see it either. He suspects it's either a battery problem, OR that the generator itself somehow went kaput (which is more likely, according to him, because there is absolutely no signal coming from the device - not even the "dead battery" reading on his programmer). He won't know for sure what is going on until he goes in there for a look... so now I'm scheduled for a revision/replacement surgery on August 23.

I'm fine with that, I know what to expect with it, and I'm happy to do it again since I get such good results with it. However, I'm just curious... for those of you with Interstims, how long did yours last before your battery went dead or the generator itself bit the dust? Medtronic tells us all that it will last for 7-10 years, but I've only had this one for 3 years. Anyone else have a device with a really short life span????

Thx!

willow2389 · 07-27-2010, 02:28 PM

Mine have only lasted a year I have had 3 in since 2007 and am schedule for a new one on Aug 18th of this year for this one has died to The new dr im going to said my settings are too high so he is going to move it to the other side and see if i get better results with it on my right side.

***Sarojini*** · 07-28-2010, 02:22 AM

Wow... only a year! That IS a very short life span... I'm sorry you have had to have it replaced so often. Let's hope that moving it gives you better results so you don't have to have yearly replacements anymore.

***ICNDonna*** · 07-28-2010, 04:00 AM

I know there are others around who have had replacements --- anyone????

Donna

willow2389 · 07-28-2010, 06:02 AM

I too am hoping this new dr by moving it will help it to last longer i dont like having this surgery every year and im sure my insurance dont like paying for it either still waiting for them to ok this one not sure if they will i just pray they do cause it rellay helps when it works.

***Sarojini*** · 07-30-2010, 08:44 AM

Hmmm. Could've sworn there were more of you out there who experienced dead/dying Stims. Oh well. I was hoping to get a number of different reports of people who had their Interstim replaced, so that I could see what the average life span of the device REALLY is and let my doctor (Dr. Evans) know. He's thought that there has been a decrease in life span with the newer version of the Interstim, so I was going to give him more data on that... that way he could report it to Medtronic, as it's possible they don't realize their new battery design really isn't lasting long enough.

Thanks anyway. Hope you all have a pain-free, pee-free summer!

LithEruiel · 08-05-2010, 03:43 PM

Oops, I just asked about this in a older thread. This short life span would really making me nervous about having it done.

***DebbieB*** · 08-23-2010, 12:13 PM

Hi Jen,

I am sorry I was on holidays and just notice you asking how long the battery life is in your InterStim..

I had my change in 2007 , and my lasted almost eight years , so depending on your voltage you are using ...

Good luck on your surgery , I see it today , sorry I am a bit late in posting this reply ..

I had my InterStim Implant put in 1999 .. do I did okay on my ..

All the best Jen ..

Debbie