Interstim

Bowel control problems are extremely common, but they are not normal. If you suffer from bowel control issues, you know how much they can interrupt your life. It’s time to speak up and get back to living your life.

Do the following sound familiar?
• Frequent bowel accidents
• Monitoring what and how much you eat
• Using pads or protective garments
• Planning activities around the bathroom

Fecal Incontinence Facts
• 1 in 12 adults in the US has fecal incontinence (FI).1,2
• 20 million adults in the US are affected by FI.1,2

You are not alone – find relief for bowel control problems

1. United States Quick Facts. United States Census Bureau Web site. Available at: https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/table/ PST045215/00. Accessed July 19, 2016.
2. Whitehead WE, Borrud L, Goode PS, et al. Fecal Incontinence in US adults: epidemiology and risk factors. Gastroenterology. 2009;137(2):512-517.

There are many ways to manage bowel control problems. Remember, if conservative treatments don’t deliver the results you need, you have more options.

Lifestyle Changes
Conservative treatments can help some people but may not work very well (or at all) for others. All of these are relatively simple behavioral changes that you may already be doing.

• Dietary modification: changes may include adjusting fiber intake or eliminating troublesome foods.
• Bowel retraining: also called biofeedback, this aims to improve bowel sensation, coordination, and strength.
• Medication: anti-diarrheal medication may provide some relief.

Oral Medications
When lifestyle changes fail to deliver the relief results you want, oral medications are the next step. These medications can help control symptoms but may cause other issues.

These medications need to be taken daily. Some side effects can be unpleasant, such as dizziness, drowsiness, tiredness or constipation. Other side effects are more serious. Even more important, these medications don't always work. In one survey, 72% of people said they stopped taking their medication after just six months.1

Advanced Therapies
If conservative treatments don’t deliver the results you want, you have more options such as InterStim™.

1. Yeaw J, Benner J, Walt JG et al. Comparing adherence and persistence across 6 chronic medication classes. J Manag Care Pharm. 2009:15(9): 724-736.

You may be a good candidate for Medtronic Bowel Control Therapy delivered by the InterStim™ systems if:

- You have significant chronic fecal incontinence symptoms
- You’ve tried lifestyle changes and oral medications
- These therapies haven’t given you the relief you want

What is incontinence and how does it occur?

Fecal incontinence is the involuntary loss of bowel movements, the sudden urge to go to the bathroom but sometimes not making it all the way there before having an accident, leakage of fecal matter throughout the day or night, etc. In your lower back there are nerves called sacral nerves. Sacral nerves are the nerves that control the muscles related to fecal function. Sometimes, the sacral nerves and brain can miscommunicate which leads to the nerves not being able to tell the muscles how and when to function properly, inevitably resulting in involuntary movements.

What is InterStim™ Therapy?

InterStim™ therapy is performed in two stages. Gastroenterology Assocaites of Gainesville will perform stage one. This stage will determine if stage 2 is appropriate for you.

Stage One: Trial Phase

InterStim™ therapy begins with a trial simulation device to assess the effectiveness of the therapy prior to placing a permanent device. The trial procedure is performed in an outpatient setting. During the procedure the leads are attached to the sacral nerves in the back using a small needle through the skin without any incisions. The temporary lead is plugged into a temporary stimulator that can be worn on the waistband.  After the test period the temporary stimulator will be removed. After removal results will be reviewed to determine if this is something you’d like to continue and move on to stage two for a permanent device.  The best part about this is that if you decide this isn’t the right treatment for you, the trial stimulator can be removed, and you won’t have to continue the process. The permanent device will not be placed by Gastroenterology Associates of Gainesville, P.C.

Complications can occur with the evaluation, including movement of the wire, technical problems with the device, and some temporary pain. Your doctor or nurse will show you how to use the system and inform you of any activity restrictions and other precautions related to the test.

Why is this therapy different?
You can try it before you decide, and it’s reversible if you change your mind later.

What can this therapy do for me?
It can significantly improve quality of life by reducing your symptoms. It’s proven to work in people who have chronic FI.1

Will it cure my condition?
No. It can help some people achieve complete continence, but it’s not a cure. If the neurostimulator is turned off or removed, symptoms can return.

What does the stimulation feel like?
Most people describe it as a tingling, flutter, or vibration in the pelvic area. It should not be painful. Stimulation settings can be adjusted, and sensations will vary from person to person.

Does the therapy work long term?
Clinical data shows that after five years, people using the InterStim™ system continue to experience significant improvements in quality of life.2 No other SNM system has this long-term data. Your experience may be different. More people rely on Medtronic than any other SNM system to provide this relief.

Can I have an MRI?
People with an InterStim™ system can have a full-body MRI scan under certain conditions. Your doctor will determine whether you meet those conditions.

Will insurance cover the costs?
Medicare and many private insurance companies cover this therapy. Talk to your doctor to learn more about your insurance coverage.