Mailbag: Interstim and MiniArc
Question:
I recently tried interstem trial in my doctors office I tried it for a week.. It didnt work.. Ive been on 5 medications. Had physical therapy alot of different tests also and biofeedback.. Muscle relaxers work at night so I can sleep.. But during the day I go every 30 minutes. I dont really leak very often. I'm 50 years old and was wondering if estrogen cream or something else would work?
Mary
Answered by Dr. Ann Lavers:
I have read your questions and you certainly have difficult issues. Firstly, a MiniArc sling is used only for stress urinary incontinence or leakage with coughing, sneezing, or laughing. It does not do anything for urgency or frequency which sounds like your greatest concern. Estrogen cream can be very useful in certain situations.
My first question to you would revolve around the placement of your interstim and what kind of sensations that you had at the time. It may be reasonable to try that again. Otherwise there is something called botox therapy which can significantly help with urgency and frequency also. If you'd like to make an appointment to see me, we can review your medical records and further discuss these issues. If you've had any urodynamic testing, it would be helpful if you also brought that.