After enduring years of unrelenting pelvic pain, Debra finally feels like herself again.

Debra’s doctors believe her pelvic pain stems from her pregnancies or the C-sections she had to deliver her daughters, now ages 16 and 13. “My doctor explained that trauma to the pelvic floor sometimes leads to pain or urinary incontinence years later,” Debra says. The pelvic floor is the area of muscles and tissue that spans the pubic bone and tailbone, and holds the lower organs in place.

It was at night that she experienced the most trouble. “Even though I tried a variety of pain and sleep medications, the pain would be so severe I couldn’t sleep,” Debra explains. She grew discouraged and very tired, but she never gave up.

“I took some drastic measures trying get rid of the pain,” she continues. “I had a hysterectomy in 2005, even though I didn’t have endometriosis or irregular periods. I also met with an interventional radiologist and for a time, we considered cauterizing my nerves.” Nerve cauterization is a procedure that helps manage chronic pain by blocking pain signals to the brain.

Finally, at the recommendation of her internist, Debra met with Jyothi Kesha, MD, a urologist at Park Nicollet Clinic—St. Louis Park. “I was very pleased to begin working with Dr. Kesha, because she was willing to try some new options. One of them was InterStim®,” Debra explains.

Although InterStim is usually prescribed for treating urinary frequency, urge incontinence and non-obstructive urinary retention, it also is used for treating pelvic pain. Since other, more conservative means, such as drugs, biofeedback and pelvic floor exercises, didn’t relieve Debra’s pain, Dr. Kesha suggested the therapy.

The device often is compared to a pacemaker. It delivers mild electronic stimulation to the sacral nerves, which are located near the tailbone and influence bladder function and pain sensations. This device is inserted using a minimally invasive procedure through small skin incisions, and comes with a control, so patients can adjust the strength of the impulses.

Before the device is permanently implanted, candidates undergo a minor surgical procedure in the doctor’s office to assess its effectiveness. “I could feel it working right away,” Debra says.

InterStim has treated about 55,000 patients worldwide since receiving approval from the Food and Drug Administration 11 years ago. “So far, InterStim has been managing my pain very effectively,” Debra says. “I am so thankful to have it. It’s been life-changing for me.”

To learn more about InterStim, call 952-993-3190 or visit parknicollet.com.