Living with an InterStim System
You may be able to do things you were not able to do before receiving Medtronic Bowel Control Therapy (Sacral Neuromodulation delivered through the InterStim® System) – take long walks through the park, see movies at the theater, or travel. While it may take a while to adjust to the therapy, you should feel comfortable participating in the daily activities of living.
Remember: Even after you’ve made a full recovery from surgery and resumed your normal routine, it’s important to stay in touch with your doctor about any questions or concerns you have.
When to Call Your Doctor
Your doctor and his or her staff should be your first point of contact. After you’ve healed from the long-term InterStim System implant procedure, there may be instances where you may feel the need to talk with your doctor or nurse.
If at any time you find stimulation bothersome, use your patient programmer to turn the neurostimulation down or off. Tell your doctor if you experience any significant or recurring problems.
Product Support
If you're unable to get in touch with your doctor, call a Medtronic Patient Service Specialist at (800) 510-6735. Note that as a medical device manufacturer, Medtronic can offer technical assistance when you have questions or a problem with your InterStim System; however, Medtronic is not able to comment on your medical condition.
Getting an MRI Head Scan
When following specific guidelines from Medtronic, MRI technologists can safely perform an MRI head scan on people with an implanted InterStim II system and specific InterStim I systems. Full-body MRI scans may result in severe injury to you or damage to your device.
If a doctor prescribes an MRI head scan for you, inform the doctor and MRI technicians that you have an implanted device prior to your MRI examination appointment. Full MRI safety information is available for your doctor or MRI technician at www.medtronic.com/mri or by calling 1-800-510-6735.
Your Patient Identification Card
Carry your patient ID card with you in your wallet or purse. It shows that you have an implanted medical device in case of any emergency, and you will need it when going through security at airports.
If you move, change doctors, or lose your card, there are two ways to update your information or request a replacement card:
- Complete an online form
- Call Medtronic Patient Registration Services at (800) 551-5544.
Be sure to notify Medtronic when your information needs to be updated. Medtronic is required to maintain your records in the event we need to notify you about your InterStim System.
Information on this site should not be used as a substitute for talking with your doctor. Always talk with your doctor about diagnosis and treatment information.
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