SNS

[Essie]

I have just had a couple of operations, one where they inserted wires to stimulate the bladder and left a space for implanting the (I don't know the name, like pacemaker). I used an external box for just under a week and as I was still getting up during the night, I think my void improved, they considered it hadn't worked and removed everything. I really felt I hadn't had much time to make a decision but they are the experts. I went through numerous tests to get to this stage. My void still isn't good and I am still getting up during the night, often falling asleep on the loo waiting! I haven't been offered a follow up appointment yet and wondered if there was anything else I could try. I must admit at the moment I feel a bit of a failure and that I was just used as a number on a research list.

[Debbie Stuart]

It is always difficult when a much hoped for treatment doesn't have the desired outcome. Obviously it is not appropriate to discuss the exact details of your medical history and your experience of sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) in great detail on this forum. However, you are entitled to know why the treatment wasn't successful and you can ask for a debrief appointment with your consultant. You may benefit from speaking to a Bladder & Bowel Foundation continence adviser in confidence. You can do this by calling 0845 345 0165

[Ann Moore]

Hi first of all you are not the failure so please be reassured.
It is very difficult to be specific as all patients symptoms are different and can be hard to answer queries without all the information at hand.
But
I would suggest phoning your Consultants secretary for a follow-up appt. and taking a list of questions you have, write them down before the appt. Alternatively visit your GP to chase up appt.
Sacral nerve stimulation is like a pacemaker, where a wire connected to a battery is inserted into sacral spine to active nerves to improve bladder function. A trial is performed for up to 2 weeks to test effectiveness. Bladder diaries should be completed for objective evaluation as well as patients subjective experience.
Not all trials are effective, suggested that only 70% of patient see improvement. Important this is discussed before the trial.
If still not happy you need to ask to see alternative Urologist for a second opinion.