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Posted 4/5/2009 6:05 PM (GMT 0)
Has anyone gone through this process? I am currently going to a Physical Therapist doing Biofeedback 1 hour sessions and doing Kegels at home.  After 6 weeks not much improvement with incontinence.  Has anyone been successful with these Electrical Stimulation sessions. I think I know what is involved and it does not seem like a lot of fun.  She is currently asking my Urologist and my normal Doctor for an OK to do these sessions. I'm currently 9 weeks off the bag and 11 weeks from my operation.  Appreciate any comments or advice .  Thank you

RFP

Posted 4/5/2009 10:30 PM (GMT 0)
at 3 months post surgeryI had a couple sessions. I think they helped. Did not last an hour though. First test to see if your contracting correct abdominal muscle and pelvic floor muscle. Squeeze and hold for 10 seconds, shows it on a screen. Then they give you electrical boost for 10, 10 second applications. No pain at all. Just another implement up the butt though.
Posted 4/6/2009 7:07 PM (GMT 0)
Jerseycity, thanks for your reply. My session with the Physical Therapist today was about 15 minutes long and there was no pain. She wants me to take the stimulator home next week and use it. Glad to see that it helped you a little. I hope it will help me as well. Take care
RFP
Posted 4/9/2009 5:26 PM (GMT 0)
Hello RFP:

I currently am 16 weeks RRP per daVinci robotics. I am totally incontinent.  I have completed 6 weeks of a 12-week program of biofeedback coupled with electrial stimulation. Thus far, there have been no discernible results.

In setting up for the biofeedback/ES session, they attach 3 sensors, using a gel:  one sensor next to my bellybutton, one directly below my bellybutton, and the third on my hip. They also insert a chorded device into my rectum to provide the electrical stimulation.

My biofeedback/ES session consists of 2 parts:  (1) a 6 minute session of alternating kegels and rest periods (5 sec. for each kegel, and a 10 sec. rest); and (2) a 15 minute electrical stimulation session, w/o any kegels (alternating 5 sec. ES, and 10 sec. w/o ES). The operator told me that the ES machine runs at 50 Hz. (frequency), and that she controls the amplitude per my directions. I am supposed to direct her to ramp up the ES until it begins to hurt. The theory is that the electrical stimulation needs to be sufficient to cause an "anal wink", or an automatic reflex in the pelvic floor muscles.  Currently, I have her ramp it up relatively high.

We are at the halfway point (6 out of 12 weeks), and I have not seen any improvement whatsoever. So, today I had an appointment with my doctor, and his recommendation was to perform a cystoscopy, to look at the internal post-surgical healing and to see if there are any internal structural problems.

I will continue with the remaining biofeedback/ES sessions unless and until he instructs otherwise.

Bottom line  -  I do recommend the biofeedback/ES sessions; they probably can't hurt (and maybe can help), and do provide you and the doctor with some information.

RHC Jr.

Posted 4/9/2009 7:26 PM (GMT 0)
Hi RHC Jr. Thanks for the information you are going through with electrical stimulation. I'm just starting my sessions next Monday 4/13/09. I had one session last Monday with my Physical Therapist who ordered a unit for my home use. That should be interesting. She also said I would be doing 15 minute sessions per day after she shows me how to use the device. I'm also working with her on Kegels about the same as you are doing. I'm still incontinent after 9 weeks off the bag and 11 weeks from my operation. The last thing my Urologist said to me about 5 weeks ago was this healing is going to take 3 to 6 months, do your kegels and build up the remaining external sphincter and you will be all right!!. Thats easy for him to say because he is not going through what we are going through. Our age and stats are about the same, so lets keep in touch every few weeks to let each other know if we are improving with with process. I see you are in Naples FL. I'm going to be in Marco Island next month so keep that weather nice for me and my family. Thanks again for this input and I wish you well during this healing time.
RFP
Posted 4/9/2009 10:00 PM (GMT 0)

RFP:

One suggestion. You may wish to fill out your online profile.  It will automatically appear whenever you send a message.  The info contained in the profile will relieve you from having to repeat some info in the text of your question or response, and may assist other people in tailoring their response to your question.

RHC Jr.

Posted 4/13/2009 3:40 PM (GMT 0)

RHC Jr.  thanks for your suggestion to include my profile.  I believe it should be attached to this reply.  I am scheduled for my seventh biofeedback session today with my second electrical stimulation.  Lets keep in touch to see if any of this works. Take care

RFP

Posted 4/13/2009 9:08 PM (GMT 0)
Hi RFP,

Have used electrical stimulation guided by a therapist and later on my own at home. Bought the machine or gadget and used it for a couple of months. I'd classify it as a waste of time, unfortunately.

Best,
leaky
Posted 4/13/2009 10:22 PM (GMT 0)
leaky, Sorry the electrical stimulation did not work for you.  I guess I will find out if it works or not as you did.  It does not look like a lot of fun. You had the sling done and also AUS. Did the sling work and did the AUS work?  Can you do everything like work out, bike etc with the AUS installed as you did before.  Also, can you define IPP for me.  I know I'm a little early for all this reconstructive surgery but I'm just trying to get my cards in line for the future.  I hope I heal like a few of my friends have (Dry after 12 weeks) but I have a feeling I'm going to be long term.  My urologist said it will take 3 to 6 months to get back to normal and now I'm hearing maybe 1 year if ever. Take care and thanks for your reply.

RFP

P.s.  I found out that there are 2 others on this site that have had the AUS installed, KW and Berb.  They both responded to a recent thread of mine. 

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