Implant Devices to End/Decrease Fecal Incontinence

This looks pretty darn good, and a big improvement over the prior artificial sphincters that were inflatable silicone. One question I would have  would be the issue of erosion of the surrounding tissue (one of the complications of the past option). Still, I like the idea that you do not need to activate a release mechanism with this one.

Another question I would have is without the musculature of the rectum to contract for evacuation, would there be enough pressure in an ileal j-pouch to expand the magnates. Perhaps they come in different magnate strengths?

Please be sure to come back and fill us in on whether you are a candidate and other details! Very exciting news!

Jan

Thanks Jan.  Your comments always help.  I will ask the questions you posed above.  Due to the newness of this procedure, it will likely be a few months before we proceed.    The hospital has a very strict  protocol for new things like this, thankfully.    I will update after it happens, or sooner if I learn anything significantly new.   I am excited for me but really, for anyone else who is frustrated, and limited lifestyle-wise, by incontinence.  

On June 21, 2017 I had the FENIX magnetic sphincter device implanted.  Wow, I have been looking at this for 11 months and it is finally done.    A good part of the time was researching, then I had a devil of a time getting my primary care doc to submit a cogent referral to have my insurance  authorize it for an out of network provider.  It took 3 referrals for his office to get it right.    Now 3 weeks and 2 days after the implant, I am still pretty sore but getting a little better each day.  (The hospital stay was just one night.)   On the soreness, I have pain meds but have only taken one pill because I don't like the side effects and they don't speed recovery.   My bowel patterns and accidents have worsened but I think my system is just "angry" and will adjust.   The surgeon said the implant would not completely solve incontinence but would reduce the number of accidents. 

Getting it done is the good news.  The bad news is that the manufacturer, Torax, sold the product line to Johnson & Johnson (so I'm told) and that company has decided to discontinue support as of July 1, 2017. So I (and my surgeon) had to scramble to get it done just under the wire.  I heard a week ago that the halt may be just temporary and the product may be offered again in about a year...in case any of you are interested.  While I greatly hope for excellent results, I am glad to have tried this even if the results don't turn out to be great.  Nothing ventured, nothing gained and the pain and inconvenience are short-term compared to the prospects for long-term improvement.

I will be pleased to share anything I can with those who are contemplating this procedure. 

This is great news, TCM! I hope you have much success with it. Please do keep us updated as I may be headed down a very similar path and am interested in hearing more about your experience. 

Will do, Starrynight.  My best to you as you travel down this crazy path with all of us.