Beckie H.
Urinary retention

This story recounts the experience of a patient who is receiving neurostimulation for the treatment of bladder control problems. Please bear in mind that the experience is specific to this particular person. Not everyone who receives InterStim Therapy will receive the same results as the patient in this story.

The day of the trial assessment, I felt a little apprehensive, but mostly hopeful. I knew exactly what was going to take place, so the surgical procedure itself wasn't scary for me. I felt like I was at the end of the line, and thought, "This just has to work, because I don't know what else I'll do if it doesn't."

Looking back, I should have done it sooner. I noticed results immediately! On the way home from the clinic, my son and I stopped at a fast-food restaurant so I could use the bathroom. For the first time in years, I went to the bathroom on my own. I couldn't believe how much volume there was. When I got home and cathed, there was very little volume. I thought, "Wow! It must be working!"
During the trial, I tried several different stimulator settings and kept track of my symptoms in my symptom journal. Wearing the external system wasn't a problem. No one knew I had it except me. The wires were easy to hide--I just tucked them into my pants. I wore a big sweatshirt and no one could tell I was wearing the neurostimulator on my waistband.

I had no apprehension about going on to long-term therapy. Once I went to that bathroom on my own that first day, there was no turning back--I felt like it just couldn't happen soon enough.

Read the next part of Beckie's story – Step 2: Long-term InterStim Therapy

Next: Barbara's Story

Medtronic invited this patient to share her story candidly. Not everyone who receives InterStim Therapy will receive the same results as the patient in this story. Talk with your doctor to determine if sacral nerve stimulation is right for you. In addition to risks related to a surgical procedure, complications associated with InterStim Therapy can include pain at the implant sites, new pain, infection, lead (thin wire) movement/migration, device problems, interactions with certain other devices or diagnostic equipment such as MRI, undesirable changes in urinary or bowel function, uncomfortable stimulation (sometimes described as a jolting or shocking feeling), and others. Surgery is required to remove the InterStim Therapy system. Please refer to Important Safety Information. Always discuss the potential risks and benefits of the therapy with your physician. This therapy is not for everyone. A prescription is required.