Beckie H.
Urinary retention

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

This story recounts the experience of one patient who is receiving InterStim Therapy. Medtronic invited her to share her story candidly. Please bear in mind that the experiences are specific to this particular person. Results vary; not every response is the same. Talk to your doctor to determine if neurostimulation is right for you. In addition to risks related to a medical procedure, complications from this therapy can include pain, infection, sensation of electrical shock, device problems, undesirable change in voiding function, and lead migration, among others. This story reflects one person's experience. Not every person will receive the same results. See Important Safety Information for possible adverse events. This therapy is not for everyone. Please consult your doctor. A prescription is required.