Elaine H.
Urgency-frequency

The day of my trial assessment in 2004, I was excited and kind of nervous. I was so hopeful that this would be the answer; that I'd be able to live a relatively normal life again. I figured that even if it made my symptoms better – even if I wasn't 100% better – at least it would be better than what I was going through. I also had full faith and confidence in my doctor, and he had filled me in on what to expect.

During the trial, I wore sweaters that hid the external stimulator that I wore on my waistband. It took a couple days to start working. I first noticed that it really reduced my sense of urgency. I didn't experience the complete relief I was hoping for in how many times I had to go, which was a little disappointing. But my doctor felt that I had at least a 50% reduction in my symptoms overall, so he recommended going ahead with long-term therapy and continuing to work on finding the right settings to get the symptom relief I was looking for.

I still had hope. I was determined to give it a few months to give it a chance to work, and if it didn't, I would just have it removed. I figured it couldn't get any worse than the way I felt; it could only get better.

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

Next: Jane'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.