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

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.