Beckie H.
Urinary retention

My InterStim Therapy procedure and recovery went smoothly. I didn't need pain medication at all. And since I had experimented with stimulation settings during the trial assessment, we knew just the level I needed for it to be effective right away. The hardest part for me was not being as active as I wanted to be right after the procedure – my doctor said no running or lifting weights for 6 weeks. I haven't needed to cath since then. Today, I go to the bathroom every 4 to 6 hours, I don't get up at night, and I don't have any pain or pressure.

The best thing is that I can do almost anything now – go for 10-mile jogs, wear a bikini, golf, and eat and drink normally. I can make it all the way through a trip to the grocery store without a bathroom break, and I no longer have to keep catheters in my purse, at work, or in the car. Plus "seeing R.C." is a thing of the past!

Next: Barbara's Story

Although you should be able to do most activities you did before surgery, there are some activities which may cause discomfort or affect your implanted neurostimulator. Review the following information, and if you have any concerns or questions about these or other activities, contact your doctor.

Activities you should avoid – You should avoid activities that involve sudden, excessive, or repetitive bending, twisting, bouncing, or stretching. These movements could damage or move your implanted lead or affect the implanted neurostimulator. Examples of such activities include gymnastics, mountain biking, and any other sport or activity that involves the movements
described above.

Activities you can continue – Activities that should not affect your implanted InterStim Therapy system include running, jogging, walking, road biking, swimming, sexual activity, etc.

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.