Elaine H.
Urgency-frequency

My life revolved around what I called "JIC-ing" – going to the bathroom "just in case" before I left home, work, the store, or the restaurant. When I realized I had to go, I knew I must go immediately, and 75% of the time I didn't make it. I always had to make sure there was a bathroom where I was going and carry pads and a change of clothes in case of leaks. It was such a burden.

My name is Elaine. About 15 years ago, I started noticing that I had to go to the bathroom more often. I'd had 4 children, so I just assumed I'd have bladder problems eventually. However, it gradually got worse, to the point where I was going 18 times per day and 3 or 4 times per night. Eventually, I had to use adult diapers at night and went I went out, and I thought, "I'm way too young for this!" It was really cramping my style.

At the time I was working as a child support officer. The bathroom was halfway down the hall from my office. When I felt the urge to go, I remember ducking into an empty office, crossing my legs, and trying to hold it back. I'd leak a little, and often as soon as I started walking, I'd leak a lot. Thank goodness for the bathroom blow dryers – I'd use them to dry my clothes. I tried not to get too close to other people at work, because I was afraid I'd smell. I always had a change of clothes with me. In court, I wore pads because it was so long between breaks.

My family doctor prescribed exercises, which didn't work. He then referred me to a urologist, who prescribed a medication that made my mouth very dry. Next, he put in a sling, which didn't really work, either, so he prescribed another medication. With each new treatment I had hope, and when nothing worked, it was a big disappointment.

My urologist referred me to another urologist who offered InterStim Therapy – he thought I might be a good candidate. I approached it with an open mind, because I was so desperate for something to help me – I didn't really care what it was. I had so many questions: How is it going to work? Does it somehow tell you when to go to the bathroom? What does it feel like?

I took some time to read up on InterStim Therapy before I made that appointment. It took me the better part of a couple of years to realize that InterStim Therapy was like a pacemaker, and people use those all the time. That was very comforting to me. My sister worked at Medtronic and had good things to say about InterStim Therapy, so that probably had more to do with it than anything.

I finally said, "This is something that might help me, so I should give it a try. If it doesn't work, my doctor told me I could always have it removed." In the fall of 2004 I did a trial assessment to see if InterStim Therapy would work for me.

Read the next part of Elaine's story - Step 1: InterStim Therapy trial assessment

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.