Seeking Treatment - Stories of Hope
Learn about how these women coped with their bladder control problems, explored their treatment options, and decided to try InterStim Therapy. These statements recount the experiences of patients who are receiving neurostimulation for the treatment of bladder control problems. Please bear in mind that the experiences are specific to each particular person. Not everyone who receives InterStim Therapy will receive the same results as the patients in these stories.
Susan W., Urge incontinence
"My days revolved around locating and being aware of nearby restrooms, since I’d never know when I’d need them."
Sarah's Story
Seeking Treatment
Sarah H., Urge incontinence
"I'm very much engaged in my career. It's kind of embarrassing when you've got clients around and you've gotta high-tail it to the ladies room."
Beckie H., Urinary retention
"I was catheterizing myself every 3 to 4 hours around the clock, which was incredibly inconvenient and put a real strain on my active lifestyle. Do you know how hard it is to cath yourself in a public restroom while on in-line skates?"
Barbara's Story
Seeking Treatment
Barbara B., Urge incontinence
"I actually spilled a glass of water in my lap at the end of a meeting to cover the fact that I leaked during the meeting."
Ellen G., Urgency-frequency
"I felt like I was popping pills all the time and nothing was helping. I don't think they knew what to do with me, so they swept me under the rug. I just needed them to know that I wasn't making this up."
Loraine's Story
Seeking Treatment
Loraine H., Urge incontinence
"Life for me with urgency and incontinence is a constant awareness of my bladder. This constant fear of wetting my pants, to put it bluntly."
Linda's Story
Seeking Treatment
Linda H., Urinary retention
"I shouldn't have to live with this. I shouldn't have to be told that, 'Well, there's nothing else we can do—catheterize for the rest of your life.'"
Elaine H., Urgency-frequency
"I was going 18 times per day and 3 or 4 times per night. With each new treatment I had hope, and when nothing worked, it was a big disappointment. I thought, 'I'm way too young for this!'"
Jane H., Urgency-frequency
"My doctor basically said that after having 3 children, urinary difficulties were to be expected. That really shut me down and made me feel hopeless. I thought I'd just have to live with it."
Next: Step 1: InterStim Therapy Trial Assessment - Stories of Control
Medtronic invited these patients to share their stories candidly. Not everyone who receives InterStim Therapy will receive the same results as the patients in these stories. 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.
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