What Patients Say About Medtronic InterStim Therapy

Learn about the experiences of others with bladder control problems as they explored treatment options and found hope with InterStim Therapy.

Sarah H., Urge incontinence

Sarah's Story

Seeking Treatment

Seeking Treatment

"I was just very skeptical. I just didn't believe it was going to work."

Watch Sarah's experience seeking treatment

Sarah's Story

Trial Assessment

Step 1: The Trial Assessment

"My test stimulation period was interesting. It involved a lot of different changes to my settings to try to figure out which one was going to work…"

Watch Sarah's experience with the trial assessment

Sarah's Story

InterStim Therapy

Step 2: Long-term InterStim Therapy

"I had been through 10 different possibilities and nothing worked for me until this. But, I think I'm more than happy that I kept trying, and ultimately I found something that worked for me."

Watch Sarah's experience with long-term InterStim Therapy

Barbara B., Urge incontinence

Barbara's Story

Seeking Treatment

Seeking Treatment

"…I was not able to control the urine that fell out of me. It wasn't normal. 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."

Watch Barbara's experience seeking treatment

Barbara's Story

Trial Assessment

Step 1: The Trial Assessment

"I hadn't been dry for a whole day in almost 38 years. When I realized I wasn't wet, I had hope."

Watch Barbara's experience with the trial assessment

Barbara's Story

InterStim Therapy

Step 2: Long-term InterStim Therapy

"Now I am able to sit through a meeting, without having to leave…I was always waiting to find the next bathroom. Now I'm waiting to find out what's going to be part of my life."

Watch Barbara's experience with long-term InterStim Therapy

Next: Seeking Treatment: Stories of Hope

In addition to risks related to surgery, complications 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, undesirable changes in urinary or bowel function, and uncomfortable stimulation (sometimes described as a jolting or shocking feeling). In most cases, these issues can be resolved, so talk to your doctor about your experience. (See Important Safety Information for possible adverse events.) This therapy is not for everyone. Please consult your doctor. A prescription is required.