“I NO LONGER WASTE TIME SEARCHING FOR RESTROOMS”
This story recounts the experience of a patient who is receiving Medtronic Bladder Control Therapy (Sacral Neuromodulation), delivered by the InterStimTM system, for the treatment of bladder control problems. Please bear in mind that the experience is specific to this particular person. Not everyone who receives Medtronic Bladder Control Therapy will receive the same results as the patient in this story.
My entire life I've had a problem with leaking, and difficulty realizing when my bladder was full. As a child I would urinate in the morning and then forget to go for the rest of the day. When nature finally caught up with me, I would rush to the nearest restroom - that is, during the times I was lucky. More often than not, I would have an accident.
My name is Susan, and my problem didn't go away as I got older. Instead, it became worse. Sometimes the leaks came without any warning.
My days revolved around locating and being aware of nearby restrooms. I would try to go before I left the house so I wouldn't get caught unprepared, and I kept an arsenal of pads to deal with accidents.
Black and navy blue became my wardrobe colors to camouflage any leaks, and I kept a change of clothes with me at all times. What I didn't do was see a doctor. Instead, I thought to myself: 'This is a natural part of getting older.'
THE SEARCH FOR RELIEF FROM OAB
The topic of my bladder came up during a conversation with a specialist to whom I had been referred by my doctor. After trying more conservative treatments, I still didn't have the control that my doctor and I were looking for. Then she suggested I try Medtronic Bladder Control Therapy delivered by the InterStim system. Having seen positive results among other patients, my doctor was hopeful that it would work for me.
AN EVALUATION FOR BLADDER CONTROL THERAPY
My doctor implanted temporary leads during a short in-office procedure. As soon as my therapy was turned on I experienced the feeling of a full bladder - and I was absolutely thrilled!
During my trial I didn't have a single dribble, drip, or leak. I also didn't have any complications or infections. Occasionally my clothing would rub up against the area where the leads were taped into my body, causing irritation.
'MY INTIMACY WITH MY HUSBAND IS BACK'
The impact of the therapy really hit home when my doctor removed my trial leads, and my leaking resumed once again. I felt some apprehension about getting surgery, but my doctor answered all my questions. The procedure took place at a hospital in a single day.
My healing process wasn't as quick, and I grew impatient. With fresh incision sites where the long-term lead was implanted, I couldn't perform chores I enjoyed right away.
My recovery period lasted several weeks, but being overly cautious, I took it easy and gave myself extra time before I made a full return to my hectic lifestyle.
Like the trial, the results from my long-term therapy were immediate, and blew my expectations out of the water. I had to adjust my settings shortly after my surgery, but otherwise my therapy has been constant.
With InterStim I no longer waste time searching for restrooms and covering up accidents. I can commit myself completely to all the tasks I want and need to do.
InterStim has also freed me from potentially embarrassing situations. My intimacy with my husband is back, and I can wear light-colored clothes again.