Incontinence is a very private problem, which can be difficult and embarrassing to talk about. It is important to know that others also suffer, and that treatments exist that can improve or manage symptoms.

The decision to undergo treatment with an implantable therapy is deeply personal and very complex. If you suffer from incontinence, your doctor will be the main source of information about these therapies. Many people suggest that it can help to talk to someone who has undergone a similar experience.

Our Ambassadors have agreed to share their personal stories with you – including their reasons for choosing an implantable therapy and how it has affected their lives. We hope their contribution will help you to make a confident, informed decision about which treatment option is best for you.

The following articles recount the experiences of peoples who are using Medtronic therapies to control faecal incontinence. Medtronic invited these people to share their stories candidly. As you read them, please bear in mind that the experiences are specific to these particular people. As with all medical treatments, not every response is the same. Results vary.

Ambassador 1 – Pam’s Story Sacral Nerve Stimulation for Faecal Incontinence. Pam has never been diagnosed with a disease, nor has she received a defined medical prognosis. It just happened that through her adult life, she slowly lost bowel control. There was no specific cause, no obvious onset. Becoming more and more confined to her home, Pam finally found a solutions in Sacral Nerve Stimulation. “It is not perfect, but it’s really really helpful for me. It makes a huge difference, because I have a few minutes – maybe 10 minutes – knowing that I need to go to the toilet”, Pam said. Read more about Pam's Story >>

Ambassador 2 – Beverley’s Story Sacral Nerve Stimulation for Faecal Incontinence. Whether it’s over the phone, or face to face, Beverley’s joy for live resonates in her every word. Listening to her story, I was continually amazed at the power of this woman – the difficulties she had overcome, the determination to squeeze joy from her darkest moments, and the amount of love she has for her family – her husband, two daughters, and her grand daughters. Beverley survived nine years of intractable diarrhoea before finally discovering an answer to her problems in sacral nerve stimulation… Read more about Beverley’s Story >>