The disclosure describes a medical lead with a retrieval wire that extends from the proximal end of the lead. The retrieval wire allows a physician to insert the medical lead into a patient and grab the retrieval wire to pull the proximal end of the lead away from the implant site. Upon gaining access to a lead connector on the proximal end of the medical lead, the physician may remove the retrieval wire and couple the lead connector to an implantable medical device that provides stimulation therapy. In this manner the physician may avoid damaging the lead connector when retrieving the medical lead. In addition, the retrieval wire may be used to provide test stimulation to verify correct electrode location. The medical lead may be used to stimulate tissue such as the stomach, small intestine, and the large intestine.