Profiles

Here, you can find any of the interviews on this site.



Sid

Sid was born with spina bifida. He was incontinent and had to use incontinence pads. When he was about 45 he was told about intermittent self-catheterisation. This has changed his life. It has given him the confidence to go out without fear of embarrassment.

  • Background

    Before Sid retired he worked as a BT engineer. He is married with one grown up child. Ethnic background/nationality: White British.

  • Age at interview 75
  • Sex/Gender Male
  • Emlyn

    In 2008 Emlyn found that he could not pass urine. At hospital, his urine was released via a urethral catheter, and he had surgery for prostate cancer. In 2011 he had difficulty passing urine again so he had more surgery and was given a suprapubic catheter.

  • Background

    Emlyn was a lorry driver and factory worker before he retired. He is married and has one grown up daughter. Ethnic background/nationality: White British.

  • Age at interview 79
  • Sex/Gender Male
  • Jack

    Jack broke his hip in 2011, aged 76. When he went into hospital, a urethral catheter was inserted. Jack was wondering whether to have surgery to his prostate, which would enable him to be catheter free, but having surgery could also cause complications.

  • Background

    Jack is a retired county court clerk and is single. Ethnic background / nationality: White British.

  • Age at interview 77
  • Sex/Gender Male
  • Rob

    In 2008 Rob was diagnosed with cauda equina syndrome. The nerves in his lower back were compressed due to infection, leaving him disabled below the waist. He is incontinent so has a urethral catheter, which allows him to lead a fairly normal life

  • Background

    Rob is a Chartered Electrical Engineer who was forced into retirement by his illness. He is married and has six children. Ethnic background/nationality: White British.

  • Age at interview 70
  • Sex/Gender Male
  • Peter Z

    Peter was diagnosed with MS when he was about 40. In 1985 he collapsed and was taken to hospital. When he woke up, he had a colostomy and a urethral catheter. He now has a suprapubic catheter. He has lived with an indwelling catheter for over 25 years.

  • Background

    Peter is a retired corrosion engineer and lecturer for a gas company. He has 3 adult sons and is separated. Ethnic background/nationality: White British.

  • Age at interview 76
  • Sex/Gender Male
  • Derek

    Around 2003/4, when Derek was 65, he was fitted with a urethral catheter. He had lots of problems with bleeding and blockages. About 9 years later, the catheter was removed after he had laser surgery to his enlarged prostate. He is now catheter free.

  • Background

    Derek is a retired fork lift truck driver. He is married and has 2 adult children. Ethnic background/nationality: White British.

  • Age at interview 79
  • Sex/Gender Male
  • John Y

    John has spastic tetraparesis of unknown origin. Just over a year ago he developed urinary problems. He had a urethral catheter for a few days and then decided to have a suprapubic catheter, which he likes. He has had very few problems with this catheter.

  • Background

    John is a retired medical practitioner. He is married and has three children. Ethnic background/nationality: White British.

  • Age at interview 77
  • Sex/Gender Male