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.

Jack broke his hip in May 2011 at the age of 76. When he went into hospital a urethral catheter was inserted. After a couple of weeks, the catheter was taken out. At night, however, Jack found it difficult to urinate. The doctor re-inserted the catheter and, when Jack was discharged from hospital, he still had the catheter in. He went into intermediate care for 4 weeks and then returned to hospital to have the catheter removed. Because he hadn’t passed very much urine, the nurse put the catheter back in.

At the time of interview, Jack was wondering whether to have surgery to his prostate, which would enable him to be catheter free, but was aware that the operation could also cause complications. He’d been living with the catheter but had had problems with it. He has had to have it changed frequently because of blockages. He said he can have the catheter in for a maximum of 4 weeks before it needs changing. He would be happier to keep the catheter permanently if it could be changed every 12 weeks instead. Other problems he’d had with the catheter have included leakage when the bag has come away from the catheter.

Jack said he lived with several other health problems too, including high cholesterol, arthritis and depression. On a day-day basis, he had help from a carer who came in in the mornings to help get him out of bed and washed, and who prepared his breakfast. She also emptied his catheter bag and put a new one on. Jack emptied his bag himself every 3 or 4 hours. He said he tries to go out but still has difficulty walking.

Jack was given very little information about the catheter he only learnt he had one inserted when he came round after surgery. At the time of interview, he felt undecided about whether to keep the catheter or have surgery to his prostate. He said that the doctor had told him it was rare for people to have the surgery, and he wondered how many other patients had gone ahead with the operation.

Jack is unsure whether to have surgery or live with a urethral catheter. He has had problems with…

Age at interview 77

Gender Male

Jack’s night bag leaks if it comes apart from his catheter. He’s also had problems with the day…

Age at interview 77

Gender Male

Jack would like to know how often a catheter should be changed. He would opt for a permanent one…

Age at interview 77

Gender Male