Stewart

Stewart started having prostate problems in 1987 and found it difficult to urinate. He had prostate surgery in 1999 and, in 2000, a suprapubic catheter fitted. He now uses a urethral catheter with a flip flow valve during the day and a bag overnight.

Stewart started having prostate problems in 1987 and later had surgery. Before surgery, he found it difficult to urinate and, when he did, it was painful. He had a prostate operation in December 1999 and, in 2000, had an indwelling catheter fitted. He said he was given very little information about it at that point and felt he was floundering’ when he first started living with the catheter. In the early days of having a catheter, Stewart said I wasn’t really getting very good service.’ He felt that his healthcare improved over the years and that the district nurses had been very good. He now has a catheter and a flip flow valve. He has his catheter changed every 6 weeks by a district nurse at his local clinic.

Stewart said that he had a suprapubic catheter for about 3 years but, because of problems with it, changed to a urethral catheter. He couldn’t remember the nature of the problems but said that it could have been because of leaking. He said he still has some small leaks even now and wears pads.

During the day, Stewart has a flip flow valve. Overnight, he uses a night bag. He has no problems travelling locally but said that long coach journeys or trips to the cinema could be difficult. On those occasions, he tries not to drink too much beforehand. He said that he could use a leg bag when going on long journeys, though didn’t use one routinely. Stewart said that cruise ship holidays were fine and, before going, he made sure he had all his equipment with him from the pharmacy in case of any problems catheters, flip flow valves, and day and night bags. He changes his flip flow valve and bag every week.

Stewart said that he had a few urinary tract infections in the early days but not many recently, and none in the last year or two. He’d had a heart attack in 2011 and lives with heart, blood and liver problems. Day-day, he can look after himself and has 2 adult sons for support as well as good neighbours. Stewart also attends a local continence group every 3 months or so, which he finds helpful because of the talks and opportunity to share experiences.

Stewart advises taking your own catheter equipment when you go anywhere. Hospitals don’t always…

Age at interview 87

Gender Male

Stewart found the local continence group very helpful. The nurses often gave a talk and then they…

Age at interview 87

Gender Male

Stewart disliked the suprapubic catheter, so changed to a urethral catheter. He still regrets the…

Age at interview 87

Gender Male

Stewart wondered if he should use a leg bag instead of having just a flip flow valve when he went…

Age at interview 87

Gender Male

Stewart recalled how he managed on a cruise. A drainage bag was useful at times but usually he…

Age at interview 87

Gender Male

Stewart uses a valve during the day, without a bag. He uses a bag only at night time or if he’s…

Age at interview 87

Gender Male

Stewart describes his daily drinking routine. He mainly drinks tea and is mostly teetotal.

Age at interview 87

Gender Male

Stewart recommends taking your own catheter equipment on holiday or to the hospital. Hospitals…

Age at interview 87

Gender Male

Stewart had leaking with a suprapubic catheter. He prefers a urethral catheter but still gets…

Age at interview 87

Gender Male

Having a catheter can be frustrating at first and needs adjusting to. Now Stewart has no problems…

Age at interview 87

Gender Male

Stewart wears pads because he often has small leaks even with a urethral catheter. He gets the…

Age at interview 87

Gender Male