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In 2008 Pat's husband, Rob, was diagnosed with cauda equina syndrome and thrombocytopenia. He was very ill and needed a urethral catheter. Pat helped to care for Rob while he was in hospital and she has cared for him since he returned home
Pat is a registered nurse (RGN), but is not working at the moment because she is a full time carer. She is married and has six grown up children. Ethnic...
Ann's bladder problems started around the time she had radiotherapy after a hysterectomy for uterine cancer. In 2011 she was fitted with a suprapubic catheter, which she'd had for about 4 months at the time of interview.
Ann is a retired doctor. She is widowed and has 3 adult children. Ethnic background / nationality: White British.
Gordon was catheterised urethrally aged 89. For 3 years his catheter changes were painful. In 2011, he looked on the internet for information and came across a herbal remedy for an enlarged prostate containing Saw Palmetto. He has had no problems since.
Gordon is widowed and has an adult daughter. Ethnic background/nationality: White British.
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 is a retired teacher. He is widowed and has 2 adult sons. Ethnic background/Nationality: White British.
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.
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.
John was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 1996, in his late fifties. His bowel was removed and his bladder muscles were damaged. Several years later, he was fitted with a urethral catheter. A carer visits John 4 times a day.
John is a retired staff liaison officer and single. Ethnic background / nationality: White British.
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 is a retired county court clerk and is single. Ethnic background / nationality: White British.
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
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.
Kenneth was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 1994. After surgery he found he was incontinent. He had a urethral catheter for 8 years. In 2002 staff found it impossible to insert a new catheter so now he has a urinary sheath (a 'Conveen') to collect urine.
Kenneth was an engineer and surveyor before he retired. He is married and he has two grown up children. Ethnic background/nationality: White British
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.
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.
