Profiles

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



Gordon

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.

  • Background

    Gordon is widowed and has an adult daughter. Ethnic background/nationality: White British.

  • Age at interview 96
  • Sex/Gender Male
  • 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.

  • Background

    Stewart is a retired teacher. He is widowed and has 2 adult sons. Ethnic background/Nationality: White British.

  • Age at interview 87
  • 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
  • John Z

    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.

  • Background

    John is a retired staff liaison officer and single. Ethnic background / nationality: White British.

  • Age at interview 64
  • 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
  • Kenneth

    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.

  • Background

    Kenneth was an engineer and surveyor before he retired. He is married and he has two grown up children. Ethnic background/nationality: White British

  • Age at interview 80
  • 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
  • Annie

    Annie had a horse riding accident in 2002, aged 54. She was paralysed and fitted with a urethral catheter. Later she had a suprapubic catheter. Some time after her accident, Annie became high sheriff and is now a trustee of Southern Spinal Injuries Trust.

  • Background

    Annie is married and has 3 adult children. She is a retired nurse. Ethnic background/nationality: White British.

  • Age at interview 64
  • Sex/Gender Female
  • 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