Carol

In 2003 Carol was diagnosed with endometriosis. This had invaded her bladder and her bowel. She has had several operations after which she has had a urethral catheter, once for four months, due to a perforated bladder. Sometimes she has to self catheterise due to loss of bladder sensation.
Carol was a chartered accountant before she retired due to ill health. She is single. Ethnic background/nationality: White British.
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Carol was catheterised on different occasions for different lengths of time. Her bladder could rupture again and then she'll need a catheter again.
Carol was catheterised on different occasions for different lengths of time. Her bladder could rupture again and then she'll need a catheter again.
Carol shows what a 'SpeediCath' catheter looks like. It's as easy to use as a tampon. She also shows a very small 'SpeediCath', which is good when travelling.
Carol shows what a 'SpeediCath' catheter looks like. It's as easy to use as a tampon. She also shows a very small 'SpeediCath', which is good when travelling.
Carol's bladder function is erratic. She finds a lubricated catheter easiest to use. Finding out about the best products and being taught by a specialist nurse helped.
Carol's bladder function is erratic. She finds a lubricated catheter easiest to use. Finding out about the best products and being taught by a specialist nurse helped.
Yeah, from a friend of mine who I know through doing work for Endometriosis UK. She showed me the products and she’s a gynaecology nurse specialist on the NHS. And I found it quite shocking actually that they’re more up to date on products than in the private sector, where they perhaps don’t look at this. But it depends where you have your care as to what products you are given.
Carol sometimes asked for her catheter to be changed because it was uncomfortable either because of the material or size. Hers was made of silicone.
Carol sometimes asked for her catheter to be changed because it was uncomfortable either because of the material or size. Hers was made of silicone.
I think I have 12 or 14. But you can get smaller ones.
Carol didn't know how long she'd need a catheter for each time she had one. A discussion on the different types available would have helped.
Carol didn't know how long she'd need a catheter for each time she had one. A discussion on the different types available would have helped.
I think, although they hadn’t anticipated for me that I was going to have them for four months, having some sort of dialogue on what you like wearing and what might be the most suitable product for you, would be good. And because I’ve only had a urethral catheter as well I think knowing that, you know I’ve had them for periods of time, maybe the other sort, the suprapubic might have worked better. But then it’s difficult to know when they didn’t really know how long I’d be left with a catheter.
Using a catheter got easier with time. Carol found it straightforward and felt confident dealing with it.
Using a catheter got easier with time. Carol found it straightforward and felt confident dealing with it.
Carol shows her leg bag, a 500ml bag with a tap. She found the leg bag straps uncomfortable so uses a sleeve instead, which she washes and reuses.
Carol shows her leg bag, a 500ml bag with a tap. She found the leg bag straps uncomfortable so uses a sleeve instead, which she washes and reuses.
Carol would have liked to know more about the various kinds of leg bags and where they can be worn. She's had a few embarrassing experiences when the bag got too full.
Carol would have liked to know more about the various kinds of leg bags and where they can be worn. She's had a few embarrassing experiences when the bag got too full.
No, it’s just like a little sort of mesh type thing that’s quite soft and you put the bag in and pull the little tap out of it. So it sits quite comfortably on your leg. They’re just a bit more comfortable than the actual elastic, the Velcro straps that you put on it ‘cos I’ve found that the Velcro straps on my leg are quite uncomfortable.
Carol says ask your GP about where to get support if you need it. District nurses, continence advisors and urology nurses can all help in different ways.
Carol says ask your GP about where to get support if you need it. District nurses, continence advisors and urology nurses can all help in different ways.
Carol had many operations and infections and was often in pain. She was no longer thought fit for work and was given a pension.
Carol had many operations and infections and was often in pain. She was no longer thought fit for work and was given a pension.
My employer deemed that I was unemployable, and from my sickness record alone. You know it’s sad at 39 that someone says that, but I’m determined to make a difference for women with endometriosis. And I’ll continue to fight and try and do work with the government so they do understand what women go through.
Carol had at times lacked information, for example she didn't know that she should not detach the day bag before attaching the night bag. She also wasn't told about bathing.
Carol had at times lacked information, for example she didn't know that she should not detach the day bag before attaching the night bag. She also wasn't told about bathing.
Carol would have liked to phone a district nurse for support on the odd occasion she'd needed it. Her family and friends were always very supportive.
Carol would have liked to phone a district nurse for support on the odd occasion she'd needed it. Her family and friends were always very supportive.