Have any questions about how to use the community? Check out the Help Discussion.

A new task, self catheterizing my husband

trottingalong
trottingalong Member Posts: 837
Ninth Anniversary 500 Care Reactions 500 Likes 500 Comments
Member
in Caring For a Spouse or Partner

I knew when the urologist informed my husband he needed to learn how to self cath, that meant me. The list of skills I have acquired as a caregiver gets longer and longer. It never crossed my mind this would be in my future. I have now done it successfully 8 times. Enlarged prostate with frequent UTIs and reduced ability to urinate. I am a wife, caregiver, nurse, pharmacist, researcher, housekeeper and cook to name a few. Thank goodness for this group of people who understand, because there is little help available for those of us on this trip. One day at a time.

Comments

  • Chance Rider
    Chance Rider Member Posts: 129
    100 Likes 100 Comments 25 Care Reactions 5 Insightfuls Reactions
    Member

    @trottingalong I’m so sorry that yet another challenge has been added to an already difficult journey. The thought of having to cath my husband would intimidate me… you’re amazing and an inspiration. My husband was just diagnosed this past August and is probably late stage 4. I have a long road ahead. Big hugs to you!

  • Biggles
    Biggles Member Posts: 598
    1,000 Care Reactions 500 Likes 500 Comments 100 Insightfuls Reactions
    Member

    I take my hat off to you @trottingalong another skill to add to your long repertoire, brilliant stuff. Aren’t we an amazing lot of untrained professionals! The various skills that we have acquired and the knowledge that we have obtained and share. Thank goodness for this group because there’s not much help or support available for any of us on this unfortunate journey.

  • wose
    wose Member Posts: 296
    250 Care Reactions 100 Likes 100 Comments 25 Insightfuls Reactions
    Member

    Yikes… I can’t imagine. You are a true warrior but I’m so so sorry you need to do this. Sending you strength and hugs💕💜

  • tonyac2
    tonyac2 Member Posts: 138
    100 Likes 100 Comments 100 Care Reactions 25 Insightfuls Reactions
    Member

    Wow! That’s a tall order. And here I think I’m a big shot because I put an external catheter on my DH at night…not even close.

  • starwood
    starwood Member Posts: 20
    Second Anniversary 10 Comments 5 Likes 5 Care Reactions
    Member

    It seems every day becomes more challenging. This is a task I’m not sure I could handle. I admire your ability to add it to the long list of daily activities.

  • Jgirl57
    Jgirl57 Member Posts: 738
    Fifth Anniversary 250 Likes 500 Comments 100 Care Reactions
    Member

    oh wow, that is quite a skill. Yes, one day at a time .., thanks for sharing

  • trottingalong
    trottingalong Member Posts: 837
    Ninth Anniversary 500 Care Reactions 500 Likes 500 Comments
    Member
    edited November 29

    @Chance Rider, One thing I can take away from this disease is never say never. I was scared to death.

  • trottingalong
    trottingalong Member Posts: 837
    Ninth Anniversary 500 Care Reactions 500 Likes 500 Comments
    Member

    @Biggles, I love the term “untrained professionals.” You nailed it.

  • trottingalong
    trottingalong Member Posts: 837
    Ninth Anniversary 500 Care Reactions 500 Likes 500 Comments
    Member

    @starwood. I never in my wildest dreams (or should I say nightmares) thought I had it in me to do this. I’ve learned I’m a lot stronger than I ever thought I was.

  • trottingalong
    trottingalong Member Posts: 837
    Ninth Anniversary 500 Care Reactions 500 Likes 500 Comments
    Member

    @harshedbuzz, that made me chuckle. No it was not on my marriage bingo card, but I do love this man.

  • SDianeL
    SDianeL Member Posts: 2,596
    2500 Comments 1,000 Care Reactions 1,000 Likes 500 Insightfuls Reactions
    Member

    wow! A doctor asked me once if I was a nurse. I said no but that I had been to “the school of hard knocks” if that counted. Proud of you. Amazing what we do for love. 💜

Commonly Used Abbreviations


DH = Dear Husband
DW= Dear Wife, Darling Wife
LO = Loved One
ES = Early Stage
EO = Early Onset
FTD = Frontotemporal Dementia
VD = Vascular Dementia
MC = Memory Care
AL = Assisted Living
POA = Power of Attorney
Read more

Community Guidelines


Click here to review the ALZConnected Community Guidelines

Categories