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A new task, self catheterizing my husband

trottingalong
trottingalong Member Posts: 847
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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.

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  • Chance Rider
    Chance Rider Member Posts: 132
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    @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: 610
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    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: 298
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    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: 141
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    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: 26
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    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: 740
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    oh wow, that is quite a skill. Yes, one day at a time .., thanks for sharing

  • trottingalong
    trottingalong Member Posts: 847
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    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: 847
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    @Biggles, I love the term “untrained professionals.” You nailed it.

  • trottingalong
    trottingalong Member Posts: 847
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    @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: 847
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    @harshedbuzz, that made me chuckle. No it was not on my marriage bingo card, but I do love this man.

  • SDianeL
    SDianeL Member Posts: 2,630
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    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. 💜

  • starwood
    starwood Member Posts: 26
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    https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/259419#Comment_259419

    It seems a new challenge comes pretty regularly. My DH who has been content and pretty easy to care for has begun having sundowning incidents (in the middle of the night waking up pretty agitated), insists he has to go somewhere and trying to get out of his wheelchair, assuring me that he can do things himself and doesn’t need help. Much harder to redirect. None of this rises to your challenge, of course, is new to me and means I have to figure out again how best to handle him. Sometimes I just don’t know HOW to respond or what to do. And doing nothing is not always an option.

  • tboard
    tboard Member Posts: 194
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    edited 3:27PM
    https://alzconnected.org/discussion/74705/a-new-task-self-catheterizing-my-husband

    My DH was unable to self catheterize and I refused to do it as I am not qualified. They put in a catheter and I brought him to the clinic so that it could be changed. However they did refuse to give me new collection bags and I was forced to order them over the internet as a prescription is required and the urologist said that those smelly collection bags never need to be changed.

    I emptied the collection bag for my DH which meant setting an alarm for 2:00 AM. Eventually he was prescribed medication and no longer needs the catheter. I think his urologist is a monster.

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
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