"Managing my incontinence"

I was referred to the Continence Services by my GP as I had developed a cystocele and had a weak pelvic floor. It was also increasingly difficult to have a wee and I had to get up several times in the night to go to the toilet. At the initial assessment it was found that I had a large amount of urine in my bladder and was advised I would have to regularly catheterise myself.

This was a huge shock and despite being a retired nurse, I was distressed and anxious that I wouldn't be able to manage and I probably wouldn't have done so without the excellent support from Hayley, the continence nurse specialist. Hayley was patient, supportive and understanding whilst also providing clear explanations on how I could improve my situation through strengthening my pelvic floor and guided me through the exercises. Her expertise also identified a further problem and referred me to hospital for assessment by a specialist doctor after which I became incontinent!

I was totally unprepared for this as, after not being able to have a wee for months, I was now unable to stop leaking urine and was distressed all over again. Hayley continued to work with me to manage the incontinence and was always cheerful and supportive throughout. Her kindness, empathy and expertise was always present and after a lot of hard work I am now just about dry!

Thank you Hayley and the continence service team.