Fiercely Independent Pam

Tag: self-catheterization

  • A Little Setback: A Return to the ER!

    It was bound to happen! Last night I found myself in the ER after spending the day trying to urinate but barely able to even with self cathing. After about 12 hours of this, I decided that I should go get it checked out.

    It was interesting that with the bladder scan, I didn’t have a ridiculous amount of fluid in my bladder, but enough to cause pressure. The ER dr ordered some fluids to flush out any bad stuff and then we cathed again. The urine showed a bladder infection so I was put on antibiotics, given some pain medicine and sent home. All in all, it wasn’t a terrible visit, but still less than desirable!

    I am now on antibiotics for the bladder infection and they also called in some medicine that will help with the spasms. I am looking forward to seeing the urologist tomorrow to get his input on the situation.

    I am so thankful that I was able to take an Uber to the ER as opposed to needing to call an ambulance. My mobility is so much better. I appreciate how far I’ve come and know that it was because of all my hard work!

    This little setback isn’t a major deal, just frustrating! I am hoping that everything heals correctly and without any other trouble.

  • Trials and Tribulations of My Bladder- The Latest Chapter!

    My bladder is quite obnoxious! After my hysterectomy last April, I struggled to urinate. I was told that it was a “Floppy Bladder” and would not be able to fully empty without the assistance of a catheter.

    So, I learned how to self- cath and actually got quite good at it. Fast forward to January when I was hospitalized for numerous things including a very large kidney stone, a UTI, and a picc line infection. When I got home I required the use of a bedpan and slowly relied less on self- cathing. I thought my bladder was finally waking up and I would be cured.

    The fun only lasted a few weeks because I began retaining urine again and having to cath to be able to fully empty my bladder. In the last 24 hours, I am completing a voiding diary where I chart all this liquid I take in, and everything I am able to get out via urinating or self- cathing. I will then send the voiding diary to my doctor and we will meet to talk about it.

    The biggest challenge right now is that I require a riser on my toilet so that I am able to stand up from the toilet. This riser greatly diminishes the room I would have to self- cath and isn’t really possible over the toilet. I tried to get up from the toilet without the riser and it wasn’t possible, yet!

    I am curious about what the next steps are for my obnoxious bladder that gave me false hope. Until I meet with the doctor, I will continue to brainstorm solutions and rise to meet these challenges!

  • The Hard Work Begins Today: A First Day of Inpatient Rehab!

    So it begins.. I arrived at inpatient rehab yesterday after a few delays mostly because of the weather (crazy snow storm!) I ended up paying for transportation and it was a good decision since I am still having problems standing up and transferring.

    I was beyond welcomed by the staff here for rehab and they have been wonderful! I am confident that I forgot a few things, but hopefully I can have some help from my family. I am super excited to start working hard- I will receive at least 3 hours of pt/ot each day, which is exactly what I need. Right now I am finishing my Bible in a Year Podcast, which is nice to be able to stay up on.

    I am looking forward to unpacking my stuff and setting up for rehab, as I packed up pretty decently including lots of pants and t-shirts, but missing catheters and a watch charger! All in good time! For my first night I am wearing my special Buckee’s pjs that I picked up when I was there for my interview. It was a fun nod to what I have accomplished already.

    I think I have said this before, but wanted to update people about the progress of the service dog. In addition to the service dog, I am continuing with rehab. The next steps is to have a site visit here at my apartment and they will also be bringing a dog to help me demonstrate some skills, hopefully at the grocery store. This should be taking place after the committee meets- around late March/ Early April. I am thankful that they are willing to come here. From there, the next steps would be to be accepted as a formal client and begin fundraising for team training and similar. Then begins the “Fun” part!- Something special PAALS calls “Speed Dating” where we make sure the right connection is made between a dog and the “handler.” Eventually, team training will take place, but this is a far way off. All of this is super exciting!

    In the meantime, I will be working hard at standing and completing rehab goals. I am not sure exactly what it means to finish my antibiotics and future doctor’s appointments, but I moved as many appointments as possible. Time to track down what I am missing!