Cath Dixon

Written by a NHS patient at Neath Port Talbot Hospital

Where do I start? I will just go back to the beginning, so you understand my story. I was born with Spinabifida, as most of you may know, this is not an easy life to live if you are born with this condition, things can be very challenging (especially going to the toilet). I was told I may never walk, 5 months after I was born I started walking, so as you can imagine I simply just don't listen haha. Luckily for me, I am able to carry out everyday activates that a lot of people with my condition aren't able to do. I am very grateful in that respect. Now with me, I am as incontinent as a wooden spoon, literally no use of either my bowels or bladder growing up. There was always that risk of having severe spine damage, or it snapping as I grow due to the never damage around my spinal cord. When I was 9 I had major surgy that eliminated that risk for me, and I have been able o grow up heathery than ever. I have used disposable catheters all my life, however in recent years I have slowly notices that the feeling of needing to go for a pee has been appearing, and has been getting stronger over time. I am now occasionally able to sit down and go for a pee myself. I may not always be able to fully empty my bladder because of how hard I am trying, nor sometimes even have the strength to start, but slow progression is better than no progression. Moving onto my bowels, this is where I have had most difficulties growing up. About 10 years ago I was provided an enema kit, that I used for about a year, after that I completed stopped as I just couldn't keep using it. If you know, you know. I always dropped out of sports very easily because of this as mid run, I would realise its too late to get to a toilet and ultimately needed to go and change my clothes. This has pretty much been the story of my life. Now for the good bit, I had an appointment at Neath, Port Talbot hospital the other day for a check up with Urology, this is where I met this absolute gem of a lady, her name is Cath Dixon. To say this lovely lady quite literally changed my life overnight was an understatement. I have tried every kind of laxative and and supplement the world has to offer, and they have absolutely zero affect on me. But Cath told me about this product that changed it all, and the best thing is, she told me this will work with confidence. Of course I was sceptical but thought it cant be worse than anything else I have tried. So, yesterday I picked up with product from my local pharmacy, I took it before bed with a warm drink as Cath advised. Today, now around lunch time I felt like I needed a poo, now it didn't feel like it was too late for me either, I had time to get up and actually go to the toilet, and within 10 minutes my bowels were empty. I was, and still am mind blown. The feeling is like no other, I have never felt so mentally sharp, and happy. That brain fog that I never actually knew I had clouding over me all these years just disappeared and I tell you what, this is a feeling like no other. I cant quite explain how I feel this way. I feel smarter, I feel sharper, I am able to focus so much better, I am so much happier. It is like I have just woken up in a new life, and it feels amazing. Within the next couple of weeks I can confidently say I will be return back to the gym to train, and to live my life to my fullest potential without ever looking back. Cath, I owe you a dept of gratitude that I can never repay. You have quit literally saved me from a trauma I never thought I would be able to get over. You are truly my hero.

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Written by a NHS patient at Stoma Services

I have been seen twice this year, by Cath Dixon, for Trial Without Catheter. She handled every aspect, with a relaxed and reassuring professionalism. Although I failed on both occasions, she was most encouraging, and gave valuable advice. She was interested in each patient, and made sure the packed lunches were of excellent quality! She put herself out, to arrange for a taxi to take me from the Hospital. So glad to have been treated by Cath.

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Written by a NHS patient at Stoma Services

I had been struggling with my bowel for such a long time especially after my total colectomy ileostomy reversal and anastomosis and it has become increasingly harder to cope each day and care for my husband. I had come across Cath Dixon during my Ace button and stoma days and always found her helpful and so knowledgeable. I’ve been referred to her again and she has been such a great support in helping me with pain, discomfort and now the irrigation process. She is very supportive,, kind and such an asset to Swansea Bay Heath Board.

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Written by a NHS patient at Stoma Services

I met Cath, at my home, last Friday, 14th April. She was everything that you could wish for as a Nurse. She sat down and listened to all my concerns and answered each one in turn. Totally putting my mind at rest. She is such a down to earth person that you instantly feel at ease about the situation that you are coming to terms with. I don't think that there is anything that I would change about the care and support that I have received. I feel that I have been very lucky to have the best care and support available.

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Written by a NHS patient at Stoma Services

I met Cath for the first time in person a week ago. She was immediately warm and welcoming. After 13 plus years of unmanageable bowel symptoms/ constipation and bloating daily, Cath taught me how to perform home irrigation. Since following her advice for a week. I have finally experienced pain free evenings which have always been particularly difficult. I am sleeping at night without being woken up with bowel symptoms and generally feeling ‘well’ for the first time in years. The irrigation itself is extremely user friendly, quick to perform and packs away neatly into a discreet zip up bag. The ordering process is easy with the luxury of home delivery. The service is just wonderful. Cath is the first person I have spoken to medically about my chronic bowel issues who actually ‘gets it’. Not only did she understand, she had a potential solution. I would encourage everyone to speak to Cath for her to share her invaluable experience. I am incredibly grateful to have been given the opportunity to meet her. She has introduced me to a new and better way of life. Long may it continue! Thank you so much Cath.

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