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Cath Dixon 2021-02-19 Person 5 5 0

I have to say l couldn't have got a better nurse to help me with my bladder continence/ incontinence issues if l'd paid privately!!! From my very first phonecall with her she took time to listen to what l said and questions l asked. Cath took the time to answer all my questions and explain anything l didn't understand. Cath told me which lift to use at the hospital and she would meet me on the 1st floor. So at my first appointment, Cath met me by the lift and took me to her consultation room, which made things SO much easier as a full-time wheelchair user and wearing splints meant l didn't have to struggle with heavy doors. Cath's Disability Awareness is Awesome!! To Cath it was 2nd nature, which meant there was no awkward UM OH moment. So, the appointment gets underway. I couldn't believe all these catheters that Cath was showing me. Cath took time to understand my carpal tunnel problem, how it affects me and that without the splints on my hands are useless. Cath was thinking all the time how to get around my physical disabilities. I had a catheter fitted in A&E on New Years Day. Cath was thinking about my circumstances and decided as it was going into the weekend she wouldn't remove my longterm catheter incase l had problems self catheterising and l wouldn't be able to get help from her. I agreed l would be happier if the longterm catheter wasn't removed until after the weekend. Cath made an appointment for me at 10.30am at my home. On Monday Cath turned up with various catheters for me to see which ones l could insert myself. Cath showed me each catheter and how to hold it while l had a clean catheter to insert. First catheter l struggled with l just couldn't do it. Cath was SO encouraging and said don't stress it's fine, it takes as long as it takes. Again Cath showed me the new catheter, where to touch and what l couldn't touch. So me with my clean catheter l followed what Cath did and WOW the catheter went in no problems. I was totally shocked!! Did it a few times more,it was So much easier than l thought it would be. Cath was so unbelievably patient, encouraging, made me laugh so l wasn't tensed up and didn't feel embarrassed with everything on show. Cath made an appointment for her to come back to my home in a few days to see how l coping/ managing. Cath rang me on the Tuesday to see how l was doing. I said l was having issues as the urine was constantly leaking. Cath was so sympathetic and understanding Cath thought there was nerve damage to the bladder. I said l would see her on the arranged appointment day and l would use incontinence pads/knickers until l saw her. Cath came and said she's spoken to the Consultant l am under and said about the issues l was having, and they both agreed there was nerve damage. Cath put in a longterm catheter, but this time there's a little tap that l turn to empty my bladder,Cath explained that by having a tap and not a bag it might help my bladder get some tone back, but at night l could pop on a night time 2litre bag. Not having to wear the bag on my leg is SO much easier, plus no tube to get caught in my wheelchair tyres and castors Cath really put a lot of effort into finding the best solution for me totally tailor made. So l'm going forward now with the longterm catheter in with a tap on, so l have to go to the toilet every 3hours-ish, but at night l can connect a night time bag, so l can get some sleep. Cath will be seeing me in 3weeks and hopefully the nerve damage will have improved and my bladder will have toned up as can keep urine in there. I have to say that Cath is an Amazing, Awesome Sympathetic, Special, Patient, Understanding Disability Aware, Thoughtful, Problem Solving, Nothing is too much trouble and when Cath says "If you're having an issue just call me. If l'm with a patient l'll ring you back afterwards." I know that when Cath says that she totally means it 100% genuine! I'm not easily embarrassed but understand some people are and l know Cath will put them at ease because she is so lovely. Cath really is an exceptional nurse and person!!! I am so, so priviledged and lucky to have her as the nurse taking care of my continence/ incontinence health moving forward. I know that Ćath has my best interests at heart and will find a solution no matter what. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU CATH!! YOU ARE AWESOME!!!!