"Getting help fit continence issues"

I was discharged from the hospital recently after a short stay due to an infection. I had had a prostatectomy 5 weeks previously. While in hospital, my catheter was removed and it was found I was 100% incontinent of urine. I was discharged with a few poor-quality pads and no advice about how to manage.

After a very stressful night trying to manage my urine output (little sleep, urine spillage in bed and on floors) I called my GP in the morning to try and get some support and guidance about how to manage. The practice nurse was invaluable and referred me straight away to the Bladder and Bowel Health Team.

Within an hour I was called by one of the nurses. She talked me through the referral process, answered my queries, provided practical support and showed understanding and compassion. I was so relieved to have the conversation with a grounded and competent professional. She was even able to book me in there and then for an initial assessment in 2 months time.

What was particularly helpful was the prompt response. if I had been waiting days or weeks for a call I would not have got the practical advice but also I would have been stressed and worried about when help was going to be available. I can't praise this team and my GP practice enough and its a really good example of responsive patient-focused care.