- Good morning Freddie. That is the only name used in the ward. As you know, you inserted a catheter. I went to bed that night and looked at the bag. It was a 4 hour bag so I joined another to it and slept right through.
- The second night I forgot the extra bag and around 2am the bed was wet and the tube in me was loose.
- I assume you do not normally discharge UTI patients with one small bag and no further bags of any kind.
- I assume you normally discuss the catheter situation with the patient and ask if there are any questions.
- I telephoned 111. They came and removed the apparatus. That was great, I said, as I was told I'd wear it all for 4 weeks.
- I monitor right now as to whether I can void urine effectively on my own. The result is that it is 100% normal.
- Fever or Shivering? None.
- There's always a however.
- I eat much less at present. Consomme, other thin soup, trifle, semi-liquid chocolate mousse, that type of food.
- I have finished the antibiotics: Even though I felt 100% better at times I finished the entire course to prevent the bacteria from bouncing back.
- Hydratation: the fluids are kept moving to flush out any residual bacteria.
- Overall, I have peed quite normally since the catheter was removed. I feel groggy a lot of the time. I drink lots to flush through the bacteria etc. I am not eating much at all. Don't feel like it. Just enough to keep a bird alive.
- Dehydration/Electrolyte Imbalance: I mentioned drinking "lots" to flush the system. While good, if I'm not eating, I might be flushing out my salts (sodium and potassium) without replacing them. This can make me feel like I'm walking through treacle.
- Antibiotic Impact: As you know, these meds are "carpet bombers"—they kill the bad bacteria in your bladder but also the good bacteria in your gut, which completely kills your desire to eat.
- The Risk: At 6 feet tall and an ectomorph, I don't have a huge amount of "reserve" to lean on.
- "I am voiding normally, but I am still very groggy. Is this expected at this stage of the antibiotic course?"
- "My appetite has vanished. Should I be concerned about my electrolyte levels?"
- "Do I need to bring in a 'clean catch' urine sample to the GP to ensure the specific bacteria is actually responding to these specific antibiotics?"
- The fact that the catheter is out is a win, but the "groggy" feeling is my body is telling me the fight isn't quite over yet.
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