Just Can’t Wait
At the culmination of radiotherapy for prostate cancer in
early October, apart from the fatigue, I had serious bladder issues accompanied
with pain and the regular inability to pass urine. Any time I stepped out of my
home, I needed to know there was a convenience about, because I needed one
within 30 minutes of leaving home and frequently thereafter.
While I had many conversations with the Macmillan Cancer Support nurses, it
was the Cancer Support Nurse Consultant that came through my employer’s
insurance services who was the most helpful, in that, she had the time for
extensive conversations and the knowledge to deal with issues around cancer,
treatment, the management of the side effects, and recuperation.
On her advice, I got the Just Can’t
Wait card and a Radar key to facilitate
urgent access to conveniences when needed. The times they have been life savers
and helping the avoidance of embarrassment are precious beyond expression.
Changing side effects
On one of our conferences when I talked about the
changing side effects I was experiencing, she intimated the side effects are
not textbook experiences that would occur as indicated in the various medical
notes referenced. Some may never occur or would occur at different times for
different people depending on innumerable factors. I just had to work through
them.
To deal with the pain beyond easing the constriction of
my much-enlarged prostate after radiotherapy, I was on Codeine which I later
learnt metabolises to morphine in the body. This informed my moderated use of
it to avoid addiction.
Rather than adhere to the recommended early dosage of two
tablets up to four times a day, I only took two tablets at night and
immediately weaned myself of it once the pain had subsided, some six weeks
later.
Until recently, I have had no bowel issues, they were
slightly irregular, but I had no urgency pertaining to that. Codeine could
exacerbate constipation, so, I did take a laxative just to avoid complications.
It never really came to that.
Please, toilet, now
However, lately, I think I have been quite daring with my
outings, I have had some uncomfortable bowel urgencies that have had me
considering how I navigate my city and my outings. Pitifully wielding my Just
Can’t Wait Card and rushing to access a disabled toilet with my Radar key while
preserving my dignity, is a test of composure without paying much heed to
embarrassment. Needs must.
Yesterday, as I attended the Pearson Vue test centre to
take a Microsoft Certification examination, I had missed the direct bus to the
location, the alternative was a longer walk than I anticipated, and soon I
realised, having a toilet nearby would be a great relief.
We are required to register at the reception but there
was no time for that, I walked in and emphatically said, “Please, can I use a
toilet, now?” The receptionist helpfully directed me to the toilet dispensing
with the required formalities until after my emergency.
Today, halfway back from shopping for ethnic goods, I
knew I had to find a toilet before boarding my next bus as I was unsure nature
would allow me to avoid any embarrassment.
One would think a shopping centre would have public
toilets, but what use are they when they are closed? Even as many public
toilets have been closed due to cuts and other issues, I am becoming more aware
of people with bladder and bowel issues are limited in their abilities to leave
their homes.
The large Tesco store behind the vaunted shopping centre
came to the rescue, I would not have survived realising they had no toilets and
thankfully, the disabled toilets were close by.
More toilets needed
We can wear incontinence underwear or some with even more
serious abdominal issues might have colostomy, ileostomy, or urostomy bags to
divert waste or urine from the body where the natural organs have been bypassed
due to medical issues. [Salts
Healthcare: What is a stoma?]
You do wonder if some public action is required to
address access to more public facilities without the need to expose oneself to the
indignities, we have little control over.
I am thankful the mishaps have been minimal, contained,
or have happened so close to home that they have been bearable. Life is not
just finding a toilet but knowing that you can find one when needed makes life
a little more fun.
Blog - Men's things -
XXII
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