Tatiana: It helps that I have friends and family who know that I catheterise - they won’t rush me when I’m in the restroom. And if I get an infection or am struggling, they understand and empathise, and they know how to support me.
We all have our own personal preferences when it comes to sharing private information. However, it can be helpful to share some of your problems with others instead of keeping everything to yourself.
If you’re a very private person, you may not want to talk about catheterising with anyone except your spouse or partner. However, if you’re comfortable with sharing, telling family and friends can be a healthy way for you to cope with the changes in your life. It might even be a relief for you to be open about it. Also, friends and family who know about your need to schedule bathroom breaks – and sometimes longer breaks – might be more understanding, supportive and helpful when you’re together.
Identify a buddy
If you are worried about going out, you might want to think about if there is someone going with you who you trust enough to talk to about your situation. Then you can feel comfortable with the knowledge that this person can back you up if you need the driver to make an extra stop on the road or to get things for you that you urgently need.
How much do I tell?
It's not necessary to explain all the physical details to someone you are not that close to. It's enough to say that you have a condition where you need frequent or planned bathroom visits or whatever is the case for you. Maybe you also want to show them the ‘smart kit’ you have packed for extra safety (not necessarily its content), so they know what it looks like in case you urgently need it.
