Background
Edith is an 83 year old lady who prior to her stroke led an active life. She chaired various committees and worked as a volunteer in the local Chest, Heart & Stroke Scotland (CHSS) shop. She also helped out with three boisterous grandchildren. She had a left middle cerebral artery infarct about 6 months ago and had mild difficulty walking. She was discharged home after two weeks with visits from the community stroke rehabilitation team.
During a domiciliary visit from the stroke rehabilitation team the stroke liaison nurse observes that Edith’s mood is low When gently questioned Edith tells her she has not been attending her normal social activities, her committee work has been suspended and she has not yet returned to the Chest, Heart & Stroke shop. On further probing Edith reveals that at her last hospital appointment she was unable to tolerate the 90 minute journey to the outpatient department. This resulted in an episode of urinary incontinence. She then went on to reveal problems with her bladder prior to this but these had always been managed well until her stroke.
After her experience she now feels anxious about going out anywhere unless she is certain of toilet facilities. She has been up during the night to the toilet which is interrupting her sleep patterns and she feels very tired.
Edith is anxious about returning to the CHSS shop. Her husband is concerned that Edith has withdrawn and lost her enthusiasm for her day to day activities. Edith is reluctant to disclose to her husband and is finding it difficult to continue to conceal the continence anxieties by ‘padding herself’.
Page last reviewed: 31 Jan 2022
