I read this poem today and needed to hear it performed
In person
The pace Lucas Jones gives his own poem elevates it
amazingly
The enormity of having a long time catheter hit me today, even though I’ve spent 1000s of hours teaching young men how to cope with them back in my spinal injury days
I didn’t sleep much, but found some out of date Valium I was once given to get a battling Albert over the vets threshold, which did a small trick.
My elder sister brought me some tulips and punnet of strawberries which was nice
Take care of yourself, hugs
ReplyDeleteI’m trying, but I must admit it’s hard on your own
DeleteMaybe you'll feel more able to deal with it when you have a definite diagnosis and plan , but you may already have that. Whatever is the case, I'm sending you positive thoughts John .
ReplyDeleteI’m pragmatic , as I know roughly the plan
DeleteLook after yourself. If we can help at all, just ask. Hugs. Jxx
ReplyDeleteI won’t ask,,,,I have written tomorrows blog about this very inability
DeleteMy husband has a long term catheter since 2 strokes last October. He has struggled a lot, what with UTI's and discomfort. I hope things improve for you John xx
ReplyDelete🙁🙁🙁🙁🙁🙁
DeleteThat poem is so beautiful - and there are days we need all the reminders that we can get. Hang in there. You will get this sorted out. XO
ReplyDeleteIt’s wonderfully uplifting
DeleteMaybe knowing too much is a double edged sword for you at the moment. But you can't un-know it, so it's a catch 22. At least you know what to do and not to do. That's a small comfort, I know. I just hope things sort themselves out for you very soon. If I had a magic wand, I would be waving it like mad in your direction. xx
ReplyDeleteI’m pleased that the first step is done
DeleteForgot to say, I loved the poem. Thanks for sharing it. xx
DeleteI have no idea what's going on with your health in this situation but I am hoping that there is perhaps a surgical procedure which can be done to make the catheter unnecessary. Or, you know- everything just miraculously starts working correctly. Yes. That would be best.
ReplyDeleteThe problem has finally been addressed, complicated by no shows in Covid
DeleteI join Ms. Moon in hoping that everything just miraculously starts working correctly.
ReplyDeleteDo ask your doctor for some Valium because it's certainly called for.
Huge hugs!
I found enough lol
DeleteI AM SO VERY MUCH FUCKED OFF FOR YOU
ReplyDeleteyes im shouting
Lee🍸
I AM SO VERY MUCH FUCKED OFF FOR YOU
ReplyDeleteyes im shouting
Lee🍸
THANK YOU DEARHEART ❤️
DeleteI can not think of anything witty or helpful. Just know I would if I could be helpful. Josie ( )
ReplyDeleteAny comment helps
DeleteDo have to wait for surgery because there is a long queue?
ReplyDeleteCan you pay to have it done privately?
Will you still be able to travel? I am cross about this. I know you have plans and you love to help in your community so I hope you get this solved quickly
I can’t afford private health care
DeleteI’m sorry to read about the catheter. Definitely a setback that would knock anyone for a loop. Bloody hell I thought when I read your posts. I hope you get it resolved soon. Can it be resolved? Standing on the sidelines wishing you well. I had read the poem before but had not heard it read. Thank you. Jean in Winnipeg.
ReplyDeleteI’m sure I will be able to live with what follows
DeleteSending you support and love, I do hope this can be resolved soon. Will it limit your work, both nurse and therapist? Travel, cinema visits?
ReplyDeleteit must be so hard to be on the patient side when your whole career is about being the caregiver.
Above, what did you mean about Covid no-shows? You didn't follow up w needed treatment during Covid? Or medical persons did not?
Pls tell us how we can help, even if from afar.
love
lizzy
During Covid I was let down by urology who cancelled many appointments because two consultants left the nhs
DeleteJohn, I have just loaded the bullet engraved with the name of the Evil Twat that is bombarding you with health problems and am out to KILL!!! Seriously though, sending you big hugs and positive thoughts and hope you feel better soon. PS love the new profile🙏. Jan in Castle Gresley
ReplyDeleteBig hugs and thanks xx
DeleteI’m so very sorry you’re going through this. It’s an age old conundrum.
ReplyDeleteWhy the fuck do bad things happen to good people ?
Xx Jane
Likes a shit and then u die
DeleteDear John,
ReplyDeleteI am going to send you a private e-mail about this.
Cheers,
Neil
Received with thanks
DeleteUn abrazo grande.
ReplyDeleteI need one old friend
DeleteNecesito uno mi amigo
DeleteThat's a great poem! I'd like to think that Albert reached out his furry paw from beyond The Veil and guided you to his leftover Valium pills, LOL.
ReplyDeleteGratefully received indeed 🐈⬛
DeleteWow, it must have been especially frustrating dealing with the initial painful process, knowing as much about how things should be done as you do from your nursing experience. You are in so many thoughts tonight.
ReplyDeleteCeci
I’ve told everyone in the hospital I’m a counsellor
DeleteI'm glad you have a treatment plan. Stay the course and hopefully all will resolve.
ReplyDeleteI am thinking of you and hope you get well sooner, rather than later.
🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🤪🌈🍸
DeleteI do like a good poem; thank you for sharing it with us. Punnet! There's a word I haven't heard in a while. I like it.
ReplyDeletePunnet is so English xx
DeleteOh dear John. The sooner this is over the better. You have my sympathy x
ReplyDeleteSympathety gladly accepted
DeleteTo have a plan is something positive. Changing from carer to cared for is a shock to the system.
ReplyDelete((hugs))
I’m just glad the urologists are now in charge ( I had four in one room)
DeleteGreat poem.
ReplyDeleteI can only imagine the discomfort of a long term catheter and hope that the plan to resolve your ongoing problem helps you deal with it all. Hard to stay strong and positive, while finding joy wherever we can. So sorry you are having bad times.
It’s incredibly painful especially in the wee small hours of nighttime 🥵
DeleteThat certainly puts a new perspective on the phrase "wee small hours."
Deletelol x
DeleteCongratulations! You have been entered for the 2026 'Life's A Bitch" award. Seriously though - there is this scary health thing that happens around your age just to rattle the cage and whisper 'mortality' in your ear, and now it's your turn. Like the rest of us, learn to spit back and put two fingers up to it.
ReplyDeleteTough love coming at you in all directions. Shout if I can do anything to help.
Try and find the original version - not the current watered down version - of Roger McGough's 'Mother, There's A Strange Man At The Door...."
I’m truly sick of being “ sick” but onwards and upwards. My bra straps are chaffing
DeleteO John, your poem made me cry. Life is hard but death is harder for the one who mourns ( is that good english?) The older you become, the more pain you get, but dying young is no solution. I wish you a lot of strength! Love from the Netherlands
ReplyDeleteThank you xx Jo x
DeleteLang Lang Beethoven Emporer Concerto no 5. (2nd movt) youtube. I hope this gives you some hope and comfort in those dark hours. Courage mon vieux !
ReplyDeleteCourage camille !
DeletePeople can get used to almost anything, even a catheter. But it does end your career aspirations of modeling shorts.
ReplyDeleteI’m going to look up the poem because I can’t ungarble many of his words. I do like his matter-of-fact rendition.
Enlarged prostate? My husband had surgery and radiation 25 years ago for a cancer there. There is plenty of life left to live. It’s shocking when we find that life’s diversions happen to us. Buck up and know we all want the best outcome for you and that we all care.
weavinfool
No my prostate is healthy ( the only bit of me which is bloody fine) lol
DeleteHoping you heal and can get off the catheter soon. Sorry you are dealing with all these difficult medical issues. Take care of yourself! Cali
ReplyDeleteIt’s in situ at least 3 months 😒🥲🤪🤪🤪
DeleteBig hugs xx
ReplyDeleteThank you kath
DeleteI have nothing helpful to say (I wish I did) but I want you to know that I care and I hope you're feeling better soon--and that the catheter situation is temporary and soon completely resolved. Hugs to you, dear John.
ReplyDeleteA hug is more than enough my old friend
DeleteI am so sorry to read this. As Jennifer said in her comment above, I hope the catheter situation is temporary. You are in my thoughts.
ReplyDeleteIt’s not unfortunately but I’ve got to cope with it, what else can I do?
DeleteI was so sorry to read about this latest blow to your health. It’s a lot to put up with.
ReplyDeleteAlison in Devon x
I feel a bit brighter today
DeleteThat's good to hear, my friend. Hang in there!
DeleteHugs!