😅 ER, Vertigo & a "Banana" Catheter – Just Another Saturday 🚑
- Tami West, PhD
- Apr 16
- 3 min read
Hey Friend,
So here’s something I never thought I’d be writing about: Almost peeing in a hospital bed.
On purpose.
Using a banana-shaped gadget. (Here's a picture—but it’s rated PG.)
It all started last Saturday night at our Connect Group—our small group at church. We were laughing and shouting over a game of Family Feud when suddenly the room spun like I’d just gotten off the tilt-a-whirl at the county fair. We headed home.
My husband Tim, who used to sell hearing aids, thought something with my inner ear. He had me doing all kinds of “reset your balance” exercises at home, but things got worse fast.
I couldn't stand or even lift my head without being sick (I'll leave out the graphic details!) This went on for about an hour and he wanted to take me to the ER, but I couldn't move.
He ended up calling 911.
I was mostly out of it in the ambulance and the ER—dizzy, nauseated, scared—but a few moments still stand out.
First, when asked about medications, I hesitated to mention my Lexapro, fearing judgment. At that point I had heard the word vertigo several times, and I wondered how serious they would take me. I have never experienced this before. It's funny how even someone who talks and researches mental health still feels that stigma. I'm still processing this!
Second, and the title of this blog, was the weirdest thing I've ever experienced! I was still a bit out of It and realized I had to go to the bathroom. But I still couldn't stand. The nurse nonchalantly handed me a device called the PureWick Female External Catheter.
I looked at it, looked at her, and thought… surely not. What the heck Is this?! She said Just put it between your legs and "go". The suction tube till draw it out.
WHAT??!!
Let’s just say my body did not cooperate!! (FYI I'm still processing that too!)
Finally, the good news. Everyone from the paramedics and fire fighters to the doc to the registration clerk and nurses treated me with respect and dignity. And, it wasn’t anything too serious—likely vertigo tied to my inner ear. It may never happen again, or it might. No one knows.
The bad news? I now know that women might be asked to pee in a bed using something that could double as a kitchen utensil. #Womanhood
I wasn’t laughing in the moment. But I can now. And if you've ever had a moment where your body didn’t work, your pride took a hit, or your health gave you a scare—you’re not alone.
Here’s to laughing later, telling the truth about the weird stuff, and remembering that being a woman sometimes means just… surrendering to the banana 😂😂
Love & Hugs,
Tami
*Disclaimer:
The information in this show is not intended to be therapy or to address your individual situation. It is information based on experiences, opinions, and research. If you need further help, please reach out to one of the resources below, or others in your area.
Mental Health Resources:
Tami West, PhD
Stress and Mental Health Expert Dr. Tami West uses her entertaining and compelling style to shine a new light on how to transform your life and discover solutions to life’s challenges.
Tami has worked in a variety of industries including healthcare, school nutrition, corporate sales, and 10 years as a public-school teacher. In 2013 she received her PhD in Human Development, studying the connections among stress, emotions, and identity.
Dr. West has spoken in 48 states across the US, as well as the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. In any given year, Tami speaks to groups with audiences consisting of anywhere from 100 to 3,000 people.
Dr. West is the author of several successful publications including three books: The Stress Club, Life Without the Monsters and Thrive. When she's not speaking or writing, you might find her with her traveling with her husband and family, reading historical fiction, or watching Big Bang Theory.
Tami connects with audiences through real experience, cutting edge research, and transparent stories – all sprinkled with humor! She will make you laugh, cry, and shine a refreshingly new light on life's challenges.
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Contact Tami at tamiwest@tamiwest.com or follow her at Tami West Seminars.
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