Catheter

[danonwheels]

I've been self-catheterising for about 10 years now but have asked my continence service about the possibility of having a supra-pubic catheter installed instead as I'm struggling with coordination and remembering how to catheterise properly.

Anyone else had or has similar? Any idea what to expect at all?

Thanks

 

[DeMartin]

I’ve looked at some of your previous posts. You also have MS? Not an expert on continence but you may find more info on other websites, but I am probably wrong and someone will pop up with information.

 

[LadyA]

Hi, @danonwheels . I've no idea at all about catheters, but I haven't seen you posting for a little while, so thought I'd say hello!

 

[danonwheels]

Thanks, yes I have MS as well among other issues and I've posted the same question on some Facebook groups, just trying to get a balanced response from as many angles as I can really.

Thank you, I haven't posted for a while but not sure why. I've been reading and replying to some posts as far as I know.

 

[Noangel2]

Hi danonwheels. I don't think it would be an unreasonable request to ask for a permanent urethral catheter. It depends on how often you are self catheterising. If, say it's just once a day, then you may be able to use the district nurses to help you do it.
You mention a suprapubic catheter (where the catheter is inserted directly into the bladder via the abdomen) this is not as common as a urethral catheter and requires a little more care to prevent infection. I don't know your medical history but I would hold off a suprapubic unless it's medically your only option.

 

[DeMartin]

Couple of websites Bladderandbowel.org.
Nursingtimes.net ....
Healthtalk.org ......people talking about their experiences

 

[gotanybiscuits?]

Dan, my Dad (=PWD) has a urethral catheter fitted.
His was fitted two years ago, when he was in hospital with UTI & incontinence.

It's been a great help!
We no longer need to remember/prompt/check visits to the loo
Bag is changed weekly. Cathether itself is changed 8-or12-weekly by District Nurse*.
Typically empty 3x during the day.

With Dad's confusion, etc., his perception of it has gone from:-
"It's the latest technology; everybody will get them soon" to
"I don't think this does anything anymore; I'll get the Nurse to remove it"
The only problem we get is occasional sore bits in general groin area - not necessarily connected & he doesn't complain about them.

I'm under the impression (no research- welcome to be corrected) that long-term it gets progressively harder to catheterise, which is when the supra-pubic option comes into the picture.

*Occasionally District Nurse fails an insertion, & we get sent to hospital to have it done "by a pro" rolleyes, same day.

 

[john51]

Hi Dan
I had a stroke a short while back and lost all the control I had. I got a urinary catheter put in while I was in hospital and it works for me so long as my wife empties it. My left hand doesn't work anymore.
I have been told that I will probably need a suprapubic catheter in about 5 years
John