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Catheter removal - a review
Well, that's another one checked off the list.
This is for anyone else facing catheter removal in the near future - it's a big nothing.
The nurse injected saline into the catheter for some reason, then deflated the balloon.
I could "feel" the tube sliding out, after being instructed to take slow, deep breaths.
But it was over in 5 seconds. No pain or discomfort.
A bit of leakage over the bed, but nothing major.
I was given a diaper designed for Andre the Giant, but after that, I was outta there.
I was instructed to drink a litre of water, then pee it out before I go back this afternoon for a bladder scan.
Apparently the bladder has to be empty for the scan.
Is that right?
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Are you having a cystoscopy or some other scan?
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/cystoscopy/about/pac-20393694
I've had three cystoscopies. First numbing gel is injected into your urethra. After it takes effect, the 'scope is inserted (going around the corner at the base of the penis is slightly uncomfortable). Then the bladder is filled with saline solution so that the interior bladder walls can be visually examined. Perhaps drinking the water beforehand helps to flush out clots etc that may remain in your bladder.
Oh I hope not. That sounds horrible. I think it's just an ultrasound to see if I can empty my bladder completely. I hope.
Yes. I had to stay there and drink 2 bottles of water. Fun to leak all over when the catheter is removed. You should try a suprapubic catheter if you really want pain when it is exchanged.
For me, they poured about a cup of water(I think), into a funnel into my penis to fill bladder. Then you pee into a measuring cup to see how much of it was left in your bladder. Much quicker method, no drinking and waiting. I was astonished at the force of the flow compared to how I used to pee.
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2 ReactionsI had mine removed yesterday morning and it felt great to be free. I was told to pee within four hours or call them. By the end of that period I had consumed 5 qts of water and peed almost none. Extreme pain and a return to be scanned. Bladder was full and they inserted another catheter. That was excruciating, first time I’ve had one when I wasn’t anesthetized. Wow.
Now on the catheter for another week. Very discouraging. I stayed on the night bag last time, but this time they sent me home with just a leg bag so I was up every hour last night dumping it. I think I’ll go buy a night bag and try to figure out how to change it. Should be simple, but I’ve never done it. Very disappointed with my doctors office catheter support staff.
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2 ReactionsFollow up…. My new catheter stopped draining today and I was getting really full so called the nurse triage and was told to come back up. Today’s experience was completely different than yesterday’s nightmare and the two nurses were really angels of mercy. I felt a little bad about going since it seemed to break loose on the elevator ride up to the office. They told me I had done the right thing and asked what had been going on. I told the, about yesterday and they were clearly unhappy with how things were done. They reassured me on some things and put a new bag on that was appropriate for me. The one was the head nurse and I got the impression she would be following up with the two who treated me yesterday. I feel incredibly better today and although I hate I’m back on the bag, at least it’s all working and I’m not in constant agony.
Sometimes all it takes is someone who cares about how they do their job.
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3 Reactionslol No, thanks.
Wow. Sorry that you had to go through that. Good that other staff acknowledged the mistake. Don't worry about going back any time you're worried that the catheter might be blocked.
The alternative is not wanting to "bother them" and getting an infection or worse.
I had a similar issue. Kept getting blocked with blood clots. Went back & got it sorted. It's their job.
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2 ReactionsThings got interesting a couple days later when my wife called the ambulance because I was in extreme pain with back spasms and wild blood pressure swings, I was pretty incoherent. Ambulance crew gave me fentanyl and transported me to the ER. En route my BP tanked to 78/33
During the next hours in the ER they did CAT scan assuming kidney stones, but that was clear. Uncontrollable spasms only mildly affected by alternating doses of fentanyl, morphine, and valium. Diagnosed as bladder spasms compounded by awakened sciatica.
Three days in the hospital before things settled down enough to go home with muscle relaxers and oxycodone (which I didn’t take). Two days later the catheter was removed again and I did pass some urine, but not enough. Returned to the urologist and was instructed how to self-cath with temporary drain. Still not emptying bladder so have to cath about three times a day.
This recovery is nothing like we had hoped. Very discouraging even though I’m told the HIFU went well.
Why are they persisting with the catheter?
Can't they at least try an external catheter?
Gotta be a lot less painful.
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22475-condom-catheter-for-incontinence
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