Bingo. I had a urodynamics test after which on December 11 my bladder suddenly stopped working. I’ve been cathing since. No fun. Have since had uro-lift with no results. TURP not recommended. No diagnosis's no treatment plan. Uro recommended Interstim. No way. I’d rather cath. TomC
Minimal. The cystoscopy does not show an obstruction. Nevertheless, the urologist did a uro-lift with no result. Still, one urologist recommends a TURP. Having to cath several times a day is no fun, but actually, my main complaint is nocturia.
I use a lubricated, straight tip "14 FR" (I think that's the diameter) catheter. And I believe it's 14 inches long. Preventing UTI's? I make sure that I wash my hands and penis before using. So far (knock on wood), no problems. And regarding the (for sure) embarrassing aspect, I think it was more on me to shed the secrecy. I found that my close friends are very understanding/empathetic which makes it easier to use the facilities when I'm out with them, or visiting their home.
From me, I'd like to know how you all know that you've basically been successful emptying your bladder. As I mentioned in a previous post, sometimes the flow simply stops abruptly (making me think that my bladder is not fully empty), and when SLOWLY removing it there is no more to come ou. Then other times the flow goes from strong, then mild, then when SLOWLY removing it smaller/weaker flow to dripping (which makes me think that for sure my bladder is empty). What are other experiences like?
My husband had a turp done a few years ago for enlarged prostate and that helped for a short while with his prostate problem. Since then, he now has problems urinating, so I cath him 2-3 times a day. He also has Parkinson's disease which is getting worse with tremors and pain.
Last year, he was in the hospital twice. A nurse in ER did not insert a catheter properly into his bladder before she inflated the balloon. We think it caused a cyst to form, and he has had problems with UTI's since. He also has the drainage problem when I cath him. So what I have been doing is slowly pulling it out and bringing it back and forth in the bladder until it's fully drained.
I hope this helps. You're not alone.
Minimal. The cystoscopy does not show an obstruction. Nevertheless, the urologist did a uro-lift with no result. Still, one urologist recommends a TURP. Having to cath several times a day is no fun, but actually, my main complaint is nocturia.
I haven’t had any procedures done but I also have to self cath due to nerve damage from radiation during colorectal cancer treatment. I’ve found that cathing during the night has been a saviour from nocturia. Try to time it about midway through the night and it seems to really help. Good luck.
I see a urologist once annually to confirm that I still require a prescription for the catheters (apparently a Medicare requirement). I have (knock on wood) remained healthy having no UTI's or other issues relating to my bladder. There are no alternatives (until modern medical science comes up with a bladder replacement, ha-ha). For as long as I have been cathing, I regret it and get bummed virtually every time. Mentally, I've not completely accepted this as a way of life that I cannot change.
So, having a "community of peers" to have discussions helps me to accept my fate. Does that make sense?
Can I ask how you are doing now? I am deciding whether to go the route of self-catheterization because I had a good portion of my bladder, incl urethra, removed in a cancer surgery. Right now I can’t walk 45 mins without soaking pads and clothing, and I go through pads all day long. (I don’t drink enough as a result, but also I’m less active than I could be.) After trying the more minor solutions, Mayo’s solution for me as the next-least invasive is to tie off the bladder with a sling and have me self-cath. I have tried it, it’s not hard and it doesn’t hurt, so I wonder: have you come to terms with this change in your life? Do you take bladder Botox to help with urgency or frequency?
Connect
Connect
Like
Helpful
Hug
Do you have an enlarged prostate?
Minimal. The cystoscopy does not show an obstruction. Nevertheless, the urologist did a uro-lift with no result. Still, one urologist recommends a TURP. Having to cath several times a day is no fun, but actually, my main complaint is nocturia.
My husband had a turp done a few years ago for enlarged prostate and that helped for a short while with his prostate problem. Since then, he now has problems urinating, so I cath him 2-3 times a day. He also has Parkinson's disease which is getting worse with tremors and pain.
Last year, he was in the hospital twice. A nurse in ER did not insert a catheter properly into his bladder before she inflated the balloon. We think it caused a cyst to form, and he has had problems with UTI's since. He also has the drainage problem when I cath him. So what I have been doing is slowly pulling it out and bringing it back and forth in the bladder until it's fully drained.
I hope this helps. You're not alone.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsI haven’t had any procedures done but I also have to self cath due to nerve damage from radiation during colorectal cancer treatment. I’ve found that cathing during the night has been a saviour from nocturia. Try to time it about midway through the night and it seems to really help. Good luck.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 ReactionsCan I ask how you are doing now? I am deciding whether to go the route of self-catheterization because I had a good portion of my bladder, incl urethra, removed in a cancer surgery. Right now I can’t walk 45 mins without soaking pads and clothing, and I go through pads all day long. (I don’t drink enough as a result, but also I’m less active than I could be.) After trying the more minor solutions, Mayo’s solution for me as the next-least invasive is to tie off the bladder with a sling and have me self-cath. I have tried it, it’s not hard and it doesn’t hurt, so I wonder: have you come to terms with this change in your life? Do you take bladder Botox to help with urgency or frequency?