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Bladder self-determination: Self-catheterization (Male)
Bladder Conditions | Last Active: Jan 3 12:09pm | Replies (12)Comment receiving replies
i agree with the above as I was extremely embarrassed and scared, but after self-cath for about 18 months, it's much better than before. i had a Eurolift done for prostate, then my bladder stopped working. Not sure why, but needed to empty, so did self-cath. Compared to getting up 4 times a night before the operation, this is much better, and I have more control. That being said, I am still looking for some answer to bring back the bladder, even a little bit. The worst part of doing self-cath is forgetting them when traveling or out....it becomes part of nature, but if there was some new method to overcome emergencies like that, I am still waiting and looking.
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My supplier provided a small backpack to carry supplies. I don't bring it along on every outing such as shopping, church events, golf outings, but if I know I'm going to be away from home more than 5 hours I make sure I have it along. Sometimes it can be difficult to find bathroom facilities that are private enough and 'clean' enough. Porta potties don't seem to rise to those standards anymore.
As for bladder function, my urologist said it is rare to regain full bladder control. Many get bladder control back to, let's say, 50%. For me, I have regained some function, but it varies greatly by day. Not sure if it the amount of activity, foods I eat or other factors and combinations. They don't seem to have answers on that.