How often does a Foley catheter need to be changed?

Hi @daughterwwiivet, I can understand your wanting to minimize the risks for your father.

I'm tagging fellow members like @cent66 @jakedduck1 @paul55 @jenatsky @whytee @huskerhowy @perrychristopher who have experience with foley catheters and can offer their tips. Keep in mind that everyone is different and your father's medical team likely knows best how often the catheter should be changed.

Here are some tips on preventing infection while the catheter is in place, which is also important:
- Keep the drainage bag below the level of the bladder.
- Keep your drainage bag off the floor at all times.
- Keep the catheter secured to the thigh to keep it from moving.
- Don’t lie on the catheter or block the flow of urine in the tubing.
- Shower daily to keep the catheter clean.
- Wash your hands before and after touching the catheter or bag.

How is your dad doing with the catheter and mobility?

Mine was in for only 8 days after surgery. I would clean the tube near the tip of the penis each morning with soap and water. I wish the best for you and your Dad.

Foley Catheter. Found some relief, when I lubricated the insertion area with Vaseline. My urologist explained that the bulk of my catheter discomfort comes from the insertion tube being slightly smaller than the urinary track...so...when you walk and move around the tube moves also at the insertion point. ( Meatus). By using a tiny bit of Vaseline, you can fill in this open area and reduce the amount of movement, thus less pain. I must have some aversion to Catheters , cant sleep, some type of pain/irritation continually...quality of life is really went down. When I empty the leg bag, I've noticed that at the very end of the drain...I fell some sort of vacuum, or odd feeling especially on the penis itself....kinda like an odd sensation that makes me feel very uncomfortable. Anyone experience this feeling?

"I fell some sort of vacuum, or odd feeling especially on the penis itself….kinda like an odd sensation that makes me feel very uncomfortable. Anyone experience this feeling?"

I had the same feeling anytime I moved the large bag or emptied the leg bag. I really didn't get an answer on it from the dr's they basically told me not to worry about it because the foley was temporary / post surgery.

Sorry I don't have any more information for you, just that I recall the same issue.

I told the nurse about it in the hospital the after surgery, her response was that what I was suggesting wasn't possible. So, I guess I'm nuts. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Thanks for reply...same response here....no biggie, no problem..blah, blah. Glad someone else doesnt think I'm crazy.

@daughterwwiivet
My dad was paralyzed and I stopped using Foleys because of the bladder cancer risk but it was too late. I switched to condom-type catheters which I changed daily.
Regarding changing Foleys, different doctors, patients and care givers have various opinions from daily to 4 times a year. I changed my dad’s once a week and used a new leg bag and/or drainage bag every day.
My dad also took the urinary anti-infective drug Mandelamine to help prevent urinary tract infections. If your dad isn’t having infections or other complications, your timing may be good enough.
I would insist on the same person changing it.
Take care,
Jake

Jake is spot on with advice, my husband only had 1 installed for 2weeks, fought infection for 2months.. I am a retired nurse and did private home care with quadriplegic men and often advised to switch to condom and was always very happy with results..extremely easy to perform personal care..

Any experience with CIC (self-catheterization)? My husband refuses to consider this and has had a Foley catheter for the past month, with the prospect of requiring it for another two to three months longer.

Hi @bronxgirl6051, I believe that @paul55 @anonmike @budisnothome @bfg1 @sansman have experience with self-catheterization and may have tips for your husband.

How is he doing?

Thanks for the response. I will take a look at the replies. My husband is coping as best he can, but the waiting for an appointment to open up for urodynamic testing is taking much longer than expected. He is just uncomfortable and feeling down. Thanks for asking. Appreciate it.