How often does a Foley catheter need to be changed?

Posted by daughterwwiivet @daughterwwiivet, Sep 6, 2022

My dad (99 years old) has had Prostrate cancer for years (over 20), his prostrate is enlarge and now has foley catheter. My question, how often does it need changed. Currently they change it every 30 days, different person every time. He just got out of hospital from a mis-placed catheter, and I would like to minimize the risks.

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@colleenyoung

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?

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Bronxgirl, I self catheterized for about a month or two while waiting for a Holep procedure. I thought it was much better than having to wear a bag or having that tube stuck up me 24/7. Oh, I had no trouble inserting the catheter three or four times a day. It’s lubricated and after you get used to. It causes very little discomfort. The good thing about it is you actually control when you urinate. And you actually empty your bladder when you do it also. Just make sure that you are referred to the right place to get the equipment so you don’t pay more than you need to. Are used Corner medical, I think it’s called, in Minnesota, and they were great and help me get whatever coverage I had coming under my plan. Happy to answer any questions your husband may have.

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@bronxgirl6051

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.

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My experience is that self-catheterization is freeing, more like returning to the range of normal.
I did not find it uncomfortable. I found it helpful that i had the tutoring of a nurse that was confident i could learn the technique. I heard "I can teach you how" and was open to try it.
And the second time i did SC which was the first time at home, i had the prior experience of doing it at the medical facility with the guidance of the nurse. So at home, i had the experience of doing SC before. For me this was very helpful. I hope this is of some help.

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Thank you for the supportive comments. I will share this with my husband (who cannot even bring himself to think about SC). He is apprehensive about causing pain at the insertion site, as well as damaging his bladder (I was concerned about that too). I appreciate your openness about such a "delicate" topic. Stay well.

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