When you have no other way to empty your bladder, you accept the fact that it's a means to an end and deal with it. There's absolutely no pain. I kid with the medical folks about having to get used to peeing through a straw" (they seem to get a kick out of that). It's inconvenient, no doubt, but for me it's much better than strapping a bag to my body for cathing. For me, THAT"S apalling. Plus I've been a group fitness instructor and personal trainer for 40 years (I'm 72 now), and the self cathing is the only way for me to keep my exercise routine. If in fact you have to begin with self cathing (which means you will always be self cathing as far as I understand it), you'll likely get used to it in the short term. Because of my "medical experience" (another story), I get upset every time I insert the damn thing to pee, but it has nothing to do with the task "at hand". 🙂
Thanks very much for sharing your experience. I have no indication of your gender, but I’m not sure I could accurately identify my fairly well-hidden urethral opening. I find myself wondering if it isn’t easier for males because of the more obvious anatomical access. Any observations from other women will be greatly appreciated. I’m currently satisfied with my ability to empty using a combo of ( diminishing) muscle control, gravity and positioning my upper body and torso to apply natural pressure to the bladder area. I’ve also started doing Kegels every day, which should help?
Thanks very much for sharing your experience. I have no indication of your gender, but I’m not sure I could accurately identify my fairly well-hidden urethral opening. I find myself wondering if it isn’t easier for males because of the more obvious anatomical access. Any observations from other women will be greatly appreciated. I’m currently satisfied with my ability to empty using a combo of ( diminishing) muscle control, gravity and positioning my upper body and torso to apply natural pressure to the bladder area. I’ve also started doing Kegels every day, which should help?
Thanks so much for your response, and you guessed it, my gender is male. So I have no idea about the self cathing process/experience for a woman (as well as the frequency/number of females compared to males that are required to self cath).
I would say that any measures available to you that can prolong your ability to empty your bladder using the "tools" that you were born with is a win-win. And it sounds like you are doing all the right things (especially exercise/Kegels) to facilitate your ability to empty your bladder in a natural manner. I too would be interested in hearing how mandatory self cathing is dealt with by women, given the differences in our anatomy.
Unfortunately, there are no exercises that can be done (I'm assuming both genders) to strengthen the bladder once it has lost its ability to function (lord knows I've asked/researched).
I’m 77. I was catherized only once, about 60 years ago associated with a long childbirth, and I remember it as being painful, so I’m appalled to think I may have to come to this if I’m lucky enough to be long- lived. I thought resorting eventually to diapers was bad enough… Does self-cathing hurt? I’m at the stage where my bladder doesn’t inform me that it’s full until it’s quite full. Thank you for your informed perspectives.
I had a bladder diverticulum some years ago and my bladder doesn’t tell me I have to go until it has 400 to 500 ml in it! Then I can go but only empty’s about 100 to 200 MLS. , because the muscles in the bladder aren’t strong. I use a pocket catheter which is easy to carry and it is also self lubricated. At night I instill acetic acid solution or a probiotic to keep me from getting UTI’s.
Yes, and I would be interested in a discussion group for thoe of us choose the path of using intermittent catheters to empty our "completely stretched out" bladder. Anyone out there willing to form a chat group?
Like you, I have been self-cathing 4-5 times daily for several years now. No UTI's since beginning (thankfully). My "what are others experiencing from self-cathing" questions include but not limited to: "flow" issues when emptying bladder i.e., sometimes abruptly stopping (as though the bladder did NOT seem to empty fully) and sometimes strong, to mild, to dripping flow (seemingly indicating that the bladder DID fully empty).
Other issues? For me, the experience of cathing in public restrooms (especially when crowded e.g., sporting events, concerts, etc.).
Sharing, or not, with others Family/friends the fact that this is a lifelong reality. 🙁
Other questions, concerns, experiences?
Personally, I am hoping to find a "community/support group", maybe this is the place for like minded individuals to share their concerns and experiences.
My concerns are the same. Have you seen a urologist? Did they give you any hope for a better lifestyle? I have been to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester for a consult. I go back for more testing Dec. 11-13. I was diagnosed in March of this year. I just wanted to make sure I had searched out all options..........if there is any.
My concerns are the same. Have you seen a urologist? Did they give you any hope for a better lifestyle? I have been to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester for a consult. I go back for more testing Dec. 11-13. I was diagnosed in March of this year. I just wanted to make sure I had searched out all options..........if there is any.
My concerns are the same. Have you seen a urologist? Did they give you any hope for a better lifestyle? I have been to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester for a consult. I go back for more testing Dec. 11-13. I was diagnosed in March of this year. I just wanted to make sure I had searched out all options..........if there is any.
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?
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Thanks very much for sharing your experience. I have no indication of your gender, but I’m not sure I could accurately identify my fairly well-hidden urethral opening. I find myself wondering if it isn’t easier for males because of the more obvious anatomical access. Any observations from other women will be greatly appreciated. I’m currently satisfied with my ability to empty using a combo of ( diminishing) muscle control, gravity and positioning my upper body and torso to apply natural pressure to the bladder area. I’ve also started doing Kegels every day, which should help?
Thanks so much for your response, and you guessed it, my gender is male. So I have no idea about the self cathing process/experience for a woman (as well as the frequency/number of females compared to males that are required to self cath).
I would say that any measures available to you that can prolong your ability to empty your bladder using the "tools" that you were born with is a win-win. And it sounds like you are doing all the right things (especially exercise/Kegels) to facilitate your ability to empty your bladder in a natural manner. I too would be interested in hearing how mandatory self cathing is dealt with by women, given the differences in our anatomy.
Unfortunately, there are no exercises that can be done (I'm assuming both genders) to strengthen the bladder once it has lost its ability to function (lord knows I've asked/researched).
Catheters have come along way! Most are self lubricating and no pain associated with it!
How do you know how many ml you have in your bladder at any given time? And a pocket catheter? Interesting, how does that work?
YES, DEFINITELY!!! PLEASE!
My concerns are the same. Have you seen a urologist? Did they give you any hope for a better lifestyle? I have been to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester for a consult. I go back for more testing Dec. 11-13. I was diagnosed in March of this year. I just wanted to make sure I had searched out all options..........if there is any.
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1 ReactionAre you able to go without using a catheter?
No, I self cath 4 times a day.
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1 ReactionThe catheters I use are VaPro, made by Hollister. They have a bag to catch the urine which shows the amount of urine
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1 ReactionI 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?
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