Connect
foley catheter very uncomfortable
My husband had a foley catheter inserted 1 week ago in the ER. He had prostate surgery about 20 years ago and as a result was incontinent. He used a clamp which seemed to cause an ulcer hence the catheter. Any tips from anyone on how to make it more comfortable? He sees the urologist in 2 days- has blood in the urine and penis tip is irritated and a little blood comes out. Any help will be greatly appreciated.
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Prostate Cancer Support Group.
Connect
Antibiotic ointment with lidocaine saved me from the tip irritation I had. It was indeed painful. Did they send you home with a catheter maintenance kit? Or at least perineal wipes to keep the area and catheter clean.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionI am sorry to say they didnt send him home with anything but the catheter. This has been quite a learning curve and he has been suffering ever since. Thanks for the antibiotic ointment w lidocaine info - can you buy it combined already?
Brand name for ointment I used is Bactine Max. It's Bacitracin, polymyxin, and lidocaine combined. CVS carried it. Hospital sent me home with Medline Ready Cleanse Meatal & Perineal wipes for catheter and area maintenance. I haven't seen them in drug stores, but they are available on Amazon. Maybe ask local pharmacist if they have them or something comparable. Best wishes.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 ReactionsThank you so much for this helpful information. I am wondering if an external catheter of some type might be more comfortable for him.
You're very welcome. I'm sure an external catheter would be more comfortable, but it depends on why the catheter was placed. If it was to prevent urine from irritating the urethra, then an external won't work.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 ReactionsHave had catheters and pain/irritation at first a few times. My solution was:
Didn't strap bag to leg. That just pulls/pushes tube every time I moved.
I got a string or shoelace-type cord that I fastened to the bag and then supported the weight of the bag from my belt (or any other pants top) so the bag would hang free. This way walking or moving my leg in any way would not tug on the catheter tube.
Relief was instant. With the bag supported I was free to move.
No pain.
Good luck to you both. You sound like a great team to tackle these surprise problems.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsPS: ever consider an artificial urinary sphincter?
AUS 800 solved my post- prostatectomy incontinence completely.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionThank you so much for your very helpful information. This has been a nightmare - especially with the connections not secure and then it leaks all over. He sees the Urologist NP tomorrow and hopefully she can offer some solutions also. Re Artificial Urinary Sphincter - the first urologist he saw said "Do you want me to fix this problem for you?" I can do that with an AUS! My husband said yes he would like to do it. He now has some ulcers on his penis due to using the clamp we think. He has to get that healed up first before he could move forward w the AUS. His incontinence was due to a Radical Prostectomy about 20 yrs ago- it would be amazing for him if the AUS would fix the problem. Once again thanks for your help. We need it! 🙂
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsMe too. Yay
The Mayo store has lots of straps and bags and everything you need. No need to be uncomfortable. Buy some white paper tape. Strap the bag on with some extra hose for movement. Tape the hose to your inner thigh. With enough hose between penis and tape you shouldn't have much movement. All supplies are inexpensive. Pain free.