Men with neurogenic bladder

I am on trospium and cath myself 4 to 5 times a day...been doing it since December

@bobcat763g
Good Morning,
I haven’t started self catheterization but it’s in my near future. I’m frightened. Is there a way to prepare myself mentally? I just don’t know what lies ahead for me.

@2will2
I may have responded prior. I felt the same way even more. After 15 months 4x per day, a way of life, no issues and can almost do it in my sleep compared to life challenges..minimal.

@sperio
Wow, thank you for the positive comment. It’s good to know there’s light at the end of the tunnel. I do realize in the beginning it’s going to be tough for me. If you have any helpful hints to get me through the start up I’d appreciate them.

@2will2
1. Have an experienced clinician show you technique
2. Incorporate state of the art catheters. I use Coloplast only ( great education materials.)
3. Always have your supplies laid out. infection control a must..no UTIs
4. If male, the prostate will provide discomfort for the first few times. Take a deep breath and cough as it goes through.
5. Drink your normal daily intake of water and develop a schedule routine for catheterization.
This will become a very every day normal process for you. You will get past this!

@sperio
Thank you again for the info. A little worried about my prostrate.
Paul

self Cath about 6 times daily

basically have the mindset that if I don't I am heading for stage 5. helps me put it into perspective

I have been self cathing for only about a week. We agreed 4x per day was good, but I am finding my urine volumes are < 500ml ( I read thats what you want each time) on the second and third caths, so I am going to try 3x, or 6 hours apart and talk to the doc tomorrow when I have my Urodynamics test tomorrow. It does take a little getting used to, but isn’t too bad. As previous people have said, lay everything out, and wash your hands with antibacterial soap. I wash the genital area and use an alcohol wipe on the tip of my penis as well. I use gloves too which os probably overkill, but I’m still getting used to all of this and paranoid for infection as I just getting over one. Take it slow. When you first insert, it’s easy, a little odd feeling, but it slides right in. When you get to the prostate, you will know and it pinches a little. Just breathe and reposition yourself a little, and go slow. I stand rather than sit. I find stretch and holding the penis firm helps. You will know when you are in.
There is the suprapubic cath option as well, then you wont have to self cath. For me, depending on my UDS outcome, that might be the way to go.