Using a catheter

[Class52]

for years I’ve finger pricked to check my blood sugar levels it’s still unpleasant but I’m used to it.

this week I’ve started with a catheter trying different types. It’s an awful feeling as I push the catheter into me specially when going through the prostate and pushing into the bladder.

I need this because of urine retention after I think I’ve finished peeing there’s still some 300 mls left.

Will I get used to it like the pin prick. At the moment it’s taking a lot of my waking thoughts.

Any tips or thoughts

[Norwich1 Moderator]

I guess that trying catheterisation is the only way you will find out if you will get used to it. Key to good catheterisation is the utmost hygiene. You need to avoid UTIs

[LondonB]

have you talked to your Urologist about the Urolift procedure in your prostate?

[Class52 in reply to LondonB]

Hi Yes it’s been discussed for the narrowing but he didn’t think I was ready for it yet. The catheter is for inability to fully empty my bladder a different thing to being unable to actually pee. My body thinks it’s emptied my bladder when there’s around 300 mls left the stale urine could cause a uti or damage my kidneys

[LondonB in reply to Class52]

That was the problem I had.

No issues since the procedure and empty bladders.

No side effects from procedure either

[Class52 in reply to LondonB]

So can you get eurolift on the nhs??

[LondonB in reply to Class52]

Not sure. I did mine at the London clinic with Mr Barber.