Catheter

[sunnyday22]

Hi I have end stage IPF they have suggested that I have a catheter fitted because of my lack of mobility and how tired I get and it’s got to a stage where if I drink anything I have to go. Can you help with what I can expect.

[mrsmummy]

Hu. Why not give the BLF helpline a ring tomorrow and get some facts/advice. 03000 030 555

[sunnyday22 in reply to mrsmummy]

Thanks I give them a call tomorrow

[Dubba61]

Very sorry to hear that sunnyday. I've had catheters 3 times n they've been fine n didn't hurt at all. Probably be easier for you too. I do wish you well. 😊✌️🌻

[sunnyday22 in reply to Dubba61]

Did they leak

[Dubba61]

Oh no! I had them for just a week or so after a "C" section. But had no problems at all with them. 😊🌻✌️

[Tricity125]

I had one. Iam male. Had for about 3 weeks. Age then 46 To be honest. I did not like I was in bed nearly whole time I was suppose to get out to do 5 pr 6 pace s up and down bed. This caused me to rip out lung drain so they stopped the steps. But left in the cath at the time I remember that I listened to world service and a big talk on Caths would you believe there can be risk of bladder infection and discomfort. But saying that. I heard people having them. For yrs. what I do now. When it's to much to get to the loo is use a bottle. This I use in the night or early morn and in my car. Cos not. Really any public loos available any more well that is in London can you believe in old st and shorditch they put. Portacabin loo. Out of a night time for the. Reveller. And. Drunks but no where in the day time unless a mac dees or a pub. It's a disgrace well my. Friend I hope you. Get. Sorted Can I ask you. Please ask yr age. How long you. Had this. Is. It called IPD And. How you have coped. As. Like my illness. No cure. Bless you. PJ

[sunnyday22 in reply to Tricity125]

Hi thank you for your reply. I am 61I’ve had IPF since 2011. Up to 2013 I was still working I went into hospital for 4 weeks and came out on oxygen 24/7. Base the day I went into hospital my live stopped and my family. My hart is now failing because of the lung condition. I now have very little mobility

[Mavary in reply to sunnyday22]

Hi Sunnyday22.

My Husband had IPF and the only way he could get to the loo when he was at the same stage as you was for me to push him in a wheelchair. This sounds not an option for you but I would definitely go for the catheter. I’ve had it a few times and it’s lovely when you’re not feeling too good not to have to struggle to the loo. It will make your life so much easier.I’m sorry you have this disease. I know from my experience of my Husband how you are struggling. I wish you all the best. X

[sunnyday22 in reply to Mavary]

Thank you so much for your reply as I know you are fully aware of the effects of this condition. By the sounds of it you’re husband was as lucky as I am who has a wonderful person beside them. Without my wife support I know I would not have made it this far. It’s hard to see what the whole loss when someone has this type of condition. Have a nice weekend and enjoy the sun

[joyce74]

I had one after a hip operation for a few days and had no problems with it at all

[Stumpy55]

Hello sunnyday22, I have been bladder incontinent for many years now. While at home I use incontinent pads but each time I go into hospital I am catheterised so that I'm more comfortable and dry in bed. It's not at all painful, first time when its inserted it feels a bit uncomfortable but that's it. Rest assured it is better. Take care and please let us know how you get on ? 🤞😉

[mas7656]

It will save you worrying about having to get to the toilet. So long as the catheter is emptied regularly and is not blocked for any reason, you should be fine.

[Dragonmum]

My husband had heart failure and it used to break MY heart watching him struggling to get to the loo in time - the drugs he was on meant he needed to "go" so often. He benefited greatly from the catheter and it was no problem emptying and replacing bags, he used the catheter for years. The nurse used to come and change the actual tube every so often and it didn't bother him at all. As long as basic hygeine rules are followed there should be no concerns about infection. Certainly made life a lot easier for him, as I hope it will for you. My best wishes to you my friend, give it a go and let us know how you get on.

[sunnyday22 in reply to Dragonmum]

Thanks i got a lung condition IPF and my hart is failing as a result. Like your husband the. Medication makes me go a lot. Did you find any leg straps or any other advice take may help

[Dragonmum]

The catheter bag is supplied with elasticated ties by the NHS and very easy to attach - the bag is virtually invisible and is on the inside of the bottom of the leg. My husband had diabetes which caused his heart to fail but even though we were told he had a year, two at best he survived for eight years after the heart failure diagnosis - much less exhausted once he had the catheter.

[sunnyday22 in reply to Dragonmum]

Thanks for the info

[sunnyday22 in reply to Dragonmum]

Hi from your experience what are the most important things to do when you have a catheter

[Dragonmum]

Empty the bag before it gets full and maintain scrupulous hygiene standards - you can avoid any infections that way.

[sunnyday22 in reply to Dragonmum]

Thank you for your help

[Dragonmum]

Happy if I've been some help; give the catheter a try - going back and forth to the loo is very wearing.