Catheters, self administered? Any opinions

[Hollyseden]

After visit to day surgery unit, this has been mentioned. I am not keen 😟

[Loobielu]

Hiya, I've self catherised in the past. It's relatively easy for us girls. I'm surprised I'm your first response. I'm no expert but shout if any particular question and I will try and help x

[Hollyseden in reply to Loobielu]

Thanks for your reply. My main concern is the fact that doctor could not get the flexible cystoscopy done successfully so I had general anaesthetic for rigid cystoscopy 🙄 Ovethinking it maybe but we'll see what happens.

[Loobielu in reply to Hollyseden]

eeek that was a shame the doctor couldn't get the 'thing' in for the cystoscopy. I've had 2 cystoscopies one under general and then one without which I'm guessing was the flexible one. When my urology consultant said to try the self catherterising he sent me to see a nurse in the urology team who showed me how to do it. Surely there is no harm in you doing the same. Its a bit embarrassing but if you do decide to give it a go, try putting the catheter in with the nurse rather than get the training and go home and fiddle around. She gave me the option on this and I thought yep deep breath give it a go and I got it in first time. It's all rather daunting but be brave x

[Hollyseden in reply to Loobielu]

Yes I'm waiting to hear about appointment with nurse. Watch this space for updates 😄and thanks again for your reply

[Loobielu in reply to Hollyseden]

oooh good news. Many thanks for letting me know and all the best with it x

[Hidden]

Hi Hollyseden, I've been self catheterising for many years. It really is not a problem! Lofric Origo are very easy to use. The only downside for me was I became dependant on them not being able to empty my bladder at all after so many months of usage. This can be restrictive for long holidays! However, I have recently taken part in a Southampton University study into multi-use catheters and I await the outcomes (in about 12 months time!) with interest. I'll share with this community at that time.

[Hollyseden in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for your reply. Sorry about the downside for you though. I still don't understand why they have suggested this for me. Maybe if and when I eventually see the nurse she can explain.

[Hidden in reply to Hollyseden]

Rereading back you don't mention the problem you have. If, like me, it is recurrent UTIs, which in my case was possibly due to incomplete bladder emptying (causing a breeding ground for bugs!), then I'd suggest avoiding catheterisation and antibiotics in favour of Hiprex (Methenamine Hippurate).

This is not a "classic antiB", it works by slightly acidifying the water and this deters bugs! I've been 69 weeks free of symptoms on this stuff. Previously I had 6 weekly "instillations" (delivered by catheter - very easy and pain free) to restore the bladder lining (the GAG layer of mucous membrane). This worked for approx 18 months before the efficacy wore off.

My Urologist suggests I alternate between Hiprex and instillations should the Hiprex lose efficacy also.

[Hollyseden in reply to Hidden]

Jings you have been through the wars. 😕

[Hidden in reply to Hollyseden]

More an irritation than wars! And that can be taken literally!!!