Catheter advice please :(

[harrietkatie]

So I am home with a catheter in, and I have to go back Monday morning for it to be removed...

Yesterday’s catheter was fine. I didn’t have any issues at all with it. But today, when they put a new one in because I still could empty my bladder, it’s so uncomfortable.

It’s a low down feeling. It’s not severe pain, it’s a dull pain. I’m guessing it’s the balloon in my bladder? I am falling asleep writing this as I haven’t slept for two days but this pain is keeping me from staying asleep!

I’ve never had a catheter before. When I went to collect my tramadol around 4pm today, a GP quickly checked where it enters etc as I said it was painful and she said the site looks fine and no infection is present etc.

Is this just something my body will get used to? I guess I was on a cocktail of drugs last night so maybe I couldn’t really feel the pain... or this one has just been inserted incorrectly??

I really don’t want it taken out and another new one placed in as that will increase my chance of infection! Although they have given me antibiotics to take just in case.

I feel totally fed up infuriated with my body that I couldn’t wee properly today. I had all the urges to go, nearly wetting myself, but I sat on the loo and just a tiny amount would come!!

I guess I just want to know if a catheter has been uncomfortable for anyone else? And if I will just get use to it? Thank you xxx

[milly89]

Catheters can be uncomfortable, sometimes this can be positional, and can be more so if your tube gets kinked or layed on. If you’ve had one inserted and removed in quick concession this may also cause some trauma (it’s an alien object residing in your body - made worse by the fact you’re aware of it) if you’re swollen down there, I’m imagine it’s post-surgical that could also cause more pressure on it than usual. The balloon is only filled with 10mls of water so shouldn’t impact. Keep an eye on the colour of your urine (should be light straw) and plenty of fluids. Should be a minimum of 2 litres to keep things running nicely.

Hope things get better soon for you x

[harrietkatie in reply to milly89]

Thank you that’s really helped me. I’ve woken up this morning with no more pain in my bladder but now my right groin area is aching. Unsure if this is because it’s the leg the bag is secured to, and subconsciously I haven’t wanted to move it all night just in case I pull the tube! Or if it’s something a little more sinister. Bag is still flowing though so no blockage. X

[harrietkatie in reply to milly89]

Also urine is a little darker this morning but unsure if that’s just because I’ve not had much water during night x

[milly89 in reply to harrietkatie]

It sounds as though you haven’t moved it so I suspect it’s just pain from being conscious of it. Drink plenty through the day and you should notice an improvement! X

[harrietkatie in reply to milly89]

Thank you so much. It’s just now and again it hurts, not constant. And it’s more of an uncomfortable feeling than a sharp pain. The only benefit is is that I don’t have to get up all the time to use the bathroom! X

[milly89 in reply to harrietkatie]

There’s always a benefit to them! I often long for one on days where there’s so much pressure in my stomach I just feel like I need to go constantly! X

[harrietkatie in reply to milly89]

Next thing on my list is to take the three dressings off my port sites. And try to have a shower! Xx