Catheter help

[Nikkilouise]

Some advice pretty please

I’ve had a indwelling catheter in for two weeks. Had it swapped yesterday for a 3 month catheter and I’m in the most horrendous pain. Can’t remember the first one being this bad. It’s so painful even with anaesthetic gel and tramadol! To the point I cry when I move. Is this normal?

[Chillier]

Hi Nikki, unfortunately ive had my share of catheter experience. I now have a suprapubic one (through the abdomen).

Sometimes when the urinary ones are changed your urethra can get irritated or have some trauma. Also there is chance of a UTI when it changed. It might be worth getting that checked out (take a sample into your gp surgery).

An ice pack can be really soothing or a bath if you are allowed one. I take Dmannose supplements which really help keep the bladder clear and infections at bay (I buy them from amazon).

If you can bear it the only other thing I can suggest is slightly push the catheter in very slowly and gently as the balloon might be rubbing on the bladder wall. You should have also been given details of a district nurse? They may also have advice or be able to come and flush it.

Hope you feel better soon and that the pain settles down. Catheter pain is the worst!

[Bettyheslop]

Dear Nikkilouise,

I really feel for you, catheters are no fun. I had one for a couple of months after hysterectomy, they made a hole in my bladder and I got full of infection.

An infection can definitley cause your catheter to be irritating you even more so get that checked out. It is normal for them to be quite uncomfortable but you shouldn't be experiencing pain like you are.

I had similar during my time with one, couldn't sit still, kept using the anaesthetic gel, took painkillers, in the end I went to A&E as it was unbearable. There was a tiny bit of water missing from the balloon so they reinflated that and readjusted the catheter for me. It was loads better.

Although I did have a long wait in A&E for them to find someone willing to look at my catheter.

I wish I had been handed a leaflet explaining what life with a catheter would be like and what it would feel like.

Take care, I really hope it's sorted for you soon xxx