Was wondering if anyone had advice / experience with urinary catheter (in-dwelling or supra pubic)? My beloved mother-in-law’s incontinence is so disruptive & upsetting for her. + 2 years now, and she’s just so exhausted & distraught dealing with this. Her MSA is at late stage. Grateful for any insight!! Thank you.
Kx
I have a urinary one which helps a lot
My husband had an indwelling catheter and it was a game changer for him. I'm not sure whether it makes a difference that he was male, but he had a short catheter with a valve attached. The valve was simply opened every 3-4 hrs and the urine released into the toilet or a bottle. There was no bag to have to cope with during the day, and at night the valve was simply attached to a night bag. The valve was changed weekly by myself and the catheter every 8 weeks by the district nurses. Towards the end, it did tend to get blocked on occasions and required a call out to the nurses (usually to replace early) and flushing on a regular basis by me. All in all my husband preferred a catheter to getting stressed about pads etc, but I guess it is a personal decision. Hopefully this information has helped. Perhaps talk to your Bladder and bowel team, they were very helpful to us.
Best wishesMaureen
Female “plumbing” being what it is, I would say that a super-pubic catheter would be easier to live with and to manage.
My husband managed with CISC, but his issue was retention, so different problem to solve as well as different physiology.
My husband had a supra pubic catheter fitted after a couple of years with various others. For him it was by far a better option. Still not without issues, entry site needs careful cleaning each day, the occasional replacement could be difficult, but much better option by far.
Hi, sorry to hear about her issues
My late wife resisted catheters but admitted it was a mistake
I would recommend an in dwelling catheter which your district nurse will fit and refit on a regular basis when they need to be changed
There is a lot of training that needs to take place for the carer but for an MSA sufferer it is a game changer and will improve her quality of life
Hope this helps
Philip
Hello
Sounds like there is a good clinical reason for your mum in law to have one. As she is poorly, less stress and disruption for her. Probably slight indignation at the thought of one but well worth it, as coping with other MSA complications is enough to deal with.
Take care
My wife had a in dweling Foley catheter. Only regret was not getting it sooner.
Lost my mom to MSA
The uncertainty
Update on Maggie. 
Are we nearing the end?
