Hi guys, as some may know my Mum has advanced Alzheimer's and has just had a catheter put in. You would have thought my experience with Steve would help me, but he was male, I just put him in boxer shorts and baggy trackie bottoms, but what do you do for females? Sorry to be personal, but the nursing home she is in, are useless, she constantly feels she needs to pass urine, even making her carers take her to the toilet. I am pretty certain the pipe is constantly kinked, ( not that I am allowed anywhere near her to find out). Does she need different clothes? She will refuse point blank to wear a skirt.
Sending you all a big hug and much love, in these extra hard days. I dread to think how you all are coping, especially with Social Services and GP's, throwing the Covid card, everytime you need help.
Lots of love
Anne
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Heady
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Hugs back to you, Anne, dear. Rather nice to see you here, but very sad you are going through this. I'm sorry, I don't know much about managing the female catheters, but I do know the dementia element made it impossible to manage a catheter well for my sweetheart, as he couldn't leave it alone. My mother wore pads and depends for the most part. I assume the carers have determined that the catheter is easier for them to deal with. I wonder whether her sense that she needs to urinate might not be a sign of a UTI, but I'm sure you have thought of that.
How are you otherwise, girlfriend? Send me a message if you get the chance.
Hi Anne , I was king of the catheters with Veronica she could block one faster than a rat out of a trap. If she is having problems then go for an open ended one . The nurses where I am had never heard of them but they exist and make life a lot easier, I was actually given the info on this site . As for trousers definitely a ‘no’ too any kinks possible . Sorry mum .
I've just written a long reply on another thread about female catheters. Mum has just recently got a flip-flo one with a tap during the day like Georgepa mentions. The carers have to empty it enough during the day which is easy with a skirt. Mum has just started wondering what to do now that the weather is turning and I was thinking of suggesting she move to a bag with trousers as she wanted the flip-flo so she didn't have a bag showing under her skirt. But now I'm having second thoughts. Perhaps time to stock up on winter skirts?
Mum had a catheter for a few months whilst in a home as they couldn't deal with her frequent requests for the toilet. She had a bag which was attached to her calf and the tube I think was taped loosely in place on her thigh. The bag had a tap so could be easily emptied. She wore trousers throughout and there were no issues with kinking or blocking but she did get an UTI which went undiagnosed until we got her home. Once she was home we lost the catheter and used pads, as she wasn't actually incontinent but couldn't get to the toilet herself so couldn't always time need with a carers visit.
Heady, I can't give you any advice on catheters, only to offer virtual support. Sarah inspired me to come back and it is good to see a friendly name. My mother also used pads (TENA were the best) for her. Best to you, Christine
Hi old friend! I still dip into the site like a lot of us do. There are meds your mum can have to help with the spasm, also she may have the wrong size catheter in, also there are different types of material, silastic rather than rubber, a catheter should not be causing these distressing problems. District nurses or continence team should sort it and should at least answer a phone query. The covid excuse is wearing a little thin with me too. Never thought i would say it but I am not sure how I would have survived this if Rog was still alive, my heart goes out to those caring.
Have a lovely christmas ,whatever bubble you are in!
Hi Julie, lovely to hear from you. Know what you mean, struggling big time with this Covid crap, for Mum. Think I would be well into La La land, if I still had Steve at home, or even worse in a home and not being able to get to him. It's bad enough with Mum.
Thanks for your advise. Never thought about a different type of material for the actual catheter, Mum has always been allergic to most things, why not rubber. Problem is, she is in a nursing home, yes you guessed, they are not letting anyone in, or people are refusing to go into this despit of Covid. Honestly, has nobody realised these vulnerable people are only getting it, because the staff bring it into them, they are not having crazy parties or mixing with millions of other folk.
As to my bubble for Christmas, well it will depend on the rules, no doubt we will have several going! Hope you are doing OK.
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I just need some respite from the noise.!!!!
Need meds to help with stiffness and freezing
Need help lifting him up 
Need help to take decision 
