First Elmiron instill at home yesterday

[jjmowen]

I just did my first Elmiron instill at home yesterday. I had a little problem the first time and had to do it again. The first time I guess I was sitting up too much because the medicine wouldn't drain into my bladder. So I changed positions and tried again and had no problem. But afterward I had a lot of burning on the outside. I don't know if it's because of the catheter, or my clumbsiness, but it still burns some today. I have also had quite a bit of pain today. Do you think it's because I did something wrong?

I'm using 15 ml of Marcaine & 5 ml sterile water and 1 elmiron.

I used lidocaine jelly on the catheter. The catheter was larger than they use in the office, could that cause it? I have never really had problems with catheter size, but I called the supply place today and asked for smaller ones. They only gave me a 2 day supply until they approve insurance and place the order, so I have to use the large one again today.

I had three instills in the Dr. office and felt great afterward and for the next day I felt better. I'm going to try another tonight, but just wanted to get some input.

Thanks,

Jenel

[Katrina]

Still have burning...did you have pain when you inserted the catheder? You may want to get checked for infection. You may also want to look into a possible allergic reaction to latex.

What size catheter was it...yes if the catheter was a bit big for you it could definatly cause it.

I don't think it is because you did anything wrong. It is process to get used to...sometimes the nurse would struggle with me too...that didn't cause burning unless the drug she was using did...and I don't think that is what is happening with you.

[ICNDonna]

It could very well be that you need to have smaller catheters. Those first few times can be difficult. Once you get a routine established, it does get easier.

Sending gentle encouraging hugs,
Donna

[kelly McC]

Larger catheters did cause my bladder to get irritated I have to use pediatric catheters.
Hope your feeling better.
Kelly

[curlycue]

why dont you use the Lo Fric that what I use and they are wonderful. Good Luck.

[jjmowen]

Thank you all. I will definitely try a smaller catheter. The ones they gave me were 14 french - the lady at the medical supply place is ordering much smaller ones for me. Hopefully that is the problem.

I am still buring some today but not nearly as much.

I will ask them to get a Lo Fric to try - that sounds like a good idea.

As for the pain, it was not instant and is better today. Maybe just a flare.

Thanks so much, this is scary to do this at home, but if it helps it will be worth it.

Jenel

[mela414]

I use a 10 French catheter and it works just fine.
I did a treament yesterday too and had a lot of burning. I then realized that I had use a Marcaine that was NOT preservative free. I had buring all day and still have some burning today. it could be that you are sensitive to the preservatives. Just a thought.
Hope feel better soon. You can use a cold pack on the area to give you some relief.

[jjmowen]

I did check the marcaine and it is preservative free. The burning has eased up a lot the last 2 days. I got the smaller catheters and Friday's installation was much better. I think the biggest problem was the catheter size.

Thanks for all of your thoughts.

Jenel

[mela414]

I'm glad that the smaller catheter helps! Hope you continue to do better!

[Diane123]

Hello,

I do elmiron installations as well. Did your doc give you a rx for lo fric cathaters? What is marcaine? Also where do you get your sterile water from?

One more question. How often do you do the installations?

Diane

[curlycue]

I do instillation 3 times a week, I get all that stuff at Loma Linda Medical Center in California. It took me 3 weeks for me to figure all this stuff out and it was hard. Good Luck, Oh and if you are having a hard time trying to get your local Drug store to fill this for you go to a big hopital were they have a pharmacy they can get all that stuff for you.

[Diane123]

Did your doc write you a rx for all of the stuff?

[curlycue]

Yes he did and I still had a hell of a time getting it filled.

[jjmowen]

My doctor did write prescriptions for all of it. CVS filled the syringes, marcaine, sterile water & lidocaine. I went to a medical supply place for the rest of the stuff. My insurance paid for some of it and I paid for some of it. It took me about a week to figure everything out, but I did spend a lot of time on the phone.

I do mine every other day. The doctor said I should feel relief in 4 to 6 weeks. Still waiting for the relief. I feel better for a few hours but then when it wears off I'm back to where I started.

The marcaine numbs everything for a while. I love not feeling my bladder for several hours.

Oh, and as far as the catheters, the supply place said as long as they had a prescription for catheters, they could order whatever kind I want.

[curlycue]

Cool it seems like you got it under control, Good Luck it took a couple of weeks for mine to work as well but it happend.