Foley catheter crisis - extreme pain

[blackcat25]

Hi guys,
I wonder if anyone has any experience with this, as I'm absolutley at the end of my tether with this. Basically, I have a long term foley catheter in situ, due to complete urinary retention ( my bladder and urethra are essentially paralysed) and I am 30 weeks pregnant. I get really bad urethral spasms which are sometimes severe enough to burst the balloon in the catheter so that it comes out. Also, whenever I try to walk the weight of the baby is pressing my bladder down onto the catheter tip, causing bleeding and severe pain. On top of this I have a UTI:toilet: :toilet: :toilet:

Because of the pregnancy, my care is being shared between the Urology department and the Ob/gyn department at my local hospital, and everyone keeps contradicting each other. I've just got home after spending the night in hospital because of this, as infections can cause pre term labour. My ob/gyn insists that I always be admitted to the maternity ward, but the doctors and midwives on the ward don't really know what to do and tend to panic. Then, when i see the ob/gyn she questions everything that they have done, and almost seems to make out as if it is my fault.
I feel bad complaining, because this has been a bit of a miracle pregnancy, and I knew from the start that it wasn't going to be easy.
Anyway, for those of you who have got this far, WELL DONE:angel:
Has anyone any ideas on how to stop the catheter from tearing my bladder lining? The only advice I have been given is to avoid walking if at all possible.Obviously, being pregnant there is very little in the way of pain meds that I can take. I've been prescribed co-codamol ( not sure what you call that in USA) but it doesn't touch it.

Self cathing is not an option any more, because firstly I can't see or reach round the bump, and secondly, my bladder has moved due to the baby so my urethra is distorted. I know it is not advisable for foley catheters to be used long term, and I worry about the long term effects it will have. I've been told that the only treatment options once I've had the baby are interstim, or bladder removal if that doesn't work. Drug treatment will not work, because my bladder is completely dead. I've also had pre cancerous cells removed, although thankfully this has not recurred.

I'm so sorry for dumping this on you guys, but its so hard finding anyone who understands about this. I tried posting on the pregnancy boards, but nobody had any advice - its a bit of a complicated situation. I feel so guilty,as if my body has become my baby's enemy, and like i've failed as a mother before I even start. I haven't slept properly in weeks and I can't stop crying.
Anyone any ideas?
Blackcat:cat:

[Imustpee]

Hang in there!!! You have almost made it! I had a foley for 5 months..I too had the spasms...ugh! Not bad enough to push out the balloon tho...I took Pyridium amd Ditropan...I would also say that trying to be as still as possible is the best bet...feet elevated if you can...this will take pressure off your bladder...I had my bladder removed 11 months ago and MY LIFE IS GREAT!!! Best thing I EVER did for myself!!! Read up on Interstim and removal if those are the only 2 things left to try, be educated....Interstim happy customers seem pretty rare around here, and bladder removal is HEAVY DUTY...But I am so glad I did it..I actually have a life now....good luck to you....:)
Here is some info on the med you are taking..
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Co-codamol

[blackcat25]

Hi,
Thanks for your help. Things are starting to settle down a bit now, but unfortunately I have to have the catheter changed today because of the infection, and that is likely to start things up again. I'm trying not to take painkillers unless I absolutely have to - I feel so guilty for taking them at all, even though the doctors assure me that they are safe. However, I have to take them before I have the catheter changed otherwise I can barely walk backto the car.
As far as treatment options go, when I last spoke to my Uro he said not to even think that far ahead and just to concentrate on getting through the pregnancy. However, in a few months I'm sure I'll e around the boards asking for advice a lot. I'm very glad that the bladder removal and interstim boards were not blocked - I never thought I'd be needing them.
I'm so glad that the bladder removal worked for you - it sounds like you've really got your life back and thats brilliant.
Hugs,
Blackcat:cat:

[Moonheart]

Hi Blackcat, sounds like you're having a rough time of it. I know that this isn't totally the same, but wanted to tell you that my husband has had a foley in for over four years now. He does have recurring infections or feels like it alot but other than that he is doing just fine. I wouldn't worry too much about having the foley in during your pregnancy.

If there is anything you want to ask or anything just write to me okay? I hope you feel better and this passes quickly for you.

Take care!
Moonheart

[ICNDonna]

Hopefully once this pregnancy is over, you will feel better. You may even be able to get back to a catheterization schedule. There are many people who, for various reasons (not usually IC), can't urinate and have to cath regularly.

You only have a little while to go before you will be able to hold that precious baby in your arms.

Sending warm encouraging hugs,
Donna

[poetgirl]

You poor thing! :( I cannot imagine how annoying it must be to have to deal with an indwelling foley while being that far along in your pregnancy. I had to wear one once for a week and did not enjoy the experience one bit. Being pregnant now, I can only imagine how uncomfortable that is for you. I'm almost surprised they haven't put you on bed rest, given the complexity of your situation.

I hope the docs can come up with something to make you more comfortable until your baby is born. :grouphug: