question about instills

[megancolleen]

How long did it take you to learn how to self-instill? In other words, how many in-office visits did you have to do before you could do them yourself at home?

[sickofmybladder]

Megan -

I had about 4 rescue instillations done in office by the nurse - to make sure I would respond well - then 1 teaching appt. (where the nurse showed me what to do - but I actually had to do it) - the teaching appt. took about 30 minutes and was very thorough - I have not had any problems at all.

A couple of tips - that I learned on this site that really helped once I got home:
1. Buy a mirror that sits on a small stand (so you can see what you are doing).
2. My nurse had recommended I sit on the toilet to do the instillations - but after advice from this site - I set up on the floor of my bathroom (which works much better - especially to see what you are doing and for relaxation) - I have a bath mat - that is only put down when I am doing an instillation (and then washed afterwards) - a clean towel on top of that - and then I use a clean pillowcase to lay the catheter on (doesn't pick up lint etc.)

I was VERY nervous about doing this myself - but it was much easier than I ever expected.

[jrosey]

sickofmybladder,

Just got back from my uro and decided to try to instillations. Question:
Does it hurt and how long did it take before you could tell if it was working.
thank you so much

living with IC since 1994:angel:

[sickofmybladder]

sickofmybladder,

Just got back from my uro and decided to try to instillations. Question:
Does it hurt and how long did it take before you could tell if it was working.
thank you so much

living with IC since 1994:angel:


Are you going to be doing DMSO instillations or rescue instillations? For rescue instillations - most people it does not bother them - there are some people who flare anytime they are cathed so there is always that possibility but they use a tiny catheter and for me it never hurt - the first one was uncomfortable but nothing I would consider pain. I felt better while holding the instillation during my first one - there was some burn when I voided it out. I would say after about a week of doing them on a regular schedule (3x per week) - I could definately tell my frequency had been cut down. Also - if I am in a flare - they are very helpful at calming things down.

I'd say it's worth a try ..... Good Luck! :)

[jrosey]

Sickofmybladder,

According to my uro we are starting with DMSO. My anxiety level just
went down knowing that it will not cause me pain. I have been cat'd before
I left a little discomfort but not much.

In your opinion, what is best? I have never had an instillation before. Elmiron
has controlled my systems until lately. Stress has caused IC to wake up.

thanks so much

[sickofmybladder]

I would read on some of the other threads concerning DMSO instillations - they can (and most often do) cause some level of pain at least in the beginning.

[Paininthe*.*]

Jrosey, the DMSO instills will probably cause increased discomfort the first several instills. For me, it felt like an increase in my symptoms...nothing I couldn't handle, but definitely felt worse, then after a few days, I felt better. Just had my 7th instill, and each time it gets easier. DMSO has been a godsend for me, so don't let all the negative posts about it scare you too much. It's not painful for everyone who gets them. Unfortunately, all you can do is try them, but be aware you'll have to gut out a series of them (I felt a difference after instill #3) before you know if it will work for you. Good luck.

[GriffsMommy]

I only had one training session in the dr's office and she still did the instill just had me watch with a mirror while she was doing it. Luckily my urethra was very easy to find at home. My hardest part was figuring out the most comfortable and easiest position and location for me to do mine. I actually do it on my bed now with my bed made. I have a tubberware container to catch any left over urine from my bladder in and to prop the mirror up against and this has worked great for me. I'm sure every provider is different though so if you don't feel like you're ready to do it at home yet ask for more time to learn or to do one in the office while they watch so you know you've got it down.

[L. Thomas]

I have immediate relief. I went to the office for 3 instills to see if the cocktail was working and then I went for 3 visits to learn how (2 weeks total). It took a couple of weeks of doing them before I felt comfortable knowing that I wouldn't have any problems. I do them myself sitting on the toilet. I have tried to explain everything in the link in my signature.

I do heparin, lidocaine, soduim bicarbonate instills