Trying Home Instillations for the First time, questions

[starrynite]

After hearing members on this forum having some pain relief from home instillations, I decided to ask my Uro about it. He agreed to give me the supplies needed and script. I hadn't had an instill in a while and he offered to give me one while I was there. I forgot how much it hurts when you put it in your bladder! It stings so bad. Does anyone think this could be helped with lidocaine jelly? The nurse only used regular jelly. Also, how do you know when you have fully reached the bladder when you insert the cath? I am nervous about this whole do-it-yourself instillation process so any answers and advice would be helpful.:help:

[prestwood16]

After hearing members on this forum having some pain relief from home instillations, I decided to ask my Uro about it. He agreed to give me the supplies needed and script. I hadn't had an instill in a while and he offered to give me one while I was there. I forgot how much it hurts when you put it in your bladder! It stings so bad. Does anyone think this could be helped with lidocaine jelly? The nurse only used regular jelly. Also, how do you know when you have fully reached the bladder when you insert the cath? I am nervous about this whole do-it-yourself instillation process so any answers and advice would be helpful.:help:

First, what type of Instillation did your Doctor prescribe? DMSO, Heparin cocktail, Elmiron cocktail etc. Second, what size cath are you using?
I can't believe they didn't give you a guide, but I had to ask twice when they told me I was going to be doing these. So, yes I believe you!

They told me the first time I did one not to empty my bladder all the way, that way I would know when I had reached my bladder bc the urine would flow out!! Be sure to have KY bc you need some on you and the cath. Not much or the cath can get clogged.
After your bladder has emptied, take the cath and hold it up not down so the instill want flow out but in and inject the med straight into the bladder!!
When I first put the medicine in it does burn just alittle then it passes quickly, but if you have DMSO now that stuff liked to have burnt me up inside!! but, if you have the other coctails they do sting alittle but it does pass.
If you are still unsure about things I'm sure you can search on hear or google self cath and it will give you in depth detail on how to do it. I was like you the first time. There is no way I can do this, but I did it and it was kinda painless. It reminded me of learning to use tampons!:loco:LOL I do mine in the bathtub. I clean the tub before and after. I just feel it is the easiest place to do them. Because to me at first you are a little messy learning and I would rather clean my tub then the floors!!
But, you will be fine and after you do the first one you will think this was so easy!! I do hope you have 10' cath (baby caths) you can't feel them barely and I hope you have a gently instillation!!
Good Luck You Can Do It!! I Did It And I'm A Big Chicken, So Anyone Can Do IT!!!!!!!!!:smile tee
Julie

[ICNDonna]

The way you know the catheter is in the bladder is that urine flows out through the catheter --- even if you just urinated there will be a tiny bit. Lidocaine can be a huge help with the discomfort. What kind of solution are you using?

Just a comment: I find a catheter is much less uncomfortable if I'm doing it myself.

Donna

[starrynite]

The way you know the catheter is in the bladder is that urine flows out through the catheter --- even if you just urinated there will be a tiny bit. Lidocaine can be a huge help with the discomfort. What kind of solution are you using?

Just a comment: I find a catheter is much less uncomfortable if I'm doing it myself.

Donna

The solution the Dr. gave me is as follows: Lidocaine 1% 25ml, Marcaine .5% 25ml, Decadron 4mg/ml-2ml, Sodium Bicarb 8.4mg/ml-1 1/2ml

The cath size is small, it is a red rubber one. This size is way better then what I have had in the past from another uro who gave me DMSO (which I will never do again because it hurt so much!:cussing:)

Would I be able to get a script for lidocaine jelly from my general practitioner? I didn't think to ask the Uro for one and I have an appt. with my general doc on friday.

I am glad to hear that this can be done and may be more comfortable because I am the one doing it:)

[ICNDonna]

You could probably telephone your uro's office and get the lidocaine if your regular doctor doesn't want to write the order.

Donna

[L. Thomas]

I have done instills for several years. I use an 8fr pediatric feeding tube. I agree with Donna. I have never had pain when instering the catheter myself. I have even asked if I could insert the catheter. They usually looked surprised but they have never said no.

I couldn't urinate after surgery once. They wouldn't discharge me until a I went to the bathroom. I told them if they would get me a catheter I would take care of that. They got me one and I got to go home.

Remember you will find plenty of support here. I have a link in my signature that may give you tips to learn how to do a home instill. There are lots of people that do home instills on the site. We all have different ways to do instills. Just look around and you will find other helpful ideas.

[sickofmybladder]

I also do not experience discomfort when I insert a catheter myself - but boy have I had some painful experiences when nurses have done -

See you know your body better than anyone else - so you can go as slow as you need to, take a deep breath if it appears to be hesistating some going in etc. - Also - if you continue to experience discomfort you can absolutely ask your doctor for the lidocaine gel -

[starrynite]

I am a little worried now about my cocktail. I was having a little burning yesterday after the in-office instillation, but I just attributed that to the cath. I just went to the bathroom and had some burning, I thought that would have been gone by now. Do you think that the cath just made me sore? How long can the effects of the cath last? I am worried now that it is the cocktail mixture:confused: