Help!!!

[glassd18]

I learned how to do my own instills yesterday. I was flaring before I went in for the instill, and now I'm worse than I was!!!! She put the cath in first then took it out and then let me try, but I didn't do very well. Anyhow it feels like shards of glass in my urethra and bladder. I took a Prosed a bit ago hoping to dull the pain. I haven't felt this bad for a long time. Now I'm wondering if I should do instills at all as it seems to have made things worse this time around. I didn't have this problem with the other instills. I didn't come back with an infection before she did the instill. They always test me before I get them done. I think the catheter poked the inside of my bladder as she put it in very far. She is usually very gentle, but I think teaching someone is different. Any advice will do!!!!

[packardaMSU]

it really sounds like you could have an infection. anyone who let you take it out then put the same one back in doesn't know what they're doing. I am a nurse - I would never do that to a patient or to myself. I would see if you have an infection and if not at least take some pyridium.

[jen74]

The nurse should have definitely gave you a new "sterile" catheter for you to use after she showed you how. That is outrageous! Get checked for a UTI to make sure she did not cause you a infection.
Jen

[glassd18]

The catheter was sterile when she put it in. She pulled it out to let me try to do it myself. Are you saying that the cath was contaminated already from the first entry? It was so fast. My urethra has since calmed down. I was putting cold compresses on for two days and that helped a lot. I don't think I would have had an infection that fast from what she did, as it hurt right after the instill. I get tested for a UTI before they do the instill. They would not have done the instill if I had an infection. I have Bactrim at home so I can take that just in case, but I will self test to see if anything shows up. This experience really didn't make me feel confident about doing my own instills because if I'm going to hurt that badly in the urethra everytime I try (which I didn't do too well myself) no thank you!!!!! She has done several of my instills, and this is the first time I had any difficulties afterward. I was having trouble putting the catheter in. I don't think I was pushing hard enough. I had a very irritated urethra beforehand too. I unfortunately have urethral burning on and off, but this was the worst it's ever been. How should I have been shown to do my own instills? I would like to here about others experiences. Thanks for your help.

[glassd18]

Also what should I do at home if I can't get the cath in right away. The catheters they gave me are very long rubber red caths that attach to the end of a syringe. I'm suppose to be able to use it more than once. I have to sterilize it in the microwave. They gave me the sterilization instructions. Thanks again.

[L. Thomas]

I have helpful hints in my signature. It may give you some ideas that will help. I use the catheter 4 times. I have never had an UTI.

Most IC'ers that do have success with home instillations. You are very correct to assume that the catheter was advanced too far.

I use an 8fr pediatric feeding tube. I think it is smaller than the catheter you are using.

I don't use lidocaine gel but it seems to help those that are having pain when the catheter is inserted.

[jen74]

The reason your not suppose to re-use the cath is because it is no longer sterile after it was put in you. Now reusing your catheter at home after you clean it(sterilize it) is a different story. I remember when I had to be cathed the nurse put it in, but it would not go in right so she took it out, but got a new one to put in. She said you NEVER use one that has already been in you without cleaning it first. We have bacteria down there in the vaginal area as it is so what she did was not healthy.

Jen

[glassd18]

Thank you for your replies. I am feeling better now. The urethral burning is gone. I am taking Bactrim and Prosed DS and that seemed to do the trick. I also did a self UTI test, and it came back postive for WBC's but negative for Nitrite. This does not indicate a UTI, but definitely indicates inflammation in the urethra. (it is written in the package insert that wbc's could be a contaminated urine from vaginal fluid or blood from improper cleaning, or it can indicate an inflammed urethra). I'm going with the latter given the situation I was in.

The catheter I'm using is a 12fr. My sister who is a nurse suggested that I try to find a smaller one if possible. They gave me regular surgical lubricant instead of lidocaine gel which I would have prefered. My husbands ex wife who is also a nurse who performs DMSO instills for patients says that re-inserting the cath was not such a big deal as long as it was re-inserted into the same place quickly and not left hanging around or put near the vaginal opening. It seems that there is a mixed view about this. My personal opinion is that it is probably better to get a new cath and start over. I only have two right now so I hope I can get it the first try :). I'm going to wait a little while before trying it again that's for sure!!!