Repeated Urinary Retention & Self Catheterization

[CinemaBabe]

Hello,

I had radiation for Uterine Caner about years ago and for the past 3 years have had bladder and urethra problems. They warned me that this was a potential long term side effect but this has just been terrible.

I've been on Elmiron for about 9 months and that stops the urgency cuts the pain down to a tolerable level. I drink only water and try to be careful with my diet.

My biggest problem, though, is with my urethra. I have had about a dozen episodes of acute urinary retention where I would have intense, painful spasms in my bladder but one of the urinary sphincters would not release and let the urine out.

When this happens I have to go to the emergency room where they catheterize me and sometimes send me home with the catheter still in me and a leg bag.

This has been happening more frequently and my urologist says that I'll have to catheterize myself a couple of times a day to keep this from happening.

I cried hen he told me that.

Does anyone else here self catheterize and if so, what is it like?

[Briza]

Learning to self cath can actually be pretty liberating. Sure no one wants to have to do it but with retention issues it is good thing to know.

I had to learn during terrible circumstances following a surgery with complications. I was in ungodly amounts of pain and retaining completely and I taught myself! So it can be done.

I preferred small caths of 12 french or less. Preferably 8 fr. Non latex. Some presecription lidocaine gel to use as lube. A mirror propped on the seat of the toilet and one foot on floor and one on the seat. You can buy the caths of your choice at a pharmacy that sells med supplies like that. I didn't need an Rx.

You shouldn't have to l learn on your own like I did. Your dr or the nurse I am sure will show you I am sure.

I'm sure others will post their tips for you.

have you tried any antispasmodics?? might be a good idea to ask your dr for one!

[suse in van]

I have been self cathing for over 5 years. I had a home care nurse come to my house and she was very sweet, as I was pretty freaked about it all. At first it was really hard, but after a few weeks I was so happy I did it. I have complete retention: I can't really pee at all any more on my own. An ultrasound a couple of years ago explained why: I had a prolapsed bladder. Surgery might have helped but it was a risk. My catheter is my best friend : I can always empty my bladder now. If I am having trouble getting to sleep because I feel I have to pee, I insert a catheter, and put a diaper on. Yes- I know it sounds gross, but it makes the night so much easier. My husband is amazing. The other thing I just discovered when I have a bad flare (like right now) I put a catheter with water in it in the freezer, and then I insert it into my urethra. It is so soothing.
I have had IC for over 20 years. My husband has MS. I think that we have both learned to plan our lives a little differently than before. There are some things I just cannot do anymore. Same with him .I think that we are both very understanding of each other's limits. But of course, it is a real challenge some days.

This was my very first post. I hope that it helps anyone who might have to self - catheter.
Good luck to all of you out there.

[ICNDonna]

I found that catheterizing myself is much easier than having anyone else do it --- and it doesn't hurt when I do it. I haven't had to do it for some time now, but I do have catheters on hand "just in case." You'll do fine.

Warm hugs,
Donna

[CinemaBabe]

Well, they taught me to self cath and after trying for 2 weeks, for up to an hour each time, I was unable to physically get the catheter in. I should note that whenever I have had to go to the emergency room, the Drs and nurses have had a very hard time getting it in as well and I bleed for up to 10 days afterward.

When I went back to the Urologist for the Urodynamic testing The nurse, urological resident and urologist all had problems getting a 12 french catheter into my bladder: it was clear that I wasn't just being difficult in not self cathing.

Long story short (1)The self cathing idea has been scratched (2) the dr prescribed Flomax and so far it's working great. I need to post a more comprehensive description of what my diagnosis and what's happening.

Thank you all for your support and comfort.