catheters

denistd

Anybody here using intermittent catheters?

SantaZia

Catheters

Hi Denistd. I have a recent post on Intermittent catheterization.  I have been using them since 2000 about 6 times a day. I was a little scary when I was told that my bladder was extended and that if I did not use a catheter I would damage my kidneys beyond repair.  I was tested and found out that I had a neurogenic bladder due to disk disease-where the disk material separates from the disk and hits the nerve root causing nerve damage. The DME (durable medical dealers) will try to get you to buy a new one after every use. I never did that, and it isn’t needed. There is research to prove reuse of a catheter is just as safe as using a new one each time. You just need to wash your hands well and clean the catheter with an alcohol wipe. There is a lot of money to be made selling folks expensive catheters.  If you have any questions about anything, please let me know. To me it is nice to be able to empty my bladder when needed. On the plane I carry one in my pocket in a baggy with a wipe and something to clean my hands. I have made some mistakes. First, I allowed my Urologist to talk me into having a TURP which didn’t do anything for the retention issue. Second, I was prescribed Finasteride which I was told would prevent prostate cancer. Of course, that wasn’t true. I was diagnosed 3 months ago with 3+4=7 or 4+3=7 in two cores and confirming MRI and genetic testing. I have started hormone treatment and will soon be zapped with PROTONS. I just hope I can continue to use my catheter after treatment. Best luck to you!