The Pad Diaries
Comments
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Dead skunk song- now therelewvino said:Trew,
Perhaps you could
Trew,
Perhaps you could start a new career writing country songs. This sounds like a real painful song and dance routine that you are starting down! Number 1 country song out of Nashville, Tn. The Pad Diaries. I remember back in 1973 the first trip down from Indiana to Tennessee the big hit on the radio was Dead Skunk in the middle of the road!
Larry
Dead skunk song- now there was a song!!
I'll give song writing a try- only the lyrics though- I have no musical ability other than playing Cds, etc.
I do remember a song titled, "Poor Poor Pitiful Me!" I do feel that way at times. Like I will be feeling around 2:10 this afternoon.
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Self, er, ah,Skid Row Tom said:Self-catheterization II
Maybe this will make you feel better. I've told people, if you're going to have surgery at Johns Hopkins, you'd better be a "real man". Immediately after my dilation procedure (for scar tissue) -- the procedure where I was awake and under no medication (other than Lidacane which they squirted up my pee pee) -- they took me into an examination room where I was given instructions on how to self-cath. To make sure I had it down, I had to perform the procedure in front of them. Remember, I had just had an ungodly painful procedure 5 minutes beforehand. I managed to do it once. And then they said, "We'd like to see you do it again just to make sure." I told them "No way" - hell, I was about ready to pass out. Then, my wife drive me 450 miles back home.
Skid, when you did the self cath procedure, did you have any difficulty doing it?
I can get up to the "door" but since the visit Wed and one time Friday evening, I just can't get through the "door." I tried moving the time to early morning after a nice hot bath, still no success. Just wondering if you had similar problems. I really don't like the though of having to go back to the continence center and getting another evaluation.
Seems like there is a lot of pressure, too. Just not comfortable at all.
And remember: today is National Cancer Survivors Day0 -
Catheter insertionTrew said:Self, er, ah,
Skid, when you did the self cath procedure, did you have any difficulty doing it?
I can get up to the "door" but since the visit Wed and one time Friday evening, I just can't get through the "door." I tried moving the time to early morning after a nice hot bath, still no success. Just wondering if you had similar problems. I really don't like the though of having to go back to the continence center and getting another evaluation.
Seems like there is a lot of pressure, too. Just not comfortable at all.
And remember: today is National Cancer Survivors Day
I'm not sure what you mean by "the door". When I first did it, I could hardly make myself walk through the bathroom door. That said, a few questions. What size is the catheter and what does the end look like? The ones they gave me were reusable, 16 French (in diameter), and looked like it had a BB-sized ball or bubble on the end. I ordered some disposable ones off the Internet -- 14 French (but if I had to order them again I might get 12 French) and they were tapered on the end. The narrower diameter and tapered end made for easier insertion. Make sure you goop on the lube, at least 6 to 8 inches worth. I used over-the-counter SurgiLube. Put the catheter in and apply slight pressure. It's uncomfortable, but it will slide in. It will then stop (the other "door"). As I remember, this is a muscle or tissue of some sort that worked with your prostate to keep you from peeing yourself. The prostate is gone, but the "muscle" remains. Just maintain constant pressure or perhaps a bit more. I found it helped at that point to push -- like you were trying hard to pee. The catheter should then slide past this "obstruction" about an inch or two more. You'll know you struck gold when urine runs out of the other end of the catheter. After there's no more urine (a few seconds), gently slide the catheter out. Throw the catheter on the floor, do your end zone dance, and taunt it by yelling "Who's your daddy?"0 -
16 frenchSkid Row Tom said:Catheter insertion
I'm not sure what you mean by "the door". When I first did it, I could hardly make myself walk through the bathroom door. That said, a few questions. What size is the catheter and what does the end look like? The ones they gave me were reusable, 16 French (in diameter), and looked like it had a BB-sized ball or bubble on the end. I ordered some disposable ones off the Internet -- 14 French (but if I had to order them again I might get 12 French) and they were tapered on the end. The narrower diameter and tapered end made for easier insertion. Make sure you goop on the lube, at least 6 to 8 inches worth. I used over-the-counter SurgiLube. Put the catheter in and apply slight pressure. It's uncomfortable, but it will slide in. It will then stop (the other "door"). As I remember, this is a muscle or tissue of some sort that worked with your prostate to keep you from peeing yourself. The prostate is gone, but the "muscle" remains. Just maintain constant pressure or perhaps a bit more. I found it helped at that point to push -- like you were trying hard to pee. The catheter should then slide past this "obstruction" about an inch or two more. You'll know you struck gold when urine runs out of the other end of the catheter. After there's no more urine (a few seconds), gently slide the catheter out. Throw the catheter on the floor, do your end zone dance, and taunt it by yelling "Who's your daddy?"
I'm using the 16 french but can't geet it past the sphincter muscles. Just behind the sphincters is the bladder- not much after that. the inch or two that used to run thrugh the prostate was removed and I understand the bladder is pulled down and attached to what is left of the urethra. But I just ca't get past that one point. It is an amazing thing, that sphincter of mine. It can't keep anything from running out, but won't let anything from outside come in.
I contacted the continency center that is overseeing all this but my 'supervisor" is away on vacation this week. The other one in charge of this interesting process is suppose to call me back with new instructions.
So I keep trying to do the best I can. Kocking on that inner door should be worth something? Maybe?
may I do hate this whole thingie!0 -
Stupid sphincter!Trew said:16 french
I'm using the 16 french but can't geet it past the sphincter muscles. Just behind the sphincters is the bladder- not much after that. the inch or two that used to run thrugh the prostate was removed and I understand the bladder is pulled down and attached to what is left of the urethra. But I just ca't get past that one point. It is an amazing thing, that sphincter of mine. It can't keep anything from running out, but won't let anything from outside come in.
I contacted the continency center that is overseeing all this but my 'supervisor" is away on vacation this week. The other one in charge of this interesting process is suppose to call me back with new instructions.
So I keep trying to do the best I can. Kocking on that inner door should be worth something? Maybe?
may I do hate this whole thingie!
I've used up a life time of dirty words dealing with prostate-related stuff. Yes, that surviving sphincter is quite a little creature. It does seem to have a one-way door. I do remember that every time I encountered it, I had to hold the catheter in place with a constant pressure for maybe 5 seconds before it gave out.0 -
I wonder.....Skid Row Tom said:Stupid sphincter!
I've used up a life time of dirty words dealing with prostate-related stuff. Yes, that surviving sphincter is quite a little creature. It does seem to have a one-way door. I do remember that every time I encountered it, I had to hold the catheter in place with a constant pressure for maybe 5 seconds before it gave out.
If some of the guys who only had their prostate out, were dry in a few weeks, and have sexual function ever feel cheated when they see all the extra stuff/treatment some of us get?
I mean only a select few make it to the self cath stage....
I am so sorry for the rest of you who miss all this.
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Stupid Sphincter!Skid Row Tom said:Stupid sphincter!
I've used up a life time of dirty words dealing with prostate-related stuff. Yes, that surviving sphincter is quite a little creature. It does seem to have a one-way door. I do remember that every time I encountered it, I had to hold the catheter in place with a constant pressure for maybe 5 seconds before it gave out.
Mine isn't opening for any kind of coaxing. Stupid indeed!
this is some kind of internal self abuse I can't put a name on yet.
Oh well, tomorrow is another day.0 -
TrewTrew said:Stupid Sphincter!
Mine isn't opening for any kind of coaxing. Stupid indeed!
this is some kind of internal self abuse I can't put a name on yet.
Oh well, tomorrow is another day.
It's amazing the attitude you have for the issues you've been dealt...just like Lion1...you both have had a rough go at it and still keep your humor and wits...it's truely inspirational!! I pray you guys find resolution and peace with the beast at some point in the near future!
Randy In Indy0 -
Trewrandy_in_indy said:Trew
It's amazing the attitude you have for the issues you've been dealt...just like Lion1...you both have had a rough go at it and still keep your humor and wits...it's truely inspirational!! I pray you guys find resolution and peace with the beast at some point in the near future!
Randy In Indy
I agree, Trew, you are dealing with all the issues you've been dealt and still keeping a sense of humor, this is good! I am not sure I could do as well. Bravo to you my friend.
I am now able to pee a strong stream more than I have in over a year. That's the good news, now the so-so news, I am still using an average of 3-5 pads per day. It could be what my wife said, now that I am emptying my bladder the "incontinence" leaks are more too.
I am resolved to try to do more kegels every day. I am taking Vesicare on advice of my uro thinking it might help...I am not sure yet. Have you heard of anyone with PC and using something like Vesicare after surgery to control incontinence?
I will see my uro next Tuesday for followup visit after scope and roto rooter procedure . I plan to discuss my options then.
Hope your cath problems get better. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
JR0 -
I have not heard of anyoneJR1949 said:Trew
I agree, Trew, you are dealing with all the issues you've been dealt and still keeping a sense of humor, this is good! I am not sure I could do as well. Bravo to you my friend.
I am now able to pee a strong stream more than I have in over a year. That's the good news, now the so-so news, I am still using an average of 3-5 pads per day. It could be what my wife said, now that I am emptying my bladder the "incontinence" leaks are more too.
I am resolved to try to do more kegels every day. I am taking Vesicare on advice of my uro thinking it might help...I am not sure yet. Have you heard of anyone with PC and using something like Vesicare after surgery to control incontinence?
I will see my uro next Tuesday for followup visit after scope and roto rooter procedure . I plan to discuss my options then.
Hope your cath problems get better. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
JR
I have not heard of anyone using Vesicare after surgery. I know if can cause the bladder to shut down in some cases- if you find it hard to pee- quit using it. I had a similar reaction on flomax- which the old PA told me couldn't happen.
I have added urine output to my diary. average output is much less than 100cc. usually around 25cc. Pad is usually 40- 80% wet. This whole thing has me a little perplexed.
Seems like it was easier to win at Monoply than figure out this stage I am in.
and some of you guys are missing all this!!0 -
Overactive bladderJR1949 said:Trew
I agree, Trew, you are dealing with all the issues you've been dealt and still keeping a sense of humor, this is good! I am not sure I could do as well. Bravo to you my friend.
I am now able to pee a strong stream more than I have in over a year. That's the good news, now the so-so news, I am still using an average of 3-5 pads per day. It could be what my wife said, now that I am emptying my bladder the "incontinence" leaks are more too.
I am resolved to try to do more kegels every day. I am taking Vesicare on advice of my uro thinking it might help...I am not sure yet. Have you heard of anyone with PC and using something like Vesicare after surgery to control incontinence?
I will see my uro next Tuesday for followup visit after scope and roto rooter procedure . I plan to discuss my options then.
Hope your cath problems get better. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
JR
It sounds like the doctor suspects "overactive bladder". My regular GP prescribed something (can't remember specifically what it was) for overactive bladder when I was dealing with incontinence, but it did no good. He/she may be testing this hypothesis before "Plan B". A urodynamics test may be next.0 -
Something Like Vesicare After SurgeryJR1949 said:Trew
I agree, Trew, you are dealing with all the issues you've been dealt and still keeping a sense of humor, this is good! I am not sure I could do as well. Bravo to you my friend.
I am now able to pee a strong stream more than I have in over a year. That's the good news, now the so-so news, I am still using an average of 3-5 pads per day. It could be what my wife said, now that I am emptying my bladder the "incontinence" leaks are more too.
I am resolved to try to do more kegels every day. I am taking Vesicare on advice of my uro thinking it might help...I am not sure yet. Have you heard of anyone with PC and using something like Vesicare after surgery to control incontinence?
I will see my uro next Tuesday for followup visit after scope and roto rooter procedure . I plan to discuss my options then.
Hope your cath problems get better. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
JR
JR: Four months after Radical Prostatectomy in 2003 and still leaking, my urologist prescribed IMIPRAMINE. It's an anti-depressant drug, but when used at 1/2 normal dosage he said, it would "calm the bladder and tone the sphincter." It reduced pad usage somewhat but caused side effects -- dry mouth and constipation. I used it for a couple of years then quit. tpelle0 -
Diary Enter for 6-9-2010
No peeking.....
8:am up and void 150cc (this was the 5th time up for the night- just stayed up after this)
8:20 am void 100 cc (during the day 25cc- 50cc is common)
8:20 nite pad was almost dry- fresh change after shower and another failed attempt at self cath.
3:30 void 50 cc. (first time since 8: 20)
3;30 lite activity/car pad change, near 100%
Sometime in the afternoon: phone call/consult with the Continency Center.
Essence of the call is "sounds like you still have a stricture and need to be seen by the uro again, and maybe rescoped...." She was going to make the appointment.
So maybe I get scoped twice- TWICE!!! My cup runnth over!
I tell you, I am getting every bang for my buck I can out of this.
There are no entries after 3:30.
So, did you peek at my diary? Hummm?
I wonder how Tom Sawyer would have handled all this?0 -
Humor?Trew said:Diary Enter for 6-9-2010
No peeking.....
8:am up and void 150cc (this was the 5th time up for the night- just stayed up after this)
8:20 am void 100 cc (during the day 25cc- 50cc is common)
8:20 nite pad was almost dry- fresh change after shower and another failed attempt at self cath.
3:30 void 50 cc. (first time since 8: 20)
3;30 lite activity/car pad change, near 100%
Sometime in the afternoon: phone call/consult with the Continency Center.
Essence of the call is "sounds like you still have a stricture and need to be seen by the uro again, and maybe rescoped...." She was going to make the appointment.
So maybe I get scoped twice- TWICE!!! My cup runnth over!
I tell you, I am getting every bang for my buck I can out of this.
There are no entries after 3:30.
So, did you peek at my diary? Hummm?
I wonder how Tom Sawyer would have handled all this?
You said "scoped twice." Did you mean "scooped". Ha ha -- a little uro humor there. If you get dilated a second time, that means I have to go in and have it done again to keep up! On second thought, I think I'll just let you win.0 -
This just feels like a goodSkid Row Tom said:Humor?
You said "scoped twice." Did you mean "scooped". Ha ha -- a little uro humor there. If you get dilated a second time, that means I have to go in and have it done again to keep up! On second thought, I think I'll just let you win.
This just feels like a good o' xanax day!
the last time we were in the doctor's my wife listened as I was told about the self cath procedure.
As we were walking out to the car she said to me, "I can't believe you luck!" No doubt a very high compliment. I amazed her again today. And another similar compliment.
However, I may yet avoid another 'scooping' and escape out the back door.0 -
Vesicare after Surgerytpelle said:Something Like Vesicare After Surgery
JR: Four months after Radical Prostatectomy in 2003 and still leaking, my urologist prescribed IMIPRAMINE. It's an anti-depressant drug, but when used at 1/2 normal dosage he said, it would "calm the bladder and tone the sphincter." It reduced pad usage somewhat but caused side effects -- dry mouth and constipation. I used it for a couple of years then quit. tpelle
9 months after surgery my URO gave me Detrol LA--NO HELP----------------Then Vesicare----no Help---then my Doctor at Walter Reed gave me Ditropan---NO Help----That's why I am up to Botox Injections--1st Injection no help----2nd injection probably in Aug???
Go figure????
Lion1
Tpelle--what's new in the incontinence treatment world?0 -
Injectionslion1 said:Vesicare after Surgery
9 months after surgery my URO gave me Detrol LA--NO HELP----------------Then Vesicare----no Help---then my Doctor at Walter Reed gave me Ditropan---NO Help----That's why I am up to Botox Injections--1st Injection no help----2nd injection probably in Aug???
Go figure????
Lion1
Tpelle--what's new in the incontinence treatment world?
Before I started injections (it wasn't Botox, but some type of expandable stuff), my urologist told me (and I saw this on the Internet) that it would take as many as 5 injections to see any type of results. I had one injection and looked for ANY change. There was nothing. When I found out what the procedure cost (about $15,000 per injection), I couldn't justify running up a bill of up to $75,000 when the procedures had no "guarantee" of success, even thou I had decent insurance. I stopped after one injection, rejected the sling because most of the research and success had been with women, and got an AUS.0 -
What's New in Incontinence Treatment?lion1 said:Vesicare after Surgery
9 months after surgery my URO gave me Detrol LA--NO HELP----------------Then Vesicare----no Help---then my Doctor at Walter Reed gave me Ditropan---NO Help----That's why I am up to Botox Injections--1st Injection no help----2nd injection probably in Aug???
Go figure????
Lion1
Tpelle--what's new in the incontinence treatment world?
lion1: Nothing new that I know of. I'm waiting to hear how Botox works for you. I hope it's eventually successful. If you decide to go the next step (AdVance) and it's successful, I'll have to follow. It seems like AdVance offers a balance of least torture and reasonable success. Good luck. We'll be watching for your reports. tpelle0 -
laugh it up!Trew said:Diary Enter for 6-9-2010
There are no entries after 3:30.
because it is only 4:11 and I am waiting to see what happens next.
patience, everyone.....
something else will happen, soon. I am becoming sure of it.
Trew, the sense of humor you and Skid Row Tom show is the strongest medicine in your cabinet. Still, I'll pray for your miseries to cease, even though that means less reading pleasure for me. John in Seattle, whose arsenal of smart remarks and wisecracks made 5 weeks on the catheter bearable.0
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