Guest guest Posted February 23, 2006 Report Share Posted February 23, 2006 In a message dated 2/23/2006 2:38:02 PM Eastern Standard Time, blast21@... writes: - Do they sell any wipes or anything that can quickly sterilize the catheter so u can just go in a stall and use it Would a simple alcohol wipe do? You've gotten good advice for catheter care for reusing. They do sell the self lubricating catheters that are single use, for when you are in those public restrooms where you don't want to touch anything and want discretion. I think they are made by Lo-Fric... Connie Mom to Sara 14, Nicky 7 (GI issues, megacolon), and 5 (CRS/VACTERLS incl. tethered spinal cord (repaired 9/00) perineal fistula imperforate anus (repaired 5/00), single kidney, PDA (closed on its own), malformed pelvis and hemisacrum, long segment lumbosacral levoscoliosis with hemivertebrae, extra left rib, genital anomalies with hypospadius (repairs 9/00,11/00, 5/01,12/01,12/03), hypoplastic left leg with clubfoot (repaired 5/01) and 4.5cm length discrepancy - wears AFO and 3.5cm lift, SUA, GI reflux, DGE/gastroparesis, mild swallowing dysphagia, eating issues and the most beautiful smile ever) conni60640@..., _http://members.tripod.com/conni60640-ivil/_ (http://members.tripod.com/conni60640-ivil/) TC support group _http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/LMC-TCS/_ (http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/LMC-TCS/) Congenital scoliosis support group _http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/CongenitalScoliosisSupport/_ (http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/CongenitalScoliosisSupport/) S. Jersey Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 23, 2006 Report Share Posted February 23, 2006 All I can do is cath. I soak mine in alcohol between uses. Then I pull them out and let them dry before I use them. --- Bill wrote: > My Uro says I need to start self cathing on a more > regular and consistent > basis. I was wondering if any of you do it > regularly and: > > - Do they sell any wipes or anything that can > quickly sterilize the catheter > so u can just go in a stall and use it Would a > simple alcohol wipe do? > - How do you sterilize it between uses? > - Do you just wash it w/ soap and water before each > use? > - How long can use reuse them? I know they're > supposed to be for a one time > use but realistically to make them more cost > effective w/o putting yourself > at risk > > Any other input is welcomed as well, > > Thank you. > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been > removed] > > __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 23, 2006 Report Share Posted February 23, 2006 We've got lots of experience with this and my son is only 7 years old! Brenden self caths every 2 hours, although the typical spacing for children with spina bifida is from 2 to 4 hours. We have a system set up where he sanitizes his hands, uses an alcohol wipe to wipe the end of his penis, wipe the catheter and then dip the end of the catheter in some KY or surgilube. They do sell one time use catheters that self lubricate themselves upon insertion, but sometimes it's hard to get insurance companies to pay for them. Brenden gets a new catheter each day, although I've saved up enough so that when he goes to school he uses a " new " one every time. At the end of each day I have a tupperware container of iso. alcohol that i soak the used catheters in, this is after flushing them with hot water. They'll soak in there for about a week or less, depending on which day it is. Once a week I'll take them all out and put them between two paper towels to drip dry. Once dry I put each on in a freezer zip bag getting all the air out. Once that's done I microwave them all for 10 minutes with a large bowl of cold water in there too. This sanitizes the catheters and gives them that " newness " for school time. It sounds like allot but it really isn't. this way you can go with a typical box of 30 catheters for a few months. Our policy allows us 2 catheters a day, so I take advantage and stock up. I've got many bags made up of these sterilized catheters for Brenden for when he goes to school, or on sleepovers or if we're out in public running errands. this way he can use it and doesn't have to worry about washing it or anything, just chuck it. And when we're in a real pinch, he can cath right into the bag. Hope this answers some of your questions about cathing. Lawliss creator of www.vitalcard.net mom to 3 great boys Self Cathing My Uro says I need to start self cathing on a more regular and consistent basis. I was wondering if any of you do it regularly and: - Do they sell any wipes or anything that can quickly sterilize the catheter so u can just go in a stall and use it Would a simple alcohol wipe do? - How do you sterilize it between uses? - Do you just wash it w/ soap and water before each use? - How long can use reuse them? I know they're supposed to be for a one time use but realistically to make them more cost effective w/o putting yourself at risk Any other input is welcomed as well, Thank you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 23, 2006 Report Share Posted February 23, 2006 Hi , What kind of alcohol? Where do you lay them out to dry - like on a towel? You don't need to use soap or anything beforehand? Do you still get infections on occasion? How do you do it when you have to go some place and use a public bathroom? Thanks again! _____ From: tetheredspinalcord [mailto:tetheredspinalcord ] On Behalf Of Weaver Sent: Thursday, February 23, 2006 1:02 PM To: tetheredspinalcord Subject: Re: Self Cathing All I can do is cath. I soak mine in alcohol between uses. Then I pull them out and let them dry before I use them. --- Bill wrote: > My Uro says I need to start self cathing on a more > regular and consistent > basis. I was wondering if any of you do it > regularly and: > > - Do they sell any wipes or anything that can > quickly sterilize the catheter > so u can just go in a stall and use it Would a > simple alcohol wipe do? > - How do you sterilize it between uses? > - Do you just wash it w/ soap and water before each > use? > - How long can use reuse them? I know they're > supposed to be for a one time > use but realistically to make them more cost > effective w/o putting yourself > at risk > > Any other input is welcomed as well, > > Thank you. > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been > removed] > > __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 23, 2006 Report Share Posted February 23, 2006 Wow thanks - yeah it did answer alot of questions. It really does sound like a lot of work. Just out of curiosity. How does n do it at school, do the other kids see him and doing it and ask questions or make fun of him? Again - I really appreciate all of the info. Bill _____ From: tetheredspinalcord [mailto:tetheredspinalcord ] On Behalf Of Vital Card Sent: Thursday, February 23, 2006 1:09 PM To: tetheredspinalcord Subject: Re: Self Cathing We've got lots of experience with this and my son is only 7 years old! Brenden self caths every 2 hours, although the typical spacing for children with spina bifida is from 2 to 4 hours. We have a system set up where he sanitizes his hands, uses an alcohol wipe to wipe the end of his penis, wipe the catheter and then dip the end of the catheter in some KY or surgilube. They do sell one time use catheters that self lubricate themselves upon insertion, but sometimes it's hard to get insurance companies to pay for them. Brenden gets a new catheter each day, although I've saved up enough so that when he goes to school he uses a " new " one every time. At the end of each day I have a tupperware container of iso. alcohol that i soak the used catheters in, this is after flushing them with hot water. They'll soak in there for about a week or less, depending on which day it is. Once a week I'll take them all out and put them between two paper towels to drip dry. Once dry I put each on in a freezer zip bag getting all the air out. Once that's done I microwave them all for 10 minutes with a large bowl of cold water in there too. This sanitizes the catheters and gives them that " newness " for school time. It sounds like allot but it really isn't. this way you can go with a typical box of 30 catheters for a few months. Our policy allows us 2 catheters a day, so I take advantage and stock up. I've got many bags made up of these sterilized catheters for Brenden for when he goes to school, or on sleepovers or if we're out in public running errands. this way he can use it and doesn't have to worry about washing it or anything, just chuck it. And when we're in a real pinch, he can cath right into the bag. Hope this answers some of your questions about cathing. Lawliss creator of www.vitalcard.net mom to 3 great boys Self Cathing My Uro says I need to start self cathing on a more regular and consistent basis. I was wondering if any of you do it regularly and: - Do they sell any wipes or anything that can quickly sterilize the catheter so u can just go in a stall and use it Would a simple alcohol wipe do? - How do you sterilize it between uses? - Do you just wash it w/ soap and water before each use? - How long can use reuse them? I know they're supposed to be for a one time use but realistically to make them more cost effective w/o putting yourself at risk Any other input is welcomed as well, Thank you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 23, 2006 Report Share Posted February 23, 2006 I have two containers (like those throw away plastic bowls), one with rubbing alcohol in it, and one that is dry. I put the clean caths in the dry bowl. When I use one, I wipe it off with tp and drop it in the alcohol bowl (when I'm out, I wipe it off with tp and put it in my pocket_. I keep about 2 inches of rubbing alcohol in that dish. When the clean caths are running low, I pull the caths out of the alcohol, put them in the dry bowl, and let the air dry the alcohol. Alcohol evaporates pretty quickly in the air. I wash them with soap and hot water about once a month to get the protein deposit off the outside. With the alcohol it takes about that long to collect that white stuff on the outside. I've been cathing for 9 years now (holy cow!!) and I have had 4 infections in 9 years. Before cathing, I had two a month. I stick clean caths in a baggie and drop them in my purse. I also carry them in my pocket so I don't have to take my purse to the bathroom every time I go when I'm in public. I have about 12 catheters in use at any given time, and I throw them away when they get rigid and no longer look 'good'. It's subjective. --- Bill wrote: > Hi , > > What kind of alcohol? Where do you lay them out to > dry - like on a towel? > You don't need to use soap or anything beforehand? > Do you still get > infections on occasion? How do you do it when you > have to go some place and > use a public bathroom? > > Thanks again! > > __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 23, 2006 Report Share Posted February 23, 2006 Right now Brenden just goes in a private bathroom or closes the stall door, or uses the nurse's office. No one knows about it except a few service providers Self Cathing My Uro says I need to start self cathing on a more regular and consistent basis. I was wondering if any of you do it regularly and: - Do they sell any wipes or anything that can quickly sterilize the catheter so u can just go in a stall and use it Would a simple alcohol wipe do? - How do you sterilize it between uses? - Do you just wash it w/ soap and water before each use? - How long can use reuse them? I know they're supposed to be for a one time use but realistically to make them more cost effective w/o putting yourself at risk Any other input is welcomed as well, Thank you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 23, 2006 Report Share Posted February 23, 2006 In a message dated 2/23/2006 7:36:06 PM Eastern Standard Time, rick_lists@... writes: KY individual packets are really expensive and hard to find. Rick, you may want to try the surgilube, it's pretty much the same, good for catheters. We use it in the NICU where I volunteer... You can get 144 small packets for $10 here... _http://www.vitalitymedical.com/VitalityMedical.storefront/EN/product/FOU02054 3_ea/?source=goog & keyword=surgilube_ (http://www.vitalitymedical.com/VitalityMedical.storefront/EN/product/FOU020543_\ ea/?source=goog & keyword=surgilube) Connie Mom to Sara 14, Nicky 7 (GI issues, megacolon), and 5 (CRS/VACTERLS incl. tethered spinal cord (repaired 9/00) perineal fistula imperforate anus (repaired 5/00), single kidney, PDA (closed on its own), malformed pelvis and hemisacrum, long segment lumbosacral levoscoliosis with hemivertebrae, extra left rib, genital anomalies with hypospadius (repairs 9/00,11/00, 5/01,12/01,12/03), hypoplastic left leg with clubfoot (repaired 5/01) and 4.5cm length discrepancy - wears AFO and 3.5cm lift, SUA, GI reflux, DGE/gastroparesis, mild swallowing dysphagia, eating issues and the most beautiful smile ever) conni60640@..., _http://members.tripod.com/conni60640-ivil/_ (http://members.tripod.com/conni60640-ivil/) TC support group _http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/LMC-TCS/_ (http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/LMC-TCS/) Congenital scoliosis support group _http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/CongenitalScoliosisSupport/_ (http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/CongenitalScoliosisSupport/) S. Jersey Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 24, 2006 Report Share Posted February 24, 2006 Bill said the following on 2/23/2006 12:36 PM: > My Uro says I need to start self cathing on a more regular and consistent > basis. I was wondering if any of you do it regularly and: > > - Do they sell any wipes or anything that can quickly sterilize the catheter > so u can just go in a stall and use it Would a simple alcohol wipe do? > - How do you sterilize it between uses? > - Do you just wash it w/ soap and water before each use? > - How long can use reuse them? I know they're supposed to be for a one time > use but realistically to make them more cost effective w/o putting yourself > at risk > > In May if this year, I will have been self-cathing full time for two years. Previously, I had a spastic bladder, ditropan took care of that. Over time, my spasticity has reduced to almost nothing in my legs and my bladder muscles went completely flaccid so I had to start cathing or risk kidney damage. To my and my urologists knowledge, there is no medication that will make your bladder muscles work, just medication to calm them down. As per my urologist, I keep baby wipes packets for out of house use and keep the catheter in a ziplock snack bag and carry the small tubes of ky jelly. If possible, I wash my hands with warm soap and water before cathing, if not I clean what I can with the baby wipes. KY individual packets are really expensive and hard to find. I find a good place to store them for carrying is in a hard flip-top glasses case. I keep 2 in there in snack bags in case I do not get a chance to wash and dry the first one thoroughly before needing another one - like long trips. For home, I always wash my hands with soap and water then wash the cath with soap and water and use the walmart brand (equate) large tube of water-based lube ($1.74). Then I wash my hands and the cath again with warm soap and water, sling the water out of it and lay it on some clean towels in the cupboard in the bathroom. My urologist and his nurse both said NEVER use alcohol on latex rubber, it will break down. The nurse says she sees green stuff in samples when patients use alcohol. They also said to never boil them in water, it is not necessary, you will never get one sterile again unless you seal it in a sterile bag in a sterile vacuum atmosphere. In 21 months I have had one uti, i think i got it in a bowling alley restroom that was less than desire able place to do this. I had 7 days of antibiotics but quit in 2 days and no problems since. Never reuse the baggies for a 'clean' cath. My original script was for 10 but my medical supply changed it to a case of 100 which was about $87.50. Medicare paid for one, (see Bill's medicare article link) The medical supply co said they would 'take care' of the rest of the cost. I probably have 70-75 left. I change them out when they show signs of deterioration or about 6 weeks for the ones I carry around. , do you use any lube? I find sometimes plain water will work but they will not go in dry. Of course a woman has a lot shorter distance to go to reach the bladder... Rick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 24, 2006 Report Share Posted February 24, 2006 Do you think the Ditropan is what made you're bladder muscles flacid? Or perhaps the more you cath, the less the bladder muscles are used so they become flacid? _____ From: tetheredspinalcord [mailto:tetheredspinalcord ] On Behalf Of Rick Sent: Thursday, February 23, 2006 5:34 PM To: tetheredspinalcord Subject: Re: Self Cathing Bill said the following on 2/23/2006 12:36 PM: > My Uro says I need to start self cathing on a more regular and consistent > basis. I was wondering if any of you do it regularly and: > > - Do they sell any wipes or anything that can quickly sterilize the catheter > so u can just go in a stall and use it Would a simple alcohol wipe do? > - How do you sterilize it between uses? > - Do you just wash it w/ soap and water before each use? > - How long can use reuse them? I know they're supposed to be for a one time > use but realistically to make them more cost effective w/o putting yourself > at risk > > In May if this year, I will have been self-cathing full time for two years. Previously, I had a spastic bladder, ditropan took care of that. Over time, my spasticity has reduced to almost nothing in my legs and my bladder muscles went completely flaccid so I had to start cathing or risk kidney damage. To my and my urologists knowledge, there is no medication that will make your bladder muscles work, just medication to calm them down. As per my urologist, I keep baby wipes packets for out of house use and keep the catheter in a ziplock snack bag and carry the small tubes of ky jelly. If possible, I wash my hands with warm soap and water before cathing, if not I clean what I can with the baby wipes. KY individual packets are really expensive and hard to find. I find a good place to store them for carrying is in a hard flip-top glasses case. I keep 2 in there in snack bags in case I do not get a chance to wash and dry the first one thoroughly before needing another one - like long trips. For home, I always wash my hands with soap and water then wash the cath with soap and water and use the walmart brand (equate) large tube of water-based lube ($1.74). Then I wash my hands and the cath again with warm soap and water, sling the water out of it and lay it on some clean towels in the cupboard in the bathroom. My urologist and his nurse both said NEVER use alcohol on latex rubber, it will break down. The nurse says she sees green stuff in samples when patients use alcohol. They also said to never boil them in water, it is not necessary, you will never get one sterile again unless you seal it in a sterile bag in a sterile vacuum atmosphere. In 21 months I have had one uti, i think i got it in a bowling alley restroom that was less than desire able place to do this. I had 7 days of antibiotics but quit in 2 days and no problems since. Never reuse the baggies for a 'clean' cath. My original script was for 10 but my medical supply changed it to a case of 100 which was about $87.50. Medicare paid for one, (see Bill's medicare article link) The medical supply co said they would 'take care' of the rest of the cost. I probably have 70-75 left. I change them out when they show signs of deterioration or about 6 weeks for the ones I carry around. , do you use any lube? I find sometimes plain water will work but they will not go in dry. Of course a woman has a lot shorter distance to go to reach the bladder... Rick Not Medical Advice. We Are Not Doctors. Need help with the list? Email kathy@...,michelle@..., rick@... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 24, 2006 Report Share Posted February 24, 2006 No, Rick, I don't use any lube. I don't need it. Women have a shorter distance, and there is natural lubrication there anyway. I don't feel anything, so why make a mess, right? Out of the 4 infections I've had, two were caused by someone else touching my catheter. My own germs are fine. My body knows how to fight them. But when my husband picked up one of my catheters (I accidentally left it go through the washer/dryer - very clean at the end, or so I thought), I used it without putting it in alcohol and got a nasty infection. I have silicone catheters. My insurance doesn't pay for any because they're disposable. I buy two boxes of 30 caths, cost about $55, and they last me two years. If I don't lose any, which is a problem with me. I drop more of them in the toilet than I care to count, and I am NOT going after them!! > > > In May if this year, I will have been self-cathing > full time for two > years. > > As per my urologist, I keep baby wipes packets for > out of house use and > keep the catheter in a ziplock snack bag and carry > the small tubes of ky > jelly. If possible, I wash my hands with warm soap > and water before > cathing, if not I clean what I can with the baby > wipes. KY individual > packets are really expensive and hard to find. I > find a good place to > store them for carrying is in a hard flip-top > glasses case. I keep 2 in > there in snack bags in case I do not get a chance to > wash and dry the > first one thoroughly before needing another one - > like long trips. > > For home, I always wash my hands with soap and water > then wash the cath > with soap and water and use the walmart brand > (equate) large tube of > water-based lube ($1.74). Then I wash my hands and > the cath again with > warm soap and water, sling the water out of it and > lay it on some clean > towels in the cupboard in the bathroom. > > My original script was for 10 but my medical supply > changed it to a case > of 100 which was about $87.50. Medicare paid for > one, (see Bill's > medicare article link) The medical supply co said > they would 'take care' > of the rest of the cost. I probably have 70-75 left. > I change them out > when they show signs of deterioration or about 6 > weeks for the ones I > carry around. > > , do you use any lube? I find sometimes > plain water will work > but they will not go in dry. Of course a woman has a > lot shorter > distance to go to reach the bladder... > > Rick > > > > > > > > Not Medical Advice. We Are Not Doctors. > Need help with the list? Email > kathy@...,michelle@..., > rick@... > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 24, 2006 Report Share Posted February 24, 2006 Bill said the following on 2/23/2006 5:42 PM: > Do you think the Ditropan is what made you're bladder muscles flacid? Or > perhaps the more you cath, the less the bladder muscles are used so they > become flacid? > > I think the Ditropan did its job when my bladder was spastic, not really make it flaccid but more reduced the bladder spasms. I think my bladder became flaccid due to the nature of tcs. I never had to cath when my bladder was spastic, but I leaked a lot. There came a point where it was difficult to empty at all with out physical pressure on the bladder, which can only release about half the volume. My urologist did the urodynamics testing and confirmed I could only empty half way and that my bladder was flaccid. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 24, 2006 Report Share Posted February 24, 2006 conni60640@... said the following on 2/23/2006 7:44 PM: > > In a message dated 2/23/2006 7:36:06 PM Eastern Standard Time, > rick_lists@... writes: > > KY individual > packets are really expensive and hard to find. > > > Rick, you may want to try the surgilube, it's pretty much the same, good for > catheters. We use it in the NICU where I volunteer... You can get 144 > small packets for $10 here... > > that would sure be better than that bulky tube, as far as carrying around. what and where is nicu? they only place i can find them is at the large pharmacy chains like walgreens and rite aid, then they would have to special order them. i was given a large tube of sterile surgilube by my doc in the beginning, it was $6 something at the medical supply company compared to plain lube $1.74 at walmart. thanks for the tip. , I will ask for silicone next time, are they widely available or a special order? I suppose at some point i will become latex sensitive, anyone else had that problem, except with gloves? Also Bill, cut the big end off with a scissors or something, easier to clean, store, and carry Rick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 24, 2006 Report Share Posted February 24, 2006 In a message dated 2/23/2006 11:32:24 PM Eastern Standard Time, rick_lists@... writes: that would sure be better than that bulky tube, as far as carrying around. what and where is nicu? they only place i can find them is at the large pharmacy chains like walgreens and rite aid, then they would have to special order them. i was given a large tube of sterile surgilube by my doc in the beginning, it was $6 something at the medical supply company compared to plain lube $1.74 at walmart. thanks for the tip. The online pharmacies are the best places to get good prices on bulk medical supplies. That link I sent (which didn't come over as a link...hmmm...) is a place to order the Surgilube. Let's try it again... _http://www.vitalitymedical.com/VitalityMedical.storefront/EN/product/FOU020543_\ ea/?source=goog & keywo rd=surgilube_ (http://www.vitalitymedical.com/VitalityMedical.storefront/EN/product/FOU020543_\ ea/?source=goog & keyword=surgilube) . You can also do a Google search for surgilube to compare prices at other online med stores... Oh, and the NICU is abbrev for neonatal intensive care unit. After spending so much time at the hospital with my son the first five years of his life (and still actually), I decided to give back a bit in my spare time. Connie Mom to Sara 14, Nicky 7 (GI issues, megacolon), and 5 (CRS/VACTERLS incl. tethered spinal cord (repaired 9/00) perineal fistula imperforate anus (repaired 5/00), single kidney, PDA (closed on its own), malformed pelvis and hemisacrum, long segment lumbosacral levoscoliosis with hemivertebrae, extra left rib, genital anomalies with hypospadius (repairs 9/00,11/00, 5/01,12/01,12/03), hypoplastic left leg with clubfoot (repaired 5/01) and 4.5cm length discrepancy - wears AFO and 3.5cm lift, SUA, GI reflux, DGE/gastroparesis, mild swallowing dysphagia, eating issues and the most beautiful smile ever) conni60640@..., _http://members.tripod.com/conni60640-ivil/_ (http://members.tripod.com/conni60640-ivil/) TC support group _http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/LMC-TCS/_ (http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/LMC-TCS/) Congenital scoliosis support group _http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/CongenitalScoliosisSupport/_ (http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/CongenitalScoliosisSupport/) S. Jersey Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 24, 2006 Report Share Posted February 24, 2006 Hi and All I'm glad to hear your son has no probs cathing at school. My son is 14 he was only dx LMC-TCS in 03.He caths via Mitrofanoff through choice(didn't want to do it the other way) every 4 hours as his bladder packed up totally overnight. We are in the UK but I am amazed at how many people from over there have trouble getting caths.My son uses disposable ones and the only extra thing he has to do is wash his hands in normal soap and water,therefore there are no restrictions on activity even if he goes camping and theres no loo available he can use a wipe for his hands. He has not had any infections since the procedure so whatever he does works for him.Here in the UK I get anything he needs free as he is a minor, at present we get through 7 boxes of cathes a month and these come with free wipes and bags in the box.People knock the NHS and I know from bitter experiance it's far from perfect but when I hear of people like your son having to use reusable caths it makes me mad.Does ge get alot of infections or are you lucky because of his good hygeine routine he is saved from the pain and misery they bring. Alison Vital Card wrote: Right now Brenden just goes in a private bathroom or closes the stall door, or uses the nurse's office. No one knows about it except a few service providers Self Cathing My Uro says I need to start self cathing on a more regular and consistent basis. I was wondering if any of you do it regularly and: - Do they sell any wipes or anything that can quickly sterilize the catheter so u can just go in a stall and use it Would a simple alcohol wipe do? - How do you sterilize it between uses? - Do you just wash it w/ soap and water before each use? - How long can use reuse them? I know they're supposed to be for a one time use but realistically to make them more cost effective w/o putting yourself at risk Any other input is welcomed as well, Thank you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 24, 2006 Report Share Posted February 24, 2006 Wow, 7 boxes a month! That would be great! Brenden has only had one infection, when he was just a few months old and that was my fault because we were just learning. Our current system of the procedure and reusing works great for us, although I am going to use that link I saw from Connie to buy the individual packets of lube, that would be much easier (I think) than the small tube of KY. Lawliss creator of www.vitalcard.net mom to 3 great boys Self Cathing My Uro says I need to start self cathing on a more regular and consistent basis. I was wondering if any of you do it regularly and: - Do they sell any wipes or anything that can quickly sterilize the catheter so u can just go in a stall and use it Would a simple alcohol wipe do? - How do you sterilize it between uses? - Do you just wash it w/ soap and water before each use? - How long can use reuse them? I know they're supposed to be for a one time use but realistically to make them more cost effective w/o putting yourself at risk Any other input is welcomed as well, Thank you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 24, 2006 Report Share Posted February 24, 2006 It's first the kidney, then the Ureter, the " tube " that takes the urine to the bladder, then the bladder. The stone would have to painfully move through the ureter, and go down to the bladder. The bladder is where you might have a problem cathing. I had a stone in my bladder and it made cathing a bit difficult. I had to have minor surgery to get it removed with a telescopic instrument they insert through the penis. I woke up with a leg bag that I had to wear for a few weeks till the urethera ( tube that goes from bladder out to penis) healed. I also needed to do a course of antibiotics so that I did not get an infection from the surgery, anywhere along the route. Hope that's helpful Jeff Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 24, 2006 Report Share Posted February 24, 2006 I think the silicone cost as much as the latex. You have those long rubber hose things? I buy Mentor brand. 30 for around $25. I am latex sensitive, and there is no way I want to be causing a rash in that arena! I buy nitrile gloves for cleaning. You can get them at any Walmart store, if you have a need for good gloves that aren't really loose and flimsy like most non-latex gloves. Oh, and they are bright purple, which I happen to really love. r --- Rick wrote: > conni60640@... said the following on 2/23/2006 > 7:44 PM: > > > > In a message dated 2/23/2006 7:36:06 PM Eastern > Standard Time, > > rick_lists@... writes: > > > > KY individual > > packets are really expensive and hard to find. > > > > > > Rick, you may want to try the surgilube, it's > pretty much the same, good for > > catheters. We use it in the NICU where I > volunteer... You can get 144 > > small packets for $10 here... > > > > > > , I will ask for silicone next time, are > they widely available > or a special order? I suppose at some point i will > become latex > sensitive, anyone else had that problem, except with > gloves? > > Also Bill, cut the big end off with a scissors or > something, easier to > clean, store, and carry > > Rick > > > __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 24, 2006 Report Share Posted February 24, 2006 So, if one gets a kidney stone and they have to catherize all the time ... how do they pass the kidney stone? _____ From: tetheredspinalcord [mailto:tetheredspinalcord ] On Behalf Of Bill Sent: Thursday, February 23, 2006 1:14 PM To: tetheredspinalcord Subject: RE: Self Cathing Wow thanks - yeah it did answer alot of questions. It really does sound like a lot of work. Just out of curiosity. How does n do it at school, do the other kids see him and doing it and ask questions or make fun of him? Again - I really appreciate all of the info. Bill _____ From: tetheredspinalcord [mailto:tetheredspinalcord ] On Behalf Of Vital Card Sent: Thursday, February 23, 2006 1:09 PM To: tetheredspinalcord Subject: Re: Self Cathing We've got lots of experience with this and my son is only 7 years old! Brenden self caths every 2 hours, although the typical spacing for children with spina bifida is from 2 to 4 hours. We have a system set up where he sanitizes his hands, uses an alcohol wipe to wipe the end of his penis, wipe the catheter and then dip the end of the catheter in some KY or surgilube. They do sell one time use catheters that self lubricate themselves upon insertion, but sometimes it's hard to get insurance companies to pay for them. Brenden gets a new catheter each day, although I've saved up enough so that when he goes to school he uses a " new " one every time. At the end of each day I have a tupperware container of iso. alcohol that i soak the used catheters in, this is after flushing them with hot water. They'll soak in there for about a week or less, depending on which day it is. Once a week I'll take them all out and put them between two paper towels to drip dry. Once dry I put each on in a freezer zip bag getting all the air out. Once that's done I microwave them all for 10 minutes with a large bowl of cold water in there too. This sanitizes the catheters and gives them that " newness " for school time. It sounds like allot but it really isn't. this way you can go with a typical box of 30 catheters for a few months. Our policy allows us 2 catheters a day, so I take advantage and stock up. I've got many bags made up of these sterilized catheters for Brenden for when he goes to school, or on sleepovers or if we're out in public running errands. this way he can use it and doesn't have to worry about washing it or anything, just chuck it. And when we're in a real pinch, he can cath right into the bag. Hope this answers some of your questions about cathing. Lawliss creator of www.vitalcard.net mom to 3 great boys Self Cathing My Uro says I need to start self cathing on a more regular and consistent basis. I was wondering if any of you do it regularly and: - Do they sell any wipes or anything that can quickly sterilize the catheter so u can just go in a stall and use it Would a simple alcohol wipe do? - How do you sterilize it between uses? - Do you just wash it w/ soap and water before each use? - How long can use reuse them? I know they're supposed to be for a one time use but realistically to make them more cost effective w/o putting yourself at risk Any other input is welcomed as well, Thank you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 24, 2006 Report Share Posted February 24, 2006 Good question. My guess is they'd have to intervene. I don't think those of us who cath could pass a stone. And since there is no way I could ever go myself so one could pass, they'd have to either smash it with the ultrasonic thing or surgically remove it. Unless they've developed newer ways. --- Bill wrote: > So, if one gets a kidney stone and they have to > catherize all the time ... > how do they pass the kidney stone? > > > > > _____ > > From: tetheredspinalcord > [mailto:tetheredspinalcord ] On > Behalf Of Bill > Sent: Thursday, February 23, 2006 1:14 PM > To: tetheredspinalcord > Subject: RE: Self Cathing > > > Wow thanks - yeah it did answer alot of > questions. It really does > sound like a lot of work. > > Just out of curiosity. How does n do it at > school, do the other > kids see him and doing it and ask questions or make > fun of him? > > Again - I really appreciate all of the info. > > Bill > > > > _____ > > From: tetheredspinalcord > [mailto:tetheredspinalcord ] On > Behalf Of Vital Card > Sent: Thursday, February 23, 2006 1:09 PM > To: tetheredspinalcord > Subject: Re: Self Cathing > > > We've got lots of experience with this and my son is > only 7 years old! > > Brenden self caths every 2 hours, although the > typical spacing for children > with spina bifida is from 2 to 4 hours. > > We have a system set up where he sanitizes his > hands, uses an alcohol wipe > to wipe the end of his penis, wipe the catheter and > then dip the end of the > catheter in some KY or surgilube. > > They do sell one time use catheters that self > lubricate themselves upon > insertion, but sometimes it's hard to get insurance > companies to pay for > them. > > Brenden gets a new catheter each day, although I've > saved up enough so that > when he goes to school he uses a " new " one every > time. > > At the end of each day I have a tupperware container > of iso. alcohol that i > soak the used catheters in, this is after flushing > them with hot water. > They'll soak in there for about a week or less, > depending on which day it > is. > > Once a week I'll take them all out and put them > between two paper towels to > drip dry. Once dry I put each on in a freezer zip > bag getting all the air > out. Once that's done I microwave them all for 10 > minutes with a large bowl > of cold water in there too. This sanitizes the > catheters and gives them > that " newness " for school time. > > It sounds like allot but it really isn't. this way > you can go with a > typical box of 30 catheters for a few months. Our > policy allows us 2 > catheters a day, so I take advantage and stock up. > I've got many bags made > up of these sterilized catheters for Brenden for > when he goes to school, or > on sleepovers or if we're out in public running > errands. this way he can > use it and doesn't have to worry about washing it or > anything, just chuck > it. And when we're in a real pinch, he can cath > right into the bag. > > Hope this answers some of your questions about > cathing. > > > Lawliss > creator of www.vitalcard.net > mom to 3 great boys > Self Cathing > > > My Uro says I need to start self cathing on a more > regular and consistent > basis. I was wondering if any of you do it > regularly and: > > - Do they sell any wipes or anything that can > quickly sterilize the > catheter > so u can just go in a stall and use it Would a > simple alcohol wipe do? > - How do you sterilize it between uses? > - Do you just wash it w/ soap and water before > each use? > - How long can use reuse them? I know they're > supposed to be for a one > time > use but realistically to make them more cost > effective w/o putting > yourself > at risk > > Any other input is welcomed as well, > > Thank you. > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been > removed] > > > > Not Medical Advice. We Are Not Doctors. > Need help with the list? Email > kathy@...,michelle@..., > rick@... > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 24, 2006 Report Share Posted February 24, 2006 very - thank you _____ From: tetheredspinalcord [mailto:tetheredspinalcord ] On Behalf Of Joffrexel@... Sent: Friday, February 24, 2006 12:04 PM To: tetheredspinalcord Subject: Re: Self Cathing It's first the kidney, then the Ureter, the " tube " that takes the urine to the bladder, then the bladder. The stone would have to painfully move through the ureter, and go down to the bladder. The bladder is where you might have a problem cathing. I had a stone in my bladder and it made cathing a bit difficult. I had to have minor surgery to get it removed with a telescopic instrument they insert through the penis. I woke up with a leg bag that I had to wear for a few weeks till the urethera ( tube that goes from bladder out to penis) healed. I also needed to do a course of antibiotics so that I did not get an infection from the surgery, anywhere along the route. Hope that's helpful Jeff Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 25, 2006 Report Share Posted February 25, 2006 conni60640@... said the following on 2/24/2006 5:20 AM: > The online pharmacies are the best places to get good prices on bulk medical > supplies. That link I sent (which didn't come over as a link...hmmm...) is > a place to order the Surgilube. Let's try it again... > _http://www.vitalitymedical.com/VitalityMedical.storefront/EN/product/FOU020543_\ ea/?source=goog & keywo > rd=surgilube_ > (http://www.vitalitymedical.com/VitalityMedical.storefront/EN/product/FOU020543_\ ea/?source=goog & keyword=surgilube) . You can also do a > Google search for surgilube to compare prices at other online med stores... > I found a box of 144 packets for $8.00 US at http://www.allegromedical.com/urologicals_catheters/intermittent_catheters/roche\ ster_medical/antibacterial_personal_catheter.P191765 they were at the bottom of the page above when I was searching for silicone catheters I ordered the silicone antibacterial caths and packets for 'away from home use' thanks for the tip!! Rick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 25, 2006 Report Share Posted February 25, 2006 possible the kidney stone, if it's small enough, would pass through the urethra if you have some leaking. If it's too large for that route, you may need minor day surgery where they insert an instrument that allows the uro to look in your bladder, grab the stone and crush it. I had it done before. You just feel a little wuzzy when you come out of sedation. Hope I gave you some idea of how it's done. Jeff Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 4, 2006 Report Share Posted March 4, 2006 Hi all, After I had my surgery in 1979, I began cathing on my own. We used red rubber catheters and we did it sterile. My Mom would boil the catheters and iron them(I dont' remember why) under a thin towel. Then she would roll them up and place them in zip lock bags for me. The rubber catheters were good in the sense that they were flexible and could be rolled up. Back then, I wore the long tube socks(two pair to be kool, lol) and the catheters slide nicely into my socks. They were hardly noticeable. The bad thing about the rubber catheters was that they flexed and you had to use lubricant. I kept a little packet with me at all times. That also went into my sock. I would use the catheters only once and then my Mom(god bless her) would go through process again to sterilize them. I cathed every so many hours back then. It didn't matter if i was full or not. I have been fortunate that I never had to wake up at night to catheterize. After a year, we decided to switch doctors. Our new urologist said that if we cathed frequently enough, it didn't need to be sterile. That made things a lot easier and ever since then, I have not been using sterile catheters. I no longer catheterize according to the clock. I cath when I feel full(usually every 2-6 hours, depending on what i drink). Now I use Mentor 14 Fr. - 16 " catheters. I buy them in medical supply stores. I use them many times and a box of 50 will last me 3-4 years. When I am finished emptying myself, i take the catheter out, rinse with water, dry it off, roll it and wrap in toilet paper. I then place it in a small coin purse. I dont use lubricant since the catheters don't flex like the rubber ones. The mentors I use are made out of soft pliable medical plastic. Bill wrote: My Uro says I need to start self cathing on a more regular and consistent basis. I was wondering if any of you do it regularly and: - Do they sell any wipes or anything that can quickly sterilize the catheter so u can just go in a stall and use it Would a simple alcohol wipe do? - How do you sterilize it between uses? - Do you just wash it w/ soap and water before each use? - How long can use reuse them? I know they're supposed to be for a one time use but realistically to make them more cost effective w/o putting yourself at risk Any other input is welcomed as well, Thank you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 5, 2006 Report Share Posted March 5, 2006 I forget if I asked this but can catherizing all the time cause your bladder muscles to become even weaker because you're not using them any more? This is assuming that you still have some bladder muscle strength and the dr tells you to start cathing to empty completely. _____ From: tetheredspinalcord [mailto:tetheredspinalcord ] On Behalf Of Djuro Sent: Saturday, March 04, 2006 1:29 PM To: tetheredspinalcord Subject: Re: Self Cathing Hi all, After I had my surgery in 1979, I began cathing on my own. We used red rubber catheters and we did it sterile. My Mom would boil the catheters and iron them(I dont' remember why) under a thin towel. Then she would roll them up and place them in zip lock bags for me. The rubber catheters were good in the sense that they were flexible and could be rolled up. Back then, I wore the long tube socks(two pair to be kool, lol) and the catheters slide nicely into my socks. They were hardly noticeable. The bad thing about the rubber catheters was that they flexed and you had to use lubricant. I kept a little packet with me at all times. That also went into my sock. I would use the catheters only once and then my Mom(god bless her) would go through process again to sterilize them. I cathed every so many hours back then. It didn't matter if i was full or not. I have been fortunate that I never had to wake up at night to catheterize. After a year, we decided to switch doctors. Our new urologist said that if we cathed frequently enough, it didn't need to be sterile. That made things a lot easier and ever since then, I have not been using sterile catheters. I no longer catheterize according to the clock. I cath when I feel full(usually every 2-6 hours, depending on what i drink). Now I use Mentor 14 Fr. - 16 " catheters. I buy them in medical supply stores. I use them many times and a box of 50 will last me 3-4 years. When I am finished emptying myself, i take the catheter out, rinse with water, dry it off, roll it and wrap in toilet paper. I then place it in a small coin purse. I dont use lubricant since the catheters don't flex like the rubber ones. The mentors I use are made out of soft pliable medical plastic. Bill wrote: My Uro says I need to start self cathing on a more regular and consistent basis. I was wondering if any of you do it regularly and: - Do they sell any wipes or anything that can quickly sterilize the catheter so u can just go in a stall and use it Would a simple alcohol wipe do? - How do you sterilize it between uses? - Do you just wash it w/ soap and water before each use? - How long can use reuse them? I know they're supposed to be for a one time use but realistically to make them more cost effective w/o putting yourself at risk Any other input is welcomed as well, Thank you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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