Guest guest Posted September 13, 2010 Report Share Posted September 13, 2010 I'm not sure who started this thread, but I'll contribute my two cents (probably more like 50 cents by the time I'm through running my mouth, errr, fingers). So, to whomever brought up their concerns about cathing. Cathing really isn't all that bad. Its not painful. Cathing isn't difficult and its less of a nuisance than you think it might be. It is easy to learn (albeit a little easier for guys than gals), but quick nonetheless. I'll admit I was traumatized when I first learned that I lost B & B function with my third surgery. Since I can feel when I need to pee, I figured there had to be a way (other than cathing) to get it to come out. But, in the end, cathing is what I have to do. Try not to work yourself up. If you're tense, it can make it more difficult. I promise you that in less than 1 month it will be second nature and you won't even think about it. Try to think of the positives. Yes, there is a positive side to cathing (at least for women). For me, I have no desire to get my bladder function back until I have the ability to squat over a public john. Before cathing, you had to be concerned with the cleanliness of the bathroom. Not so with cathing. No need to sit on the pot if its a nasty public bathroom. Also, if you attach a collection bag to a straight catheter or if you use touchless catheters with a collection bag attached, you don't even have to worry about whether there is a bathroom or not. While that may not sound handy, think of the nastiest port-o-let you can think of. Now, using a catheter with a collection bag, I would much prefer the confines of my own vehicle than a gross port-o-let. I remember when I was driving from Panama City to Tampa over spring break when I was in high school. We were taking the senic route along the ocean. It was pretty, but the bathrooms were few and far between. I had to go SOOO bad. We FINALLY come upon the only gas station for miles, and it was the NASTIEST bathroom I have ever seen to this day. There was no toilet seat on the toilet and feces and urine every where. There was no way I was going to use that. Despite being about to bust, I held it until we got to a restaurant. By then I was about to wet myself. The women's bathroom in the restaurant didn't have a light! I was miserable. I ended up pulling over on the side of the road and squatting by the roadside. If I were cathing then, none of that would have been a problem. So, try to look at the bright side. Try not to worry about it. I promise that in under a month cathing will be no biggie and be second nature to you. Jenn > > > Kathy, > > This made me laugh...in a good way. : ) > > >I thought it was degrading, couldn't imagine living that way, etc. > Eventually I > >got over myself though. > > , > > I have Spina Bifida and have full bladder/bowel control. A rarity! But as I > got > older, I had difficulty emptying my bladder. My urologist urged me to start > > cathing to make life easier, and less frustrating. When I had my tethered > cord > surgery at nearly 30 years old, I ended up in a wheelchair. Again, to make > life > easier, my urologist suggested a bladder augmentation so I could cath > through my > abdomen. It was a difficult surgery but SO worth it! That was 10 years ago. > I > can cath two ways now, abdomen or urethra, depending on the situation. > > A year after my augmentation, my mom was diagnosed with bladder cancer. She > > had surgery to remove her bladder and build a new one from her intestines. > She > doesn't have feeling anymore, obviously, and has to cath every 4 hours to > empty > her bladder. Knowing what I've gone through, she's gotten used to cathing > as > well. > > It may seem daunting to you now because anything you're not familiar > with can be > scary. But once you get used to it, it becomes 2nd nature. > > Good luck! > > Jodi > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 13, 2010 Report Share Posted September 13, 2010 Thanks for the advice, I find out in a week, have another bladder voiding trial. The nurse told me it will hurt at first until I get used to it. I am grateful that my bowel function worked itself out, at least I can still do that and now make it to the bathroom in time. I have faith I can do this, I just am scared of the unknown and how I am going to do it at work. It is comforting to know I am not alone in this for sure. > > > > > > > Kathy, > > > > This made me laugh...in a good way. : ) > > > > >I thought it was degrading, couldn't imagine > living that way, etc. > > Eventually I > > >got over myself though. > > > > , > > > > I have Spina Bifida and have full bladder/bowel > control. A rarity! But as I > > got > > older, I had difficulty emptying my bladder. My > urologist urged me to start > > > > cathing to make life easier, and less frustrating. > When I had my tethered > > cord > > surgery at nearly 30 years old, I ended up in a > wheelchair. Again, to make > > life > > easier, my urologist suggested a bladder augmentation > so I could cath > > through my > > abdomen. It was a difficult surgery but SO worth it! > That was 10 years ago. > > I > > can cath two ways now, abdomen or urethra, depending > on the situation. > > > > A year after my augmentation, my mom was diagnosed > with bladder cancer. She > > > > had surgery to remove her bladder and build a new one > from her intestines. > > She > > doesn't have feeling anymore, obviously, and has to > cath every 4 hours to > > empty > > her bladder. Knowing what I've gone through, she's > gotten used to cathing > > as > > well. > > > > It may seem daunting to you now because anything > you're not familiar > > with can be > > scary. But once you get used to it, it becomes 2nd > nature. > > > > Good luck! > > > > Jodi > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 13, 2010 Report Share Posted September 13, 2010 Interesting the difference in bladder issues. In my case the problem isn't voiding, but that I have a sense of urgency to void every 2.5 hours. I saw a Urologist once who conducted some tests and found that my bladder is empty after I do go. I think the pressure on my nervous system presents this area as having less room than there really is hence the urgency feeling. BTW, I stopped seeing the Urologist when what the reason for this is when he asked me if I was a bed wetter when I was a kid which was absurd and had nothing to do with my condition. Sent via BlackBerry by AT & T Re: Cathing I'm not sure who started this thread, but I'll contribute my two cents (probably more like 50 cents by the time I'm through running my mouth, errr, fingers). So, to whomever brought up their concerns about cathing. Cathing really isn't all that bad. Its not painful. Cathing isn't difficult and its less of a nuisance than you think it might be. It is easy to learn (albeit a little easier for guys than gals), but quick nonetheless. I'll admit I was traumatized when I first learned that I lost B & B function with my third surgery. Since I can feel when I need to pee, I figured there had to be a way (other than cathing) to get it to come out. But, in the end, cathing is what I have to do. Try not to work yourself up. If you're tense, it can make it more difficult. I promise you that in less than 1 month it will be second nature and you won't even think about it. Try to think of the positives. Yes, there is a positive side to cathing (at least for women). For me, I have no desire to get my bladder function back until I have the ability to squat over a public john. Before cathing, you had to be concerned with the cleanliness of the bathroom. Not so with cathing. No need to sit on the pot if its a nasty public bathroom. Also, if you attach a collection bag to a straight catheter or if you use touchless catheters with a collection bag attached, you don't even have to worry about whether there is a bathroom or not. While that may not sound handy, think of the nastiest port-o-let you can think of. Now, using a catheter with a collection bag, I would much prefer the confines of my own vehicle than a gross port-o-let. I remember when I was driving from Panama City to Tampa over spring break when I was in high school. We were taking the senic route along the ocean. It was pretty, but the bathrooms were few and far between. I had to go SOOO bad. We FINALLY come upon the only gas station for miles, and it was the NASTIEST bathroom I have ever seen to this day. There was no toilet seat on the toilet and feces and urine every where. There was no way I was going to use that. Despite being about to bust, I held it until we got to a restaurant. By then I was about to wet myself. The women's bathroom in the restaurant didn't have a light! I was miserable. I ended up pulling over on the side of the road and squatting by the roadside. If I were cathing then, none of that would have been a problem. So, try to look at the bright side. Try not to worry about it. I promise that in under a month cathing will be no biggie and be second nature to you. Jenn > > > Kathy, > > This made me laugh...in a good way. : ) > > >I thought it was degrading, couldn't imagine living that way, etc. > Eventually I > >got over myself though. > > , > > I have Spina Bifida and have full bladder/bowel control. A rarity! But as I > got > older, I had difficulty emptying my bladder. My urologist urged me to start > > cathing to make life easier, and less frustrating. When I had my tethered > cord > surgery at nearly 30 years old, I ended up in a wheelchair. Again, to make > life > easier, my urologist suggested a bladder augmentation so I could cath > through my > abdomen. It was a difficult surgery but SO worth it! That was 10 years ago. > I > can cath two ways now, abdomen or urethra, depending on the situation. > > A year after my augmentation, my mom was diagnosed with bladder cancer. She > > had surgery to remove her bladder and build a new one from her intestines. > She > doesn't have feeling anymore, obviously, and has to cath every 4 hours to > empty > her bladder. Knowing what I've gone through, she's gotten used to cathing > as > well. > > It may seem daunting to you now because anything you're not familiar > with can be > scary. But once you get used to it, it becomes 2nd nature. > > Good luck! > > Jodi > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 13, 2010 Report Share Posted September 13, 2010 , I was the same. I absolutely dreaded the prospect of cathing and kept putting it off. However, a year down the road, I can see that it was the right thing to do and wish I'd started sooner. It really does stop being a big deal very quickly and I don't find it painful. I'd forgotten what an empty bladder felt like. Now I don't need to worry about journeys and can take a middle row seat in the cinema with confidence. It'll be fine. All the best, > > > Thanks for the advice, I find out in a week, have another bladder voiding > trial. The nurse told me it will hurt at first until I get used to it. I am > grateful that my bowel function worked itself out, at least I can still do > that and now make it to the bathroom in time. I have faith I can do this, I > just am scared of the unknown and how I am going to do it at work. It is > comforting to know I am not alone in this for sure. > > > > - > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 13, 2010 Report Share Posted September 13, 2010 Why wouldn't the two necessarily be connected? I'm not a doctor and don't play one on tv, but it would seem that if you were a bed wetter as a child and now have urgency after voiding that there could possibly be some type of link ... just wondering what you know that I don't. Kathy Re: Cathing I'm not sure who started this thread, but I'll contribute my two cents (probably more like 50 cents by the time I'm through running my mouth, errr, fingers). So, to whomever brought up their concerns about cathing. Cathing really isn't all that bad. Its not painful. Cathing isn't difficult and its less of a nuisance than you think it might be. It is easy to learn (albeit a little easier for guys than gals), but quick nonetheless. I'll admit I was traumatized when I first learned that I lost B & B function with my third surgery. Since I can feel when I need to pee, I figured there had to be a way (other than cathing) to get it to come out. But, in the end, cathing is what I have to do. Try not to work yourself up. If you're tense, it can make it more difficult. I promise you that in less than 1 month it will be second nature and you won't even think about it. Try to think of the positives. Yes, there is a positive side to cathing (at least for women). For me, I have no desire to get my bladder function back until I have the ability to squat over a public john. Before cathing, you had to be concerned with the cleanliness of the bathroom. Not so with cathing. No need to sit on the pot if its a nasty public bathroom. Also, if you attach a collection bag to a straight catheter or if you use touchless catheters with a collection bag attached, you don't even have to worry about whether there is a bathroom or not. While that may not sound handy, think of the nastiest port-o-let you can think of. Now, using a catheter with a collection bag, I would much prefer the confines of my own vehicle than a gross port-o-let. I remember when I was driving from Panama City to Tampa over spring break when I was in high school. We were taking the senic route along the ocean. It was pretty, but the bathrooms were few and far between. I had to go SOOO bad. We FINALLY come upon the only gas station for miles, and it was the NASTIEST bathroom I have ever seen to this day. There was no toilet seat on the toilet and feces and urine every where. There was no way I was going to use that. Despite being about to bust, I held it until we got to a restaurant. By then I was about to wet myself. The women's bathroom in the restaurant didn't have a light! I was miserable. I ended up pulling over on the side of the road and squatting by the roadside. If I were cathing then, none of that would have been a problem. So, try to look at the bright side. Try not to worry about it. I promise that in under a month cathing will be no biggie and be second nature to you. Jenn > > > Kathy, > > This made me laugh...in a good way. : ) > > >I thought it was degrading, couldn't imagine living that way, etc. > Eventually I > >got over myself though. > > , > > I have Spina Bifida and have full bladder/bowel control. A rarity! But as I > got > older, I had difficulty emptying my bladder. My urologist urged me to start > > cathing to make life easier, and less frustrating. When I had my tethered > cord > surgery at nearly 30 years old, I ended up in a wheelchair. Again, to make > life > easier, my urologist suggested a bladder augmentation so I could cath > through my > abdomen. It was a difficult surgery but SO worth it! That was 10 years ago. > I > can cath two ways now, abdomen or urethra, depending on the situation. > > A year after my augmentation, my mom was diagnosed with bladder cancer. She > > had surgery to remove her bladder and build a new one from her intestines. > She > doesn't have feeling anymore, obviously, and has to cath every 4 hours to > empty > her bladder. Knowing what I've gone through, she's gotten used to cathing > as > well. > > It may seem daunting to you now because anything you're not familiar > with can be > scary. But once you get used to it, it becomes 2nd nature. > > Good luck! > > Jodi > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 14, 2010 Report Share Posted September 14, 2010 I have to void every 15-30 min and have to " push " to go. I never knew that was abnormal as it was normal to me. Seems I remember my Neuro (who dx me at age 36) asked me if I was a bedwetter as a child when he was trying to figure out if I had TC, it was just one of the questions. You werent congenital though...maybe he was just trying to see if you had any uro probs " before " the accident. Are you positive about the chicken and egg thing? Many of us are not dx'd until after an injury later in life. Maybe a tether caused abnormal restrictions in movement which led to the bad disc? Just playing devils advocate  > > > Kathy, > > This made me laugh...in a good way. : ) > > >I thought it was degrading, couldn't imagine living that way, etc. > Eventually I > >got over myself though. > > , > > I have Spina Bifida and have full bladder/bowel control. A rarity! But as I > got > older, I had difficulty emptying my bladder. My urologist urged me to start > > cathing to make life easier, and less frustrating. When I had my tethered > cord > surgery at nearly 30 years old, I ended up in a wheelchair. Again, to make > life > easier, my urologist suggested a bladder augmentation so I could cath > through my > abdomen. It was a difficult surgery but SO worth it! That was 10 years ago. > I > can cath two ways now, abdomen or urethra, depending on the situation. > > A year after my augmentation, my mom was diagnosed with bladder cancer. She > > had surgery to remove her bladder and build a new one from her intestines. > She > doesn't have feeling anymore, obviously, and has to cath every 4 hours to > empty > her bladder. Knowing what I've gone through, she's gotten used to cathing > as > well. > > It may seem daunting to you now because anything you're not familiar > with can be > scary. But once you get used to it, it becomes 2nd nature. > > Good luck! > > Jodi > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 14, 2010 Report Share Posted September 14, 2010 Prior to my disc injury I was in perfect health. No back issues, no bladder issues, etc. My problems started after I did PT with a particular exercise that included weight resistance of a pound to two pounds. I arched my back and strained to much to complete the exercises. After the first week of that I found that I had what I thought at the time was radiating lower back pain. I complained to the physical therapist and she stopped the exercise, but came back a week later and recommended that I continue because it would be beneficial to me. This what started physical decline which I occasionally reflect on and wish I didn't listen to her and trusted my instincts. the major issue with that place was that the supervision was inadequate. They would show you something and then go to the front desk. I am sure I probably wasn't doing the exercise right but should have been supervised and redirected if I was like other places I have visited since. Now given the fact that the doctor clearly knew my injury was from a herniated disk and that bladder issues can also exist from herniated disks at the thoracic level you would expect him to come from that angle in relation to the trauma. Sent via BlackBerry by AT & T Re: Cathing I have to void every 15-30 min and have to " push " to go. I never knew that was abnormal as it was normal to me. Seems I remember my Neuro (who dx me at age 36) asked me if I was a bedwetter as a child when he was trying to figure out if I had TC, it was just one of the questions. You werent congenital though...maybe he was just trying to see if you had any uro probs " before " the accident. Are you positive about the chicken and egg thing? Many of us are not dx'd until after an injury later in life. Maybe a tether caused abnormal restrictions in movement which led to the bad disc? Just playing devils advocate  > > > Kathy, > > This made me laugh...in a good way. : ) > > >I thought it was degrading, couldn't imagine living that way, etc. > Eventually I > >got over myself though. > > , > > I have Spina Bifida and have full bladder/bowel control. A rarity! But as I > got > older, I had difficulty emptying my bladder. My urologist urged me to start > > cathing to make life easier, and less frustrating. When I had my tethered > cord > surgery at nearly 30 years old, I ended up in a wheelchair. Again, to make > life > easier, my urologist suggested a bladder augmentation so I could cath > through my > abdomen. It was a difficult surgery but SO worth it! That was 10 years ago. > I > can cath two ways now, abdomen or urethra, depending on the situation. > > A year after my augmentation, my mom was diagnosed with bladder cancer. She > > had surgery to remove her bladder and build a new one from her intestines. > She > doesn't have feeling anymore, obviously, and has to cath every 4 hours to > empty > her bladder. Knowing what I've gone through, she's gotten used to cathing > as > well. > > It may seem daunting to you now because anything you're not familiar > with can be > scary. But once you get used to it, it becomes 2nd nature. > > Good luck! > > Jodi > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 17, 2010 Report Share Posted September 17, 2010 , You'll be amazed how quickly it becomes just another part of your routine. It really isn't difficult (though I am obviously speaking as a man here!). The important thing is to learn the precautions you need to take to avoid infections. Top tip - buy a chocolate bar to reward yourself afterwards. Just for that first time though! Best of luck for Monday, > > > just a follow up question to my original post. I more than likely have to > learn to cath on Monday, still terrified but resigned. I was wondering how > long it took to learn and if anyone ever ended up going to the ER to get > cathed because they couldn't do it while learning. Also, do you usually get > a schedule down? I know everyone is different but just wondering. Thanks for > taking the time to answer me. > > > > -- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 28, 2010 Report Share Posted September 28, 2010 Hi I am new to this site. I would like the phone number. I have had the same infection for about 2 yrs. I am suppose to self cath 4 times a day sometimes I don't get to 4 sometimes I go over 4. I have tried the macrodantin every day but it doesn't stop the infections. I started getting botox in my bladder in Jan 2010. it helps with the pain the infection cause and cuts down probably 75%. If botox is not in my system I can't stand the pain and I am in the ER or dr office for pain shots. > > I was wondering if anyone has tried the newer catheters that are > available. When I first started cathing (7years ago) I would get > infections no matter how careful I was with cleanliness. My uro said > to take macrodantin 50mg 1xday , everyday. That has solved " almost " > all of the infections. Occasionally, I get another infection which is > taken care of by a full spectrum antibiotic. > A friend with a spinal cord injury subcribes to Mobility Magazine and > told me about some ads he read. . > > These all claim to reduce UTI's: > > Lo-Fric catheter > hydrophylic straight caths and no-touch kits > > Flo- Cath - has a coating that is water activated to reduce friction > > Another is called the " 1st Anti-Bac Cath " - coated with nitrofurazone. > I don't know the brand name of it. > > I would really like to stop taking the daily macro , so I might give > one of these a try. They have toll free numbers, and give out > samples, if anyone is interested I could post the tele-numbers. > > suew > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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