Catheter

Hi Clare . I am on Solifenacin. It takes 8-10 weeks to start having an effect, however saying that, I've now been on for 3 months and it doesn't seem to be doing much for me.

I am only lasting 60-90 minutes at night and I'm absolutely knackered because of it. 

Hi Martyn.

Thanks for your response.

My GP was concerned that I have been prescribed this when I am already retaining 210ml. Ive been taking for 4 days now and I have practically stopped going completely. My GP was insistent I took myself to A&E if that happened but I am being stubborn and waiting because while the pain has increased I haven't stopped going completely yet. Ha ha.

My GP wants me to have a catheter.

Sending love

Clare

It is a bit of a surprise if you have it for retention problems. It's normally used for frequency as it is supposed to relax the bladder to allow you to last longer. 

Hi Martyn 

I know......my GP was surprised the consultant had asked for it to be prescribed. To be honest they have no idea what is causing the pain or the retention and its taken 3 months of nagging to get a bladder scan. 

This does seem to be causing more pain though so I guess the pain is caused by the retention. My tumour was at bottom of the bladder on the top of the urethra, that may be why it is still hurting. 

Sending love 

Clare

Hi Martyn 

I know......my GP was surprised the consultant had asked for it to be prescribed. To be honest they have no idea what is causing the pain or the retention and its taken 3 months of nagging to get a bladder scan. 

This does seem to be causing more pain though so I guess the pain is caused by the retention. My tumour was at bottom of the bladder on the top of the urethra, that may be why it is still hurting. 

Sending love 

Clare

I am a cancer patient and frequent a different part of this site. But I do have bladder problems. I have been given tamsulin and solifenacin to no avail. These seem to act on the prostate and I dont believe that is where my problem is. I have used a normal catheter after my cancer operations for a short time. I dont personally think my problem which is I imagine retention and having very very often to go all the time can be cured. But I think if my bladder was empty I would be OK. So I am thinking of a male self catheter to empty it. My GP for some reason thinks they are very unsafe and will not send me to hospital for it. I understand one has to be trained to use it. I would like to be trained but they all ask for a referral first. If I go to private urologist he agrees for about £200 but also wants £250 for a 'consultation' meaning to say hello. And I imagine he can find some kind of excuse to say no which is what I am scared of. I am told one has to be 'dexterous' I am not sure why. The companies offering free samples want to first know what you have been using till now. So really what I want to know is the best, meaning easiest catheter to use. There seems to be dozens on the market. What gel to use to anesthetize it. They seem to come in different sizes, I dont remember my normal catheter having a size. So what size is best i would have thought the thinnest which can get past the sphincter which I think is the main problem. And if you know a nurse male or female who would teach me privately for pay in home counties and send me a private message I would be most grateful. I think my GP will come round once I manage to do it and get my supplies from the NHS.  I have had a urine and blood test which my doctor says is ok. So I can really see anything wrong with undergoing training. Of course I may not be able to do it but I imagine the putting in and out is very similar to a normal catheter and very likely much easier so I think I should manage. 

Since I am new to this I would welcome as many replies as possible.

This is an email from my doctor to me

Thankyou for your email. Unfortunately there are many private companies out there that seek to gain money from peoples insecurities in relation to lots of different medical problems; as you say many of these are unregulated, which is why it is best to stick to NHS care providers. I write to let you know I have had a response from the Urology team...

He has written: “A baseline USS KUB would be useful to assess his prostate gland size and post void residual to ensure he is effectively emptying his bladder after his previous episode of urinary retention. If he is not keen on medical pharmacotherapy then I would suggest avoiding fluids 3 hours before bedtime, moderation of caffeine intake and bladder training. 

I specifically asked him about the ISC catheter, but he has not mentioned this in his reply and suggests instead to go ahead with the USS (ultrasound scan of the kidneys ureter and bladder – including the prostate gland) which I have requested for you. The post void residual can be done at the same time as the scan (this is just the amount of urine left in your bladder after you have passed urine) – if you can time it so that you have passed urine just before the ultrasound scan is done. Whilst we wait for the Ultrasound scan we could trial another medication. Please let me know your thoughts. Kind regards

Even if I fast all day and the night before it makes no difference. 

The urology team doctor is really a she like my doctor. Maybe it is more difficult for a male. 

I think you have to at least have the tests done. There could well be all sorts of reasons for your problem. But keep asking about ISC, someone may say yes & arrange teaching (probably with a specialist nurse). Until you have the technique, can't advise about different types, as each person has likes & dislikes. If you do go down this route, you can request samples from the supplying company to see if you have a preference. 

I'm female so it is different, although it's largely that male catheters are longer. I actually prefer thicker rather than thinner but the range of sizes is fairly limited anyway. They are all narrower than an in dwelling catheter, I think.

BTW I would advise keeping up fluids especially during the morning, to ensure dilute urine as concentrated urine might be irritating the bladder. Avoid diuretics like coffee & alcohol. 

Thanks for your prompt reply.

I dont mind having the tests done but those are all for prostate cancer and since I have had this problem for many years (only now getting worse) I doubt very much it is that. The problem is these tests can take months on the NHS to be done and I cant see why I cant have the catheter now. I have already twice had a normal catheter after my cancer operations and no ultrasound was done then. So I have a good idea what this is. The surgeons that I mentioned who are prepared to train me dont ask for this. I should mention my main food is from my peg which feeds all night which doesnt help. It is like drinking non-stop all night. Otherwise I dont use alchohol only very weak PG granulated tea. About a teaspoon in one glass.