Am just curious if there are any females that had a RC and can only urinate using catheters? I don't mean using to make sure you fully empty but as your only means.
I have neo and can often empty a bit myself, but never more than about half. So yes, I always use a catheter. My surgeon seemed optimistic that I would be able to void 'normally', but I know now it is fairly common for females to need to use a catheter. When they investigated, they said I have a very strong sphincter - although if I get over full, I will leak. better to have problems emptying than problems with continence!
I have a stoma but did meet a woman a year or so back (a nurse) who after having a neobladder uses a catheter to empty. (This was on a zoom discussion about government policies about items needed by people who have stomas etc.)
She said the catheter she was prescribed was longer than needed for the emptying and hard to fit into her uniform pocket at work. Hope this is useful, I am not sure if that was her 'only means' but that was the impression I got.
Her catheter was a male one as that is longer than a female. A female can use it, it is just the length. I like that for at home because I can see I am fully emptying my bladder, but at work use a female as the are much shorter and fit in my work jacket pockets. I am 19 months out with this neobladder and it is confirmed that there is no blockage and that it is sitting where it should, so sadly it just doesn't work. It does suck but with all new things, you eventually get used to it.
They gave me male ones at first, as that was all they had on the ward. I didn't even realise there different brands, sizes etc. Soon settled on ones I like. There are compact versions of both male & female. I use the standard female ones at home & the compact ones when out.
Although I felt bit of a failure at first when I had to start relying on self cathing, I've never minded doing it. No worries about fully emptying. Just a bit of a nuisance to carry enough supplies going on holiday.
At least we can have disposable ones in UK. Many people in US seem to have to re-use - so have to rinse, dry & lubricate catheters.
