All done!!

Hello Peter (Guern017) 

Well I am so pleased it all went (almost) well and thank you for your update. Speaking as someone who had an indwelling catheter for 10 months I found it to be my "best friend". I could pee when I wanted and also get a good nights sleep too!!

I hope all goes well for you moving forward and your future PSA tests all come in as low as possible.

Best wishes - Brian.

Still having to get up 4 times a night because I was drinking 2 ltrs of water every day.  The damn thing just gets in the way, but I guess after a while you do get used to it and it becomes just something to deal with.  Sitting upright is hard because I'm sat right on it and wasn't prepared to go down the rubber ring route.  I made a home made cushion out of a spare bit of foam, but that's not the best solution either!

Here's an update on the update.  The catheter was removed yesterday morning by the district nurses (DN) at 10.20 am and by 11.15pm it was back in....  I was managing to produce something, but it was hard work, lots of straining to produce something like a blocked garden hose, spraying everywhere and occasionally a thin trickle.

I was called this morning by the DNs who said, right that's twice you've failed TWOC, (try without catheter) so it will stay in for 11 weeks.  I questioned their timescale but was told that it was correct.  I could call the GP if I wanted to discuss it. So I called the GP and managed to arrange a phone appt for this morning. I also called my CNSs and had a conversation with them.  They agreed 11 weeks was a little long and when I asked if the Tamsulosin was doing its job, they suggested I double the dose from this Friday and then from next Wednesday take 4 ibuprofen a day.  That should take care of the swelling from the HDR and radiotherapy. That is what seen as the issue here.  The CNS will call the DN and request another TWOC on the 22nd.  Perfect (apart from I've still got the catheter!).   Then the doc called so I brought her up to speed.  She said I had already done what she would have suggested and talked with the CNSs, "after all they are the specialists".  

So here I am catheter back in place having had the temerity to question the DNs decision.  They said I could ask the GP which is what I did, but via the CNS first.   I'm very aware these things are a medical decision and I don't call the shots but I wasn't happy with an 11 week timescale so I queried it.  I also know if this fails it will go back in.  I have great admiration for those if you who have had them for a long time.  I really can't get on with this. It's uncomfortable and stings every time I move which is why I questioned the 11 weeks.  If they had said two weeks,  none of this would have been needed.

Hello Guern017 

i am so sorry to read of your issues. I am not medically trained but the catheter should be pain and hassle free.

Common mistakes leading to issues are:

* Ensure the leg bag is well below the level of the penis.

* The straps holding the leg bag to your leg should be behind the pipes, not over them.

* Make sure the pipe from where it enters your penis to the top of the bag is kept clean - wash it everyday with cooled previously boiled water. If you have a foreskin remember to pull this back - there will be debris!

* if it continues to sting and is uncomfortable you need to check with your team, it's possible you may have a UTR.

I hope this helps and you get things sorted.

Best wishes - Brian.

Hello Peter (Guern017) 

Ah, that's the issue then. There are two types of leg bag, one that fits the thigh and one the lower leg below the knee - perhaps ask for the latter bag, it's got a nice long pipe. I haven't had the pleasure of a flip flow valve but if circumstances permit can you not just remove the leg bag and replace it when you "flow"?

As for going out during the day - my choice of underwear is like a galleon in full sail anyway - I don't do tight fitting stuff - I like everything to be free, so no issues for me a a cheap (£9.99) pair of big size track suit bottoms. 

As you say the forum is great and some conversations just have to be had.  We have to chat about body parts, sex, erections and everything else. Everyone is matter of fact about it, indeed I once had a Community Member's wife e-mail the Community Team, thanking me for explaining how to keep her husband's penis clean now he had a catheter. As she said "after being married for 45 years i never thought i would be chatting to a strange man about my husband's penis - but what he said worked - thank you".

You will get there.

Best wishes - Brian.

Thanks for your reply Brian.  That's why I like this site, nothing is too personal to discuss.  I don't have to worry about the foreskin, that was removed when I was very young.  I dont have a leg bag, I have a flip/flow on the end of the catheter.  So I determine when I pee just by opening the tap basically.  That may be part of the problem.  The total length of the catheter end and flip flow is about 8 inches.  Not enough to strap to the thigh using the strap supplied with enough 'give' for movement.  Sitting down is ok, but as soon as I stand, it pulls and I yelp!  Curling it up in the crease of my thigh worked with the last one, but not this one.  A UTI is a very distinct possibility but my urine is clear so I'm more thinking its just irritation of the urethral opening.  Underwear pushing against me might also contribute to that.  No underwear and pajama bottoms is OK, but I can't go out like this!  Oddly, taking one Ibuprofen seems to have quietened the irritation down, so time to try underwear again....Thanks again

Peter

I remember my dad telling me once that his trousers had to have lots of 'Blackpool'.  When I asked what he meant, he asked me what Blackpool was famous for.   Err, the Tower?  Nay lad, ballroom.  Lots of ballroom....