Please help me. I'm falling between my cancer hospital, my urology hospital, A+E and my superb but put-upon GP.
Politics aside, I'm suffering physically and (increasingly) mentally. I've been on max dose Co-codamol for at least 3 weeks. It only provides effective pain relief if I take it absolutely on time every dose and every day.
What nothing has done so far is stop the spasms, with the distressing leakage of urine around the cathether. Very late in the day (my TWOC is scheduled for April 30th) my cancer hospital has told me about anticholinergics, which seem like they could help, but no-one wants to prescribe them it seems.
In desperation, I'm turning back to Buscopan because the consensus seems to be "it does no harm". I'm on Movicol to counter the disastrous effect of Co-codamol on my bowel, which in turn is torturing my bladder.
Padron the melodrama, but has anyone found a way through a similar mess?
I'm dealing with lymphoedema also, which is making my world very small.
Thanks,
Chris
Hello Chris (Odd Man In )
I am so sorry to read of your ongoing issues - do I assume you still have an indwelling catheter?
If so - ensure the pipework is not bent - the securing straps are behind the pipework and there are no kinks and it's secure with very little movement on your leg. You need your GP to check for a UTI. At the same time you need to keep it clean, so where the pipe enters your penis - everyday, pull back your foreskin and clen the pipe from the to of the bag to your penis with cooled boiled water no soap, there will be debris.
When you have the urge to pee - don't push, relax and let the urine drain without any help. Try and keep hydrated, the more fluid the less chance of infection and UTI. Try and keep up with your pelvic floor exercises.
I found with my catheter urology at my local hospital (Oldham) were happy to help with any issues.
I am aware how much this is bothering you, it's weekend now, however like me you are under The Christie in Manchester. They do have a 24 hour nurse led hotline for help 0161 446 3658 - why not give them a call, see if thy can help. If you want to message me I am around all weekend for a chat (although out today at times with the dog and football). "A problem shared is a problem halved".
Other than the above all I can suggest is contacting your GP and Christies (your normal team) on Monday - if symptoms get worse over weekend call 111 or present at A & E.
Best wishes - Brian.
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