I have recently completed my radiotherapy. The procedure was straightforward and the staff were wonderful. However, my bladder did not take kindly to the radiation and I suffered a number of problems including visits to A&E, insertion and removal of a catheter etc. Currently, I still have a catheter and the pressure on my bladder is significant and constant. This is preventing me from exercising to regain my muscle strength etc. A week ago I was told that I had another urine infection and was prescribed antibiotics. I am on day 5 of 7 and, if anything, the pain is worse. I will complete the course but there should have been a slight improvement by now. Does anyone have any thoughts on how I should deal with this? Many thanks.
Hello Rawsoftba9a24
I am so sorry to read of your issues. I had an indwelling catheter for over 10 months so here are a few points.
* Don't try and pee or try and stop peeing - the catheter is designed to continuously empty your bladder. Straining or pushing or trying to pee won't help.
* Keep drinking fluids and pushing fluids through your body.
* Ensure all leg straps go behind the pipework not over it and avoid kinks and bends.
* Every day boil some water, let it cool and without any soap (peel back your foreskin if you have one) and clean the pipe from where it enters your penis to the valve. There will be debris and this should prevent any UTI's.
Yes, it does take some getting used to,
I hope the above helps - anything else, just ask.
Best wishes - Brian.

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