Urine flow test

Hello ansteynomad 

My circumstances were that I was unable to wee and was retaining urine, so much so that my bladder expanded, crushed my kidneys and got me an emergency admission to hospital on Christmas Eve 2021 (click on my name or avatar for full details).

The problem was an enlarged prostate closing my urethra.  The answer was a TURP operation to "shave" my prostate. The TURP operation was early November 2022 so for 10 + months I had an indwelling catheter. Once I had had it fitted and got used to it - it became part of me - weeing, keeping it clean, bag changing and emptying it became routine and to be honest when I had the operation and had to learn to wee again I missed the catheter.

To me a permanent indwelling catheter was far easier than self catheterising.

i hope this helps and he gets sorted.

Best wishes - Brian.

Thanks Brian. That's useful. The single use disposable ones that our friend is using seem potentially fraught with dangers.

Hi, amsteynomad, just a little add on to Brian's post, if you should have a TURP, which I too needed, I  only needed a  catheter for 3 days.

Eddie 

• Thankfully there will be no TURP for me. I was issued with the other set of kit and am posting about my husband  LOL

Hi

100ml is not too bad and not unusual in older men. I think they typically intervene with residuals above 350ml.

I had this sort of residual for years and it didn't really cause any issues or discomfort.

Its worth getting trained to self catheterise but then just use it when you really need it. Indwelling catheters are OK but you have to be vigilant that you don't lose bladder condition as its basically not doing any work while the catheter is in.

Hope this helps Rob

Hello ansteynomad

My husband (known here as LH ,lovely husband)has self catheterised a.m & pm since Dec24. following removal of 3 bladder stones. LH had an indwelling catheter from diagnosis in Oct until Dec.

LH can pass urine v well now but has continued to s.c during chemotherapy (6th & last coming up on Tues)

He considers it a "life saver" and much prefers it than the indwelling.

He has adapted to doing it  very well and it takes him less than 5 minutes for the total procedure.

Ours are delivered to our door complete with small black disposal bags.

We would strongly recommend you request from your prescriber (ours was urology dept)

VaPro HydraBalance Lubricating Technology catheters made by Hollister.

(I hope I'm not breaking any rules naming them.We have no affiliation to the manufacturers) 

They are single use and completely non touch as they are protected by a sheath with lubrication beneath. As the catheter is inserted the sheath rolls up, so at no time do fingers touch the catheter itself, thus reducing the risk of infection. My LH has not had any infections. 

Despite passing urine well throughout the day and a couple of times at night his residual remains between 200 and 300mls each time. 

I do wish you well on the diagnosis journey and urge your husband not to be afraid of s catheterisation if advised. Better than the complications of unmanaged residual stagnant urine. 

1. Keep posting and asking questions the help,support and knowledge people share is immeasurable. I am so very thankful for it all.

Sending everyone all good wishes

Sue

Hello Sue (Suekee) 

Suekee said:

(I hope I'm not breaking any rules naming them.We have no affiliation to the manufacturers) 

Providing it's a product you (or your LH) has personal experience of then there's no issue with a recommendation.

Thank you for your support across the Community.

Best wishes - Brian.

Hi ansteynomad, I'm sorry for the  confusion, on the forum we see prostate cancer as a couples disease, so any references regarding treatment are aimed at the couple, as it may be the husband/ boyfriend who has the treatment, it impacts both just as much.

Eddie