I have tried to get a referral from my PCP to a urologist, and he told me he wanted to get test results before doing that, not sure why exactly and I know my dr has no idea what I do to manage bladder issues.(I wear condom cath at night to prevent sleepless nights and I intermittent catheterize once every 2 days to make sure my bladder of old urine is emptied) it is getting quite expensive to pay for these items also. I feel I empty my bladder sometimes and I have only had one uti since injury 2-1/2 years ago. so my plan is to stop int. cathing by reducing int cath instances to once a week for a month and see how my bladder responds. if no uti's after this than possibly stop altogether intermittent catheterizing. does anyone see an issue with this plan and any tips or warnings is appreciated?
also when I do int. cath. like last night there was only 50 ml in bag, I pee about 15-20 minutes before cathing last night. so I am pretty sure I am able to stop cathing, I'm just nervous about it, especially because of crappy healthcare I have and doing this on my own. so any responses is appreciated.
19 yrs post here. condom cath since injury ..they had me doing one in/out a day to make sure bladder got fully drained at least once a day. You are getting such a low volume with the in /out you dont need to do it. you are putting yourself at risk of a uti by doing caths. My physiatrist told me under 100 / 120 residual is acceptable. I was getting uti's a lot so urologist had me quit doing in / outs presto no uti. you can check once in a while as i do to be sure your not maintaining high pressures by doing an in/out right after your bladder empties to check your residuals. also i walk with a walker and a physio suggested to me to stand when i get the urge to pee which is how men pee at toilet / urinal helping to drain bladder better due to gravity.
19 yrs post here. condom cath since injury ..they had me doing one in/out a day to make sure bladder got fully drained at least once a day. You are getting such a low volume with the in /out you dont need to do it. you are putting yourself at risk of a uti by doing caths. My physiatrist told me under 100 / 120 residual is acceptable. I was getting uti's a lot so urologist had me quit doing in / outs presto no uti. you can check once in a while as i do to be sure your not maintaining high pressures by doing an in/out right after your bladder empties to check your residuals. also i walk with a walker and a physio suggested to me to stand when i get the urge to pee which is how men pee at toilet / urinal helping to drain bladder better due to gravity.
thanks so much airohs, I appreciate your reply, makes me feel so much better about doing it or stopping now. ill let u know of results in a month or 2.
Sam- I've read many different stories over the years and agree with Airohs, but with the caution that each of us is different so really your plan is very sensible. The test is in what happens for you so gradual weaning from catheterization will have the benefit of building your confidence in your own body while taking minimal risk. I expect you ill do fine without cathing, and the condom cath at night for good rest is probably a great idea. If you back off from that, then I find as long as I get one or 2 uninterrupted stretches of sleep that last at least 3 hours I am fully functional and feel good during the day. I do sleep a total of 8 hours, but with frequent interruptions to pee.
That's pretty well what I do, be careful you don't leave it too long between voids - I'm told I have a bit of renal damage on one side from too much back pressure.
if I ever get to go to the urologist I will fill the doc in on all details, I'm thinking though, if I never have any issues meaning infections from now on this will all be a mute point and I will just continue on and not worry about bladder issues. thanks all for your responses.
update on my stopping in/out caths: I stopped on feb 18th doing in/out caths, I haven't done one since and no issues at all and today is mar 26, 5 weeks. looks like bladder is doing its job sufficiently.
update on my stopping in/out caths: I stopped on feb 18th doing in/out caths, I haven't done one since and no issues at all and today is mar 26, 5 weeks. looks like bladder is doing its job sufficiently.
update on my stopping in/out caths: I stopped on feb 18th doing in/out caths, I haven't done one since and no issues at all and today is mar 26, 5 weeks. looks like bladder is doing its job sufficiently.
[br That is awesomeee.. like.. best news for today to me. So happy for you.
So you mean, no accidents at all since then and you are able to control your bladder as normal as before, right?
update on my stopping in/out caths: I stopped on feb 18th doing in/out caths, I haven't done one since and no issues at all and today is mar 26, 5 weeks. looks like bladder is doing its job sufficiently.
[br That is awesomeee.. like.. best news for today to me. So happy for you.
So you mean, no accidents at all since then and you are able to control your bladder as normal as before, right?
no accidents, can still tell that because of neurogenic bladder that it isn't strong but it is doing well enough, at least in emptying.