Post Brachytherapy problems-Radiation burns-Intermittent self-catheterization

[Guest guest]

I went to see my Urologist yesterday who took me off of the Foley Catheter which

I'd been wearing for a total of about 2 weeks saying that too much time with it

could itself be problematic as an infection possibility as well as causing the

bladder muscle fibers to " forget " how to function normally.

I stayed in his office for about 2 hours trying to urinate normally but was

unable to. He showed me how to utilize " intermittent self-catheterization "

which was somewhat scary but actually not THAT difficult to do and was

certainly important inasmuch as I'd suffered enormously the last few weeks

unable to urinate and retaining loads of fluid until I was able to get to his

office to have the Foley Catheter installed.

Both he and the Radiation Oncologist both assured me that " over time " the

inflammation to my Prostatic Urethra would subside and that I should be then

able to urinate normally. It could take weeks or months though.

I am taking Doxycycline 100 mg. as an antibiotic and because it apparently has

some anti-inflammatory properties as well as Naproxen 500 mg. , each twice a

day. I also re-started taking Flomax right after the Foley Catheter was removed.

Anyway, I was wondering if anyone out there has any experience with intermittent

catheterization and how long you were on that regimen? I ordered an extra

Catheter (French #14) as well as extra gloves, and K-Y Jelly to have with me in

my car just in case because I don't dare travel anyplace without them.

Thanks,

Sy