Re: Re: self catheterizing

[Guest guest]

Some time back, I inquired about self catheterization (18 mos on indwelling Foley catheter) at one of my urology appointment and was told I would not be able to use self catheterization. So instead, I have to deal with having the catheter in all the time. Basically they said my urethra isnt strong enough any more to take the changing more frequently so I go once a month and suffer thru the urology nurse putting in a new one for another month and then go back and do it all over again. If I could self catheterize I would love to be able to, but evidently it isnt feasable.

Dave Halvorsen

To: ProstateCancerSupport Sent: Sun, February 6, 2011 6:36:20 AMSubject: Re: Urination stopped after catheter removed

Self-catherisation should not be a problem anywhere. The catheters I use are for one-time use, are in sealed sterile packages, complete with lubrication. All you need in addition is some way of washing your hands (although actually you do not need to touch the business end of the catheter) and some wet wipes for cleaning the end of your penis. You could pack a few in a backpack no problem. The product I use is called SpeediCath from a firm called Coloplast in the UK (www.coloplast.co.uk). I’m sure there must be an equivalent in the USA.

Bob

[Guest guest]

Hello Dave, Checking my prior exchanges with you, I notice that I don’t have your diagnostics and treatments prior to moving to androgen deprivation therapy.  Could you explain some detail as to what treatment resulted in your “urethra isn’t strong enough†for self-catheterization?  Apparently it is strong enough for the nurse to change on, at least, a monthly basis.  In the process of that exchanging of catheters, is she doing something in a fashion that you couldn’t do yourself?  Has the physician performed some procedures that determined that your urethra is so fragile you are unable to self-catheterize and do you have the results of that procedure?  Or is it more that there can be a problem in inserting the tube past scar tissue?  I know it isn’t fun for any catheterizing let alone self-catheterizing, but I’ve heard more often that being unable to self-catheterize had to do with scar tissue than with a fragile urethra. As far as scar tissue, has it been determined that there is no treatment available to clear enough access for urine passage?  I have no idea if the following have already been considered. If they have not been discussed by your physician, I would suggest reading then bringing up with your physician. If he/she does not have expertise in these treatment options, then you may have to seek a specialist who does understand. The UroLume Urethral Stent is an implantable device for men that is intended to relieve urinary obstruction http://tinyurl.com/4e6s2x2 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8583603 Anastomotic contracture (AC) following radical prostatectomy. http://www.jurology.com/article/S0022-5347(05)61023-3/abstract Chuck Always as close as the other end of your computer to help address any prostate cancer concerns. " What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others. " (Chuck) Maack/Prostate Cancer Advocate/Mentor Wichita, Kansas Chapter, Us TOOBiography: http://www.ustoowichita.org/leaders.cfm?content=bio & id=1 Email: maack1@... Chapter Website " Observations " : http://www.ustoowichita.org/observations.cfm From: ProstateCancerSupport [mailto:ProstateCancerSupport ] On Behalf Of dave halvorsenSent: Saturday, February 19, 2011 2:07 PMTo: ProstateCancerSupport Subject: Re: Re: self catheterizing Some time back, I inquired about self catheterization (18 mos on indwelling Foley catheter) at one of my urology appointment and was told I would not be able to use self catheterization. So instead, I have to deal with having the catheter in all the time. Basically they said my urethra isnt strong enough any more to take the changing more frequently so I go once a month and suffer thru the urology nurse putting in a new one for another month and then go back and do it all over again. If I could self catheterize I would love to be able to, but evidently it isnt feasable. Dave Halvorsen.

[Guest guest]

Dave, my input on the self cath. issue and urethra is that even heads of university urological clinics have different opinions, as I experienced with UNC and Duke so another opinion would be in order. I have chronic urethral stricture and my lastest visit to my urologist reconfirmed that he could not do anything about it, so I catherize at least 15 times a day. The urethra must be strong to accomodate that day after day and year after year. And, mine is very tight so it has to put up with difficult caths often. Good luck. DougSubject: Re: Re: self catheterizingTo:

ProstateCancerSupport Date: Saturday, February 19, 2011, 3:07 PM

Some time back, I inquired about self catheterization (18 mos on indwelling Foley catheter) at one of my urology appointment and was told I would not be able to use self catheterization. So instead, I have to deal with having the catheter in all the time. Basically they said my urethra isnt strong enough any more to take the changing more frequently so I go once a month and suffer thru the urology nurse putting in a new one for another month and then go back and do it all over again. If I could self catheterize I would love to be able to, but evidently it isnt feasable.

Dave Halvorsen

To: ProstateCancerSupport Sent: Sun, February 6, 2011 6:36:20 AMSubject: Re: Urination stopped after catheter removed

Self-catherisation should not be a problem anywhere. The catheters I use are for one-time use, are in sealed sterile packages, complete with lubrication. All you need in addition is some way of washing your hands (although actually you do not need to touch the business end of the catheter) and some wet wipes for cleaning the end of your penis. You could pack a few in a backpack no problem. The product I use is called SpeediCath from a firm called Coloplast in the UK (www.coloplast.co.uk). I’m sure there must be an equivalent in the USA.

Bob