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Anyone using Flip Flo catheter valve?

Posted , 4 users are following.

lander
lander

hi - i've been using an indwelling catheter with leg bag for 2 years.

due to BPH i had acute retention of urine with an  implied diagnosis (without tests) that i have a flaccid/atonic bladder.

i would like to try a "Flip Flo" valve as an alternative to the cumbersome leg bag?

i've ask the consultant & gp regarding but they say "it's what, is best suited to you".(??)

anyone using a "Flip Flo" valve or can supply any relevant info?

cheers

2 likes, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • kenneth1955
    kenneth1955 lander

    Posted

    Hello Lander  This is Ken.  I did not know what that was because I only had a catheter in for 2 days after my urolift.  I looked it up.  I think it may be safer for you or anyone that has to wear a catheter for any lenth of time.  What I read is that it helps reduces infection and blockages.  .  Also said that it helps maintain bladder tone.  That I don't know what that means.  You can just put the valve in your catheter and use it that way but you would have to know when you need to go to the bathroom.  Or you can use the valve with the leg bag.  I would ask the doctor to try it .  He should not tell you no it your body and if it don't work for you go back to what your using now.  It's for your well being and your comfort.... 
    • lander
      lander kenneth1955

      Posted

      hi ken - thanks for your reply - i actually have the flip flo valves but haven't tried them as i've had a indwelling cath for so long.

      as you know a cath continually drains the badder whereas the "valve"  allows it to fill & effectively exercise/tone it.

      i was hoping to find someone in the forum using one as they seem to be rarely used in the world of catheters..

      cheers

       

    • kenneth1955
      kenneth1955 lander

      Posted

      What I read about them you have to be able to know when you have to go to thebathroom.  And they can be use with a leg bag.  Easyer then that little rubber cover..Ken
  • Mens_Nurse
    Mens_Nurse lander

    Posted

    after this amount of time your bladder tone will be poor if you have been on free drainage into a bag day and night.

    persist with your requests for a trail with a flip flo, success will not be imediate but persitance could pay off. also yopur uerethra will be quite damaged by now, ask if this could be changed for a supra pubic - they tend to be much less trouble and lower infection risk. you can change them yourself with a little instruction and practice.

    hope this helps

    • lander
      lander Mens_Nurse

      Posted

      thanks for your reply - problem is no one can tell me what to expect by using a Flip Flo considering a possible flaccid bladder.

      as i've had a IC for 2 years could the use of a Flip Flo valve over a period, crudely, indicate the tone of my bladder.

      for example if i got the urge to void & passed about  700cc would that be of any significance?

      cheers

       

    • jimjames
      jimjames lander

      Posted

      Hi Lander,

      My experience with bladder rehabilitation has only been with Intermittent Self Catherization (ISC) so please take my thoughts re “flip flo” with that in mind.

      Apparently the “flip flo” valve will help restore some tone and holding capacity after the bladder has basically been emptying at will when using a leg bag.

      However, once you open the valve, the urine will still flow mechanically via the catheter tube’s syphoning effect and completely empty your bladder. So I don’t see how the “flip flo” will help in rehabilitating the detrusor muscles used to push the urine out like it would with a natural void -- nor will it help you track what you’re your current post void volume (PVR) is. For that, I assume you have to take the catheter out, make an attempt to void naturally, and then measure the PVR either by ultrasound or by inserting another catheter.  Remember it’s the high PVR from chronic retention that causes the flaccid bladder to begin with.

      As to your question about the significance of turning on the tap and voiding "about 700cc" – the significance would be that you waited much too long to turn on the tap. The rule of thumb, at least with ISC is to have no more than 400cc of urine in the bladder at any one time and I don’t see why it should be any different when using a Flip Flo. If you wait  until you have 700cc – whether you feel the urge or not – you would then be stretching the bladder and doing the exact opposite of what you want to do with a flaccid bladder.

      That said, there may be some significance in at what cc level you feel the urge to urinate, but that is beyond my pay grade and something to discuss with a urologist.

      Jim

  • jimjames
    jimjames lander

    Posted

    Hi Lander,

    A couple of thoughts.

    First, I'm surprised  you would be prescribed an indwelling catheter for this long with only an "implied diagnosis" and "without tests". It is important to find out the exact cause of your acute retention and then consider all the appropriate treatment options. Depending on your diagnosis, options might include medication, exercises, a non-invasive in-office procedure, surgery, catherization, or a combination of things. I am guessing you have not seen a specialist (urologist) or tests would have been done and you would have a more accurate diagnosis. So really the first thing to do would be to seek out a specialist.

    If it turns out that the specialist still recommends catherization, you might discuss with them self-catherization as opposed to an indwelling catheter. I was diagnosed over two years ago with a flaccid bladder and at the time was retaining 1.5 liters of urine in my bladder. In the beginning I was self-catherizing six times a day, and over time less. That's because my bladder started to regain some of its lost elasticity with the self catherization process. It's called bladder rehabilitation.

    Once learned, self catherization is  a quick and painless procedure that gives you the same benefits of the indwelling catheter without having to wear one 24/7. It also allows you to use your bladder muscles as best you can to help with the bladder rehabilitation process.

    But again, first I would seek out a urologist, get a proper diagnosis, and consider all your options.

    Jiim

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