Catheter not draining into bag
Posted , 5 users are following.
My mum has an indwelling catheter and we have been struggling for the past few months with what we thought were blockages. However I have discovered the issue seems to be with the bags rather than the catheter itself. If we disconnect the bag urine flows fine directly from the catheter, however when we attach the bag it often stops completely and nothing drains into the bag itself. She is bed bound so only uses a night bag (coloplast simpla 2L). I've seen other people suggest putting air into the bag and have tried this but it doesn't seem to stop the problem. Has anyone else had this issue?
0 likes, 6 replies
glenn77 claire38436
Posted
Is it a vented bag? As the bag fills with urine, either the bag needs to expand, or air needs to escape. A second possible answer could be that the bag's inlet valve is stuck. (It's to prevent backflow.) On inexpensive bags, it is use a fla piece of plastic that allows flow in just one direction. Finally, the bag needs to be below the level of the bladder, at least a foot or so.
claire38436 glenn77
Posted
I figured it must be the anti reflux valve but it's internal in the neck of the tube at the bags opening so can't manipulate it. Have ordered some different samples to try and hopefully other brands are easier. It's not vented, I'd read about that as a possible solution but couldn't see any options for vented bags (UK). Bag is always hung at the end of the bed so is below bladder, no kinking or loops in the tube.
marieC claire38436
Posted
Hi Claire, not sure if this will help, but I had a similar problem, due to a cystoplasty, with my catheter getting blocked. My husband told me to squeeze the tube above the bag and move my fingers up, still keeping the tube squeezed, so that just above the bag, there is no urine showing, then to let go and keep doing this, until the urine flows. I hope this helps. Obviously there is something in her urine that is blocking the bag or they are faulty bags. Perhaps a chat with your GP or a nurse, or Urology Department might be helpful, if this doesn't work.
claire38436 marieC
Posted
cantbopnomore claire38436
Posted
bob31550 claire38436
Posted
Was in a taxi on way to ER because no urine flow from 10am to nearly 1pm today from my Foley to the bag. Also, there was again blood in the urine and two clots or "gunk" (term used by my Urologist) in the early morning and yesterday.
Then, suddenly my bag had approx 150-200 ml of normal-color urine. I was soooo happy I nearly kissed the cab driver. Do I thank potholes? Or, maybe the posture of getting in/out of the cab?
I felt it was a miracle. Then, I (think) there was a forum post about being jarred left and right, somehow release someone's blocked bladder.
This sudden quantitative urine release happened once before in my car. Suddenly my leg-bag was full, some weeks ago.