Frequency of catheterization during the day

I used to go by the clock.  I've been doing CIC for about 16 months now.  I don't measure every time now but, as someone said, you kinda get to know how much you're getting out.  Now, I'm mostly using urges.  Whereas at first (I was in total retention for the ultrasound test) I had to be retaining about 400 ml before I get an urge, now I get them at more like 250 - 350.  If your natural voids plus your cath volume is over 400 ml on a regular basis then you should probably do it more often.  From what you say, it sounds like you are able to do natural voids better than I.  Usually in the morning I have to just do it because I know its been at least 6 hours but I don't feel it at all.  I'm grateful its that way because I can typically sleep without having to get up most of the night. Often in the morning though I only have less than 300 ml which shouldn't be stretching my bladder out.  I understand the normal capacity of a typical male bladder is @400.  Trying to keep your residual under 100 ml sounds a little bit rigorous to me.

 

I do not void naturally at all.    I catheterize 5/6 times a day. there is no defined time . it is when you feel that you want to pee.   Dont hold it.   I used to think I could only use catheters four times a day, but I have learnt that you cannot go by times in between.  For example I may go three times in the morning and then another late afternoon, then after tea.  Then  before I go to bed at 10pm    Not always 6 times.. Sometimes 5 ....but never four.

My urologist says that the desired volume when you catheterize should be between 200 and 400 cc's each time.  So do the number of times that gets you that result.

Best of luck!