How well does a Spanner Stent work?
Posted , 6 users are following.
After my Rezum procedure I've had a Foley and catheter in for 3 weeks. My Dr. has scheduled the insertion of a Spanner Stent to give me more freedom of movement and frankly more of a real life. I'm very hopeful! Of course I was hopeful each of the three times the catheter was removed only to have to go back the same day for another catheter. Has anyone used a Spanner and how well did it work and what were it's short comings?
0 likes, 8 replies
oldbuzzard harry1289
Posted
Have your doc show you how to self cath and give you a catheter script. If the spanner Stent doesn't work, that will give you a normal life until you open up enough naturally.
How big was your prostate? If your experience mirrors mine, you'll start dribbling on your own about now and improve in fits and starts until about week 6 you'll realize you're better than before the procedure.
Between the spanner Stent and self cathing, you should be OK until you heal more. And that's probably a few weeks.
harry1289 oldbuzzard
Posted
Hi again OB ....my prostate to start was 82 grams. I'll see my Dr. tomorrow get the Spanner insirted and see if I can get a self cath script. Thanks for your help. I'll post up-dates.
oldbuzzard harry1289
Posted
I guess the spanner stent makes self cathing impossible according to another poster (not sure how that's possible, but ask your uro). Just make sure you can pee OK with the stent - if not, I'd recommend the self cathing route. 83 is big but not massive, you should be out of the woods within a few weeks regardless. Good luck!
harry1289 oldbuzzard
Posted
Hi OB well we may never know how the Spanner Stent works....my insurance co ( United Health) says the stent is a procedure and because it was within 90 days of the Rezum they denied the stent. So I'm doing self cathing after all. A little stressful but I'm finally free of the Foley bag...yay! I'm hoping to cath either 2 or 3 times a day....once in the morning and once before bed and if I need to once during the day. As you said in a previous post self cathing is a good way of keeping track of my progress. Wish me luck!
oldbuzzard harry1289
Posted
Good luck. And try to pee first. Little bits will increase. And if you get those speedicath coude 14s,you don't need any lube and can hide em in your sock.
I'll bet you're "good to go" in less than a month.
timothy81571 harry1289
Posted
I would just self cath and forget the stent. Seems to me the stent could interfere with the cath, but I'm just guessing.
arlowood harry1289
Posted
My earlier reply is still being moderated because I included a link to a video showing how the Spanner Stent works. Just Google Spanner Stent and you'll find it.
The main thing as Timothy8157 says is that once the spanner stent is in place there is no way you can self cath. It is a form of in-dwelling catheter that allows you to urinate normally using the urges you would feel when your bladder is full.
You can always self cath before it's in place or after it's removed
harry1289 arlowood
Posted
Thanks, yes I didn't plan on doing both together. As it turns out the insurance co. denied the Spanner so I've been taught how to self cath. It sure feels good to be free of the bag! Steady as she goes.