1. Community
  2. Genito-urinary/Kidney
  3. Urinary Symptoms and Problems

I need advice on using an extension tube with a catheter bag

Posted , 1 user is following.

BG_in_VA
BG_in_VA

I had an indwelling catheter inserted the end of July, and had a suprapubic catheter inserted about 10 days ago. The location and length of the catheter makes it impossible to wear a bag on my thigh (the bag inlet is higher than the cath exit point) and putting the bag on my calf is too far for the cath tube to reach. So I've had the bag kinda straddling my knee.

I finally got some extension tubes, but the catheter is under so much vacuum that the urine sometimes fills the extension tube until I disconnect the tube from the cath [pffffffft] to relieve the vacuum, and then the urine dumps into the bag as it should. The tube is only about 6" long.

I can't go around with this setup worrying if the tube is filling up and backing up urine into my bladder...the capacity of the 6" tube is not all that much. As a test, I got a small nail, heated it over a flame, and punched a tiny air hole in the top of the extension tube. That fixes the problem, but I don't think I should be introducing the outside world into the end of the catheter.

Has anyone else had this issue and found a fix? Having the bag on my calf is way more comfortable than the current set-up.

0 likes, 0 replies

0 Replies

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.