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Long-term Consequences of CIC (self-cath)

Posted , 9 users are following.

Howard31850
Howard31850

Could anyone who has been self-cathing for more than 5 years tell us if there have been any long-term consequences of daily CIC which worsen (or improve!) over time? For example, after 5 years or more does the urethra lose elasticity, or does the internal sphincter muscle weaken which leads to dripping problem?

I have been CICing for over 2 years now (4 times a day) and was hoping for some breakthrough technology to fix my BPH but I am starting to think that may not happen. So if I have to do CIC for the rest of my life I was wondering if things change at all after 5 years, say compared to how things are at 2 years?

I can live with CIC the way things are now, I just don't want things to get worse. One possibility is that the prostate keeps growing and makes it harder and harder to CIC as the years go on. Has this been a problem for anyone? Thanks.

0 likes, 17 replies

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  • Barnie
    Barnie Howard31850

    Posted

    I had very little natural voids, that why I was seen by urologist....Had a scan...my bladder was full and he was surprised that I didnt even feel like peeing..went straight on catheters.... had no natural voids since...as  you say  my bladder was now  weak.. They have a technical term for it.....No I dont get any dribbles.. I know there are a lot of new procedures but  I have been on them for so long I dont what to to explore them whilst everything is going ok.

     

  • macindian
    macindian Howard31850

    Edited

    Hi all, This is a great support group. I have just started CIC and have the same worries as Howard. I used to have reasonably strong natural voids 2-3 times a day but my PVR volumes were high ranging in the 500-600 ml marks for about 2 years since I was diagnosed with BPH.

    On my last visit to my Urologist, they detected a PVR of 900ml and my doc immediately put on me on a self cathing (3 times a day) schedule.I have noticed that my natural voids have started reducing with just 1 or 2 in the morning after I wake up. My doc is also recommending UroLift but he is not sure if that will make any improvements.

    Would love to hear from others. Thanks.

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