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Self-catheterization

Posted , 10 users are following.

richard36196
richard36196

I have been recently had a total hip replacement. Immediately afterward I could not urinate.

Note that prior to the surgery I did/do have BPH, and have been taking Alfuzosin (Uraxatrol). I have made 3 trips to the ER in the last two weeks. This last placement has been in for 8 days and is due to come out tomorrow.

The plan is to self-cath again.  I tried that before. I was able to do it for a couple of days using red rubber cath, but ran into trouble when I tried to use some different ones I had been given to try. There was a lot of discomfort and then blood.

I am extremely apprehensive about doing this again, but seem to have no other choice for now.

0 likes, 28 replies

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  • TKM
    TKM richard36196

    Posted

    I have been using the red rubber GentleCath catheters for 6 weeks now.  They work very well for me because they are soft, smooth, and flexible.  Even with them, I got some bleeding in the first week. When I try the stiffer plastic ones I get irritation and bleeding.  If I used the stiffer ones continuously I would probably get used to them.  It takes time with the red rubber caths to wash and lubricate them.  It would be good to find one of the pre-lubricated type that works for me to carry when I have to use it somewhere besides my own home.  The next time I will order samples of the Coloplast "Flex Coude Pro".

    Thomas

    Thomas

    • jimjames
      jimjames TKM

      Posted

      Thomas, Glad the red rubber catheters re working out. Bleeding the first few weeks is completely normal. I started with red rubbers and then moved to a stiffer plastic hydrophilic. Like you say, the body gets used to it and in my case very fast. Reusing catheters can save a lot of money if your insurance doesn't cover them. But if it does, no need to re-use red rubbers as for example Medicare pays for up to 200 a month.

      Jim

    • pluff_mud
      pluff_mud TKM

      Posted

      I mostly use red rubber catheters, but Coloplast makes a soft plastic catheter that is very flexible.  There are lots of catheter options, and most suppliers will provide free samples, so try other options.  The monthly cost of my catheters is covered my Medicare and my supplemental insurance.  I do not reuse them.  I carry some of the Coloplast compact catheters when traveling, but they are expensive compared to the others and not fully covered by insurance.
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