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Swimming with a catheter

Posted , 6 users are following.

mags_Elle
mags_Elle

Hi everyone,

I am looking for some help for my dad. He has a suprapubic catheter and currently uses a leg drainage bag. He is going on holiday soon and is anixious at the thought of wearing shorts or going swimming with a leg bag. I have been searching the web to see if there is anything more discreet and came across info on a flip flo valve. Everything I have read indicates you don't need a leg bag with a flip flo valve but when I asked his GP about it he said there was no such thing and all catheters had a leg bag otherwise where would the urine be stored. I had thought the urine would be stored in the bladder and you could open the valve to drain the bladder at regular intervals but his GP said that the urine would start bypassing? Does anyone have any experience using a flip flo valve and is the GP correct about it bypassing.

Thanks

1 like, 10 replies

10 Replies

  • Pammi43
    Pammi43 mags_Elle

    Edited

    Omg excuse this but is the gp qualified. I have been using them for years. I use them every day. They simply attach to the catheter end and you push the lever to open to empty the bladder. Close then stash in the underwear. I can even post a picture.(unopened pack of course). I can even tell you the supplier should you wish.
    • hank1953
      hank1953 Pammi43

      Posted

      Hi Pammi,

      Do you experience any complications from its use, like infections, UTIs, etc. ? Hank

    • Pammi43
      Pammi43 hank1953

      Posted

      Hiya Hank,

      My best answer to this is I do get uti, symptoms on and off. Having a flipflow valve makes me no more susceptible as it does having a bag. With me I find it easier as I get less trauma. I am NOT medical but have had this for more than 30 year's. In that time I have slipped into sepsis 3 times due to my own stubborn nature. I ignore signs of infection and plod on. What people need to consider is that a flip flow only releases urine when you allow it, if you're memory is not good set an alarm for toilet reminders. If you're prone to infection I suggest discussing you're options with a urology nurse. They're professionally trained in all devices. Any further questions please ask I am happy to try and give a honest response.

    • hank1953
      hank1953 Pammi43

      Posted

      Thanks pammi, very informative. With 30 years, you are more qualified than any medicals I know. Hank
    • Pammi43
      Pammi43 hank1953

      Posted

      Many thanks for you're kind response. I have tried many devices and have had a great deal of procedures. I also order my own supplies and change my own catheters. Which is why I am happy to try and help fellow sufferers it disgusted me to think a Dr was being so unreasonable to this poor man and his daughter was trying to help. I felt I had to speak up.

    • hank1953
      hank1953 Pammi43

      Posted

      It is good to have people like you on this forum. Keep up the good work. Hank

    • mags_Elle
      mags_Elle Pammi43

      Posted

      Hi Pammi, thanks so much for your response. If you could give me details of where I can obtain the flip flo valves it would be very much appreciated. I think if I can get some valves myself I will forget going back to the GP. I can get my Dad to give them a try prior to going on holiday and hopefully we will have no issues.

      Again thanks so much you have been really helpful.

  • MMaree91
    MMaree91 mags_Elle

    Posted

    Hi I am still unsure, are you allowed to swim with a catheter as I've been told it is not save to swim with it in as i will get infection and is unhealthy. I really want to swim as South Africa's temperature is very hot. Because they told me i can't swim with a catheter my swimming is limited, can't swim wherever i want to... please can someone who use catheter give me advise... thank you

  • john84448
    john84448 mags_Elle

    Posted

    I have had a catheter for some while and have a flip flow to get over having a bag. It works very well although  occasionally you do experience bypass. I get over this by wearing a pad in my pants that helps prevent urine being a problem.

    i am not sure if you can swimm though, need to check with the specialist when I see him next time.

    Thanks

  • julie22224
    julie22224 mags_Elle

    Posted

    FlipFlow valves are fabulous ,you just attach to the end of your catheter they last 5-7 days . Absolutely you can go swimming with them , I love them , I only use a night bag my flip flow connects directly to the bag & during the day i just use the flip flow . Hope this helps your GP dosent have a clue xx

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