Which diet/drinks on the days before 12 hour flight to prevent urinary retention on the plane
Posted , 9 users are following.
Hi everyone
I am 71, I had two episodes of urinary retention in the past three years, the last one 24 months ago. On both occasions I was taken to A&E to have bladder emptied through catheters. Painful experiences! These were removed after 7 and four days respectively.
I am due to fly long haul in a week, and am terrified of the possibility of urinary retention on the plane.
My question is what should I drink and eat, and what should I avoid (including during the flight) during the next seven days to reduce the risk of urinary retention
on the plane.
I am taking catheters and cream with me but I have
never used these myself.
Thanks for any advice,
Jeremy
0 likes, 43 replies
dennis47445 JeremySt
Posted
My suggestion is to practice CIC. I promise, you'll be glad you did. I just came back from a plane trip to another island. What I did was do a CIC at home before the plane ride, then when I got to my destination, a few hours later I did a CIC at a friend's home, then the last one at the airport restroom. Only had to do it two times, instead of not doing a CIC, that would have been the old me, looking for a restroom the entire day. If I didn't do CIC, I would probably go to the restroom 8 times in a 12 hour day. If you do the CIC, you can relax, and not even worry about retention.
JeremySt dennis47445
Posted
derek76 JeremySt
Posted
JeremySt derek76
Posted
I did Derek. They don't provide that service any longer - because if cuts!
hank1953 JeremySt
Posted
You don't need nurses. Some of them do not even do it right. One of them caused me to bleed badly once. Just watch Youtube videos or even better, ask Jimjames. Hank
nealpros JeremySt
Posted
The self catheters will work if used properly. If you aren't familiar with how to use them, get to a doctor's office and have them show you. JimJames who is on this site is very knowledgeable and helpful if you can round him up. Using a self catheter is not a painful process if you are using the correct one, and using it properly. Get the training, and practice it before you need it. Use a Coloplast Easycath, if you can get it, size 12 or 14. Briefly, Stand, point your penis at the sky, have your hands very clean, clean the tip of your penis with a swab. Try to only touch the end of the Cath that looks like a funnel. Point the notch in the funnel at your abdomen, gently pinch your penis just below the head " glans", which will cause the end to open up, and drop the other end of the lubricated catheter into the end of your penis. SLOWLY push it in until you meet some resistance as it gets to your prostate. Maintain gentle pressure and cough a couple of times. The catheter should pass that obstruction and move on. Shortly, you will meet another obstruction at the base of your bladder. Do the same thing. Gentle pressure and cough. Soon the river will be flowing.
I hope this helps. Get the training, and practice.
Neal
JeremySt nealpros
Posted
That's very comprehensive, very useful advice Neal, thank you very much. I will print, digest, memorise and practice it in my mind befire my flight. I will have a copy in the flight ... just in case I need to implement it (hope that won't be necessary!)
jimjames JeremySt
Posted
Hi Jeremy,
While I agree with everyone that it will be useful for you to learn self catherization (CIC) at some point, not sure the time to do it is just before a plane trip for reasons I gave earlier. I also think based on your history the plane trip will be a low risk event.
That said, definitely have several packed in your carry on, just in case.
As to Neal's instructions, they only work for a specific kind of catheter called a "hydrophillic" (your cath may for example require an external lube) and I also don't suggest that particular technique for the first time you cath, especially on a plane that might be a little jumpy!
So, first thing you want to do is identify which catheter you have. Post the name and model of the catheter and let us know and we can walk you through how that catheter works.
If you have time, you might order (or get samples) of a new catheter that just came to market called the Speedicath FLEX Coude in size FR14. I would also get a couple in size FR16 in case the 14's didn't work.
The Speedicath FLEX has the advantage, over the one Neal mentioned, in that you can feed it in with your non dominant hand, so no aiming is necessary. It also has a sheath on the outside so less wories about infection. Lastly, you don't have to worry about orienting the tip in any particular way, again just keep feeding it in like a hose. In other words, perfect for the first time on a moving plane! If you end up getting the FLEX, we can give you more help on it.
Jim
JeremySt jimjames
Posted
Would be very grateful for instructions / additional thoughts.
Many thanks,
Jeremy
jimjames JeremySt
Posted
Hi Jeremy,
As mentioned, Neal's instructions are for a different kind of catheter. What model number and size Lofric do you have? Also, if possible, try and order some Speedicath FLEX Coude's. I would get at least two sets in size FR12 and two sets in size FR14. Neither requires gel, they have "coude" tips for easier navigation around the prostate, and they feed in pretty easy. Oh, get one extra for a "dry" run at home. You don't have to insert it inside your urethra, but it's a good idea to open one up at home prior and see how they come part, and how the feeding mechanism works, etc. The less surprises at 40,000 feet the better!
Jim
Jim
jimjames
Posted
Jeremy,
Sorry about that. I meant get at least two catheters in size FR14 and two sizes in FR16. You would try the FR14 first, and only use the 16's, if the 14's didn't work. Coloplast is pretty good with free samples, but they require a doctor's rx. You can also purchase online.
Jim
JeremySt jimjames
Posted
Lofting details: Nelaton 40 cm CH10/3.3mm
jimjames JeremySt
Posted
Hi Jeremy,
What country did you buy those catheters from? Who recommended that particular size?
It looks like it's FR size 10 which is probably too small a size to work for you. It also has a straight (Nelaton) tip, which could potentially stick into a large prostate.
Again, I would suggest the Coloplast Flex Coude in size 14F and also as backup, in size 16F. If you can't find that, then try getting a Coloplast Speedicath Coude in both 14FR and 16F. If you can't find that, try any Coude catheter in sizes 14 and 16F, preferably hydrophillic coated.
Jim
jimjames
Posted
Jim
JeremySt jimjames
Posted
jimjames JeremySt
Posted
Yes. I would try 14 first. The 16 would be a back up, if the 14 doesn't make it into the bladder. Also, get it with a Coude (bent) tip.
FYI the problem with size 10 is that it most probably will be too small and flexible meaning it might not pass around the prostate (it could bend and kink) and get into the bladder. There is also a possiblity that there will be leakage from outside the catheter. Like most men, I started with FR14 and then moved to FR12 after I had some practice. I did try a FR10 once but I got leakage around the catheter.
Jim
nealpros JeremySt
Posted
Hi Jeremy,
If I were you, I would actually do the whole process, not just practice it in my mind. Like any other skill, it takes some real practice, and you don't want to be learning this one in a cramped airplane latrine which is bouncing around, with someone banging on the door and your bladder feeling like it's going to burst. Also, please get some further advice from JimJames about this. He is our resident expert.
Neal