I have recently been diagnosed with a neurogenic bladder. I don't have any leakage but I can't tell when my bladder's full. Since I have always been known for having a bladder the size of a walnut, this new development (spinal issues for some years) was almost welcome. Until I found out how many problems that can cause. By the time I feel the urge, there is at least 1,000cc of urine in my bladder. I have done much better with being on a schedule to empty it so it doesn't build up to that point.

But, my test on Monday showed that there was still 270cc of urine in my bladder after I emptied it. I have 2 more tests scheduled but I know the answer will be to self-cath for now. I get a mini-panic attack when I think of doing that. I have only been cathed by a nurse maybe 5 times in my life and each time was so painful that I had to mentally force myself to relax enough and each time left me in tears. I don't have a particularily low tolerance to other pain but for some reason, this is very painful for me. I'm sure one can get used to anything but I wondered if those with experience have any advice for a newbie at this. I am a 49 year old female and have had a hysterectomy as well.

Is there any type of numbing gel that can be used to relieve some of the pain? My other question is that because of the spinal issues, I don't have much agility in bending. I'm wondering how I can even get into a position for this. I may appear to be jumping the gun but everything I have read about my bladder problem points to self-catheterization and I know I must be prepared to face this. Any suggestions would be most welcome!

dontlikecold,

I'm sorry to hear about this ADDED issue with everything else you seem to be dealing with.
I have been "self cathing" for almost 11 years now due to a "neurogenic bladder". First of all cathing should NEVER be painful, so who ever was doing it to you in the past either didn't know what they were doing OR you have a problem with your urethra being narrow, or some sort of an obstruction. (Just MY opinion of course). Have you ever been told you have an issue with your urethra it self a "stricture"(narrowing) or obstruction? My urethra is at a 90% angle, so I have to get into a certian position to "open" it up sort a speak to insert the catheter, but still ISN'T painful.
The good news is there are different sizes of catheters, right down to a pediatric size if you turn out to have major issues with passing it. I use a "14 French" size alot of hospitals use a 16 to 18 french for cathing. The higher the number the bigger the diameter.
I know this can all seem daunting, I've BEEN THERE so I DO understand. I'm not sure what your restrictions are as far as your mobility goes, but I cath sitting on the toilet as anyone would to pee but I do have to get into a certian position sort of a pelvic tilt of sorts to get it in. At this point I don't use any lubricant, but that may make it easier for you to incert it. As I said, it should NEVER be painful, and ODD sensation, but NOT painful. If you find it is, then this needs to be addressed with your Urologist.

I hope this helps some, your not alone so if you have any questions feel free to ask, there are lots of great people on this site.
Take care, and GOd bless.
Annette
Your not alone

Thank you replying! That does relieve my fears to some extent. I really don't know why it is so painful as no one has ever said anything. I will certainly ask the urologist if mine could be narrow. But I never even thought about a smaller size and that may help quite a bit. And I guess I had these visions of being on my back while trying to navigate so to speak. The position I've always been in at the hospital when I've been cathed in the past.

So if you don't mind one more ignorant question...how do you know where to find it? Will they show me and then I have to find it blindly? Use a mirror?

I am just so relieved to hear that it's not supposed to hurt. That may all be solved with a smaller sized catheter. From when I first joined this board, it's the first place I go when I have questions. Someone will have the same thing and always be able to help!

First of all, NO Question is an IGNORANT question! I've had alot of Nurses say, they didn't think they could do it on them selves obviously because they are seeing what they are doing when doing it on a patient. But really once you get the nac of it, you won't have to look or anything, you'll just "know" where it is.
When I had to start self cathing the urologist office Nurse showed me how to do it standing up. She made me do it several times before I left there to be sure I was doing it right. But for ME I found this more uncomfortable because of the angle in MY urethra. They also have a pamphlets on how to incert them. You might be able to find something online on "How to self cath" or something of that sort.
Some women use a mirror to start with, until they get the nac of it. I, as I said understand what your going through right now with just the "thought" of it, BUT you can do this, see if you can find something online about "How TO" and get a mirror and learn about it. Make sure you mention to your Urologist just how painful it has been when you were cathed in the hospital in the past, talk with him about different size catheters, and if they don't offer to show you how to do it(which I can't imagine they would do but..), and physically have you cath in front of them ASK them. You need to make sure YOU feel comfortable BEFORE you leave there office. Before you leave that office with catheters, you NEED to be comfortable doing so. You, CAN do this, it isn't as bad as it sounds.

Hope this gives you some relief?
Take care, and GOd bless.
Annette

First of all, NO Question is an IGNORANT question! I've had alot of Nurses say, they didn't think they could do it on them selves obviously because they are seeing what they are doing when doing it on a patient. But really once you get the nac of it, you won't have to look or anything, you'll just "know" where it is.
When I had to start self cathing the urologist office Nurse showed me how to do it standing up. She made me do it several times before I left there to be sure I was doing it right. But for ME I found this more uncomfortable because of the angle in MY urethra. They also have a pamphlets on how to incert them. You might be able to find something online on "How to self cath" or something of that sort.
Some women use a mirror to start with, until they get the nac of it. I, as I said understand what your going through right now with just the "thought" of it, BUT you can do this, see if you can find something online about "How TO" and get a mirror and learn about it. Make sure you mention to your Urologist just how painful it has been when you were cathed in the hospital in the past, talk with him about different size catheters, and if they don't offer to show you how to do it(which I can't imagine they would do but..), and physically have you cath in front of them ASK them. You need to make sure YOU feel comfortable BEFORE you leave there office. Before you leave that office with catheters, you NEED to be comfortable doing so. You, CAN do this, it isn't as bad as it sounds.

Hope this gives you some relief?
Take care, and GOd bless.
Annette

hello annette hope your feeling fine.. i had a cousin who used to use the catheter for 4 years but then this discovered this medication named "cardura" which has changed her life 180 degrees she doesnt use the catheter anymore since she's been taking this medication i just wanted to mention this information..takecare

I, too, am facing self-cathing because I was recently hospitalized and couldn't pee at all. When I was cathed, I had over 700 cc. It has been diagnosed as neurogenic bladder, and I honestly am afraid. I am prone to UTIs and bladder infections as it is, and am scared I will stay infected. Also, I have a fear of how long this will last.... I know that sounds silly or shallow, but this was my only "real" surgery I've ever had and there've been so many complications.... It is due to a rectocele repair that I have developed this condition. Is it normal to not even have the sensation of ever needing to pee? Even when I have had 3-4 large glasses of water, I still have no sensation or urge to pee. I'm going for some testing on Monday, so here we go!! :eek:

Tana