learning to self cath help - Spinal Cord Disorders Message Board

cbasden · 05-15-2004, 06:58 AM

hello i have what they call a shy bladder and i think there is also something wrong with the spincter muscle sometimes but they say nothing is wrong but anyway i need to learn how to self cath incase of emergency.er gets expensive i have never tried before but my husband has and it kept slipping out and down into the vagina and needless to say this cathing stuff is very painful for me he only tried twice and i begun to bleed from my urerthra and it was swolen.im wonmdering is there any of youe women in here self cathing that still have sensation down there that can help me thanks.

Hurdy · 05-15-2004, 07:54 AM

Hi, I am not sure if i have any words of wisdom or can even tell you anything that you dont already know. It is much easier for a woman to have someone else cath them if possible. I know i had to cath alot of woman at the job i worked ahile ago. The best advice i can give is if your husband is going to cath you, just make sure that he gently spreads you apart down there so that your urethra is visible, put plenty of lubricant on the end of the cath and he should be able to gently slide it in with no problem. I can imagine that it is quite uncomfortable for you, so maybe you could call your doc and see about a topical anesthetic cream or gel to put on before you cath. It may help with the uncomfortableness you are feeling upon the entrance of the cath or even if your husband accidently "slips" again. Hope i helped some. If you continue to have problems make an appt. at your docs office for you and your husband to go in and have a nurse give you a quick course on it. Good Luck! Hurdy

Esmo77 · 05-19-2004, 08:31 AM

cbasden: I have a neurogenic bladder and have to self cath 4x a day in order to stay infection free. I have been doing this for some time now and it becomes easier as you go along. I use the Mentor 240 french cath which is about 5" long and very easy to manipulate. You should use a mirror and plenty of K-Y to start and just take your time. I promise the more you do this the less you will feel it. Always use cotton balls with soap and water or sterile wash pads to wash off first. Don't ever force the cath, if you have to do that then you are doing something wrong. I wish you luck and I know that you will grow accustom to it, just give it time. Believe me, it's not that bad once you get used to it. Good Luck.

MarkE · 05-20-2004, 01:10 AM

Hi cbasden, there is a jelly that you can use that will numb yourself out. I had severe bladder retention after my anterior and posterior discectomy fusion. I had to have a folley inserted and was cathed frequently. This jelly made a world of difference, it numbed the area out and relaxed my bladder which made it much easier to cath. I'm sorry I can not remember the name of the jelly, but I'm sure your doctor will have no trouble with the name.

Mark