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Urology (Expert Forum)
Help me with this tough decision
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
KevinMD.com
Questions in the Urology forum are answered by Dr. Stephen Liroff, affiliated with the Henry Ford Hospital. Topics covered include benign prostate disease, penis curvature, cystisis, kidney stones, pediatric urology, prostate, sexual dysfunction, urinary tract infections (UTI), and urological cancers.
Help me with this tough decision
by mojohgk, Oct 22, 2005 12:00AM
I've had multiple sclerosis for 25 years. It used to be relapsing remitting, but now it's chronic progressive. I've had bladder difficulties over the past ten years or so- frequency, hesitancy & the occasional accident. By 2004, I was going through about $10/week of disposable underwear. I got frequent UTIs & was hospitalized. Doctors have been recommending an indwelling catheter to me for a long time, which I've resisted. I know that people don't die of MS, they die of infections. In Feb 2005 I was hospitalized & they put in a Foley. The very next day I got an infection! I hated it & it took me a long time to get used to it, but I have no control over my bladder so it got to be a relief. In Sept I got another UTI & spent another 7 weeks in the hospital. Losing this much time from my life is very hard. I have a great job, but no more sick or vacation time. I lost my partner last year & am now a single mom of a darling pre-teen who needs me. I WANT TO GET BACK TO MY LIFE!
Will I ever be able to return to work as a professional, run meetings, ever go swimming again, lounge in shorts or a bathing suit, look classy at a dinner or concert, lie down naked with someone, ever have sex again, have a life?
Sorry to ramble or to sound so sorry for myself, but I need helf with this decision. Will an SPT help me? Thanks, Mojo
Will I ever be able to return to work as a professional, run meetings, ever go swimming again, lounge in shorts or a bathing suit, look classy at a dinner or concert, lie down naked with someone, ever have sex again, have a life?
Sorry to ramble or to sound so sorry for myself, but I need helf with this decision. Will an SPT help me? Thanks, Mojo
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Oct 24, 2005 12:00AM
, Oct 24, 2005 12:00AM
I cannot make any specific recommendations without evaluating your case personally.
If there are recurrent UTIs with foleys, you may want to consider a suprapubic catheter. As you know, this is a catheter that is directly placed into the bladder through the abdomen. However, urinary tract infections may still continue with this route.
Another consideration would be prophylactic antibiotics, which can be considered if there are frequent UTIs. You may want to consider this option first before a more permanent foley.
These options can be discussed with your urologist or personal physician.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
http://www.straightfromthedoc.com
If there are recurrent UTIs with foleys, you may want to consider a suprapubic catheter. As you know, this is a catheter that is directly placed into the bladder through the abdomen. However, urinary tract infections may still continue with this route.
Another consideration would be prophylactic antibiotics, which can be considered if there are frequent UTIs. You may want to consider this option first before a more permanent foley.
These options can be discussed with your urologist or personal physician.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
http://www.straightfromthedoc.com
Member Comments (1)
by mojohgk, Oct 24, 2005 12:00AM
To: Incontinence
0
