If you can't pee this might help.

[Peeless]

About two months ago I discovered that I couldn't pee much at all.  In desparation I researched online how to self catheterize.  I was amamazed to discover how easy and painless it is.  My doctors have diagnosed me with bladder cancer and I am presently waiting for an appointment to have a radical cystectomy.  
    In the process of diagnosing my cancer, I have had many tests and procedures to see if the cancer is primary or secondary to the bladder.  Do not believe anything you read online about these procedures being painful.  I have had endescopy from both ends and did not mind them a bit.  No orifice has been left unprobed!  
    I have learned much about self catheterization and can give you what I believe to be some really helpful hints on how to do it safely and painlessly.  Feel free to contact me on this topic.  I will monitor this site for the next few days.

[rmprdl1964]

Hi, I have been self cathing since about 1996 and more so since 2003. I had several scopes in the past and some of those were done with a straight scope which did cause some pain. Having this in mind I expected that self cathing would be painful as well. To my surprise this was not the case, it was a relief from a full bladder and acutally felt good.
Self cathing can also cut down on infections if done clean. It does not have to be sterile as I have reused catheters. Wash them with soap and keep them in a clean and possibly dry enviroment. Make sure that you use sufficient lubrication, even though I have just used clean water in a case where I did not have lubrication with me.
Emptying the bladder completely is important. In my situation where I was diagnosed with a neurogenic bladder, I could not completely empty my bladder. This caused numerous infections. Self cathing reduced this.

All the best.

Ron

[Guy099]

I am about to learn how to self-catherize tomorrow. Is is painful at first. I have been wearing a foley for 50 days. How long did it take you to get used to it?
Thanks