Neurogenic Bladder

I am a 74 year old male w/neurogenic bladder for 1 1/2 yrs. Have been to 2 urologists, Flomax doesn't help, kidneys & prostate checked out ok.  I self-catherize during the day, get up 5 times at night & go on my own.  Always 500 cc's left in bladder in the morning.  Continue to get bladder infections while being extremely careful as I self-catherize.  Do you have any solutions or are there any treatment facilities that specialize in my problem?  What can you recommend I do to keep my catheter from being the source of my infections??

[Kevin Pho, MD]

One consideration would be to take prophlyactic antibiotics to prevent future infections.  Although this may breed resistance, this option can be considered if urinary tract infections occur frequently.  

Another can be placing a suprapubic catheter or other permanent catheter.  There are some small studies suggesting a lower infection rate compared to intermittent catheterization.

A major academic medical center can be consulted to evaluate your symptoms.  

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