living with an indwelling foley catheter - female

[marianita]

Lying in a hospital bed with a Foley cathter is uncomfortable enough.  Now that I am home with, I find it much more uncomfortable, especially when I am sitting.  This is my first night home from the hospital and I am worried about doing activities of daily living with it.  I am also worried about how I can keep it discrete  (I use a leg bag during the day) when I am out and about.  Any advice?


This discussion is related to foley catheter insertion.

[ontheway2hell]

if you use a vavle on cath like bard flo valve etc. you can either do away with bag or just use as when needed so less fluid slooshing around plus less injections and less iritations from tip etc touch bladder walls constantly

[rmprdl1964]

The other thing that I was concerned about is the fact that you are trying to hide the urine legbags or bedside bags. One thing that we allways have to ensure off, is that the drainage bag should allways be below waist level. If kept higher pressure from the urine in the bag will put pressure on the bladder and kidneys.
It is far better to wear pants and to have the legbag attached to to lower part of the leg.
This ensures that the urine drains into the beg properly and illiminates the chance of creating back pressure.

All the best.

Ron

[rmprdl1964]

Hi Again,

I recently experienced some more discomfort from the suprapubic catheter. It felt as if I had to urinate constantly even though the catheter was draining well.
There also was a severe pain at times simmilar to the sensation of getting the tubing caught on something and the catheter getting pulled on.

I had one occasion where the tip of the catheter was long and this was irritating the prostate. I know that all of you who have posted here on this subject are female. Having a smaller balloon or shorter tip on the catheter will cause less irritation whether you are male or female.

With my recent discomfort, I was about to go to the emergency at our local hospital when I tried to do the following. I disconnecter the catheter from the bag and lightly pulled on the catheter while twisting the catheter around. As I did this I could feel the balloon and tip of the catheter move away from the sore spot. I don't know if this is a good suggestion, but I was getting desperate. For me right now it has made a difference and I'm comfortable again.

I remember the name of the one suposetory, it's Belladona. Not sure if I have the correct spelling. Sadly in Canada it is no longer available. It sort of ticks me off when drugs are pulled off the shelves without an explanation for it. My doctor had tried to locate it but was not able to obtain any.

Making sure that the catheter is fastened to the leg or abdomen with the least amount of movement also makes a difference. For some doctors and nurses they seem to be under the impression that a larger catheter or a catheter with a larger balloon is required. One thing that we have to consider is the fact that under normal conditions we are not used to havin anything in the bladder. Therefore having a larger balloon inside the bladder results in a larger contact area within the bladder, therefore more irritation.

All the best.

Ron

[issy707]

i have made covers :
http://***.****.***/****?ViewItem&item=180609569674
i have a super pubic and i like to walk round the house with a bag on but the family is not too keen !

[sandy_swiss]

My sister was in an accident and needless to say now requires the use of female catheters. We got the supply of catheters from www.180medical.com. The site is helpful and her doctor recommended it as well.

[el_em_en_oh]

What rmprdl1964 said... ask your Urologist for an anti-spasmodic. I've used Ditropan generic name: oxybutynin) and it's worked extremely well for Foley discomfort, but there are a ton of anti-spasmodics/bladder relaxers on the market.

If it's actual pain your feeling and not discomfort, again, what rmprdl1964 said. Narcotic pain-killers are an unfortunate necessity in our business of urinary system issues & problems.

I've never had an issue with a leg-bag, so I can't give you any advice on that, but it looks like the kind MH folks above me gave you plenty to go on.

Best of luck.

[sallystevens76]

My elderly mother required a Female Catheter and had the same concerns. I got all her supplies at 180medical.com. The people there are very knowledgeable and take the time to help you with whatever you need and answer any questions you may have. They gave me different ideas on how to be discrete with it so my Mom wouldn't be as self-conscious.

[rmprdl1964]

Hi, I'm male however I do know of one medication to help with the bladder spasms. I had a urethral catheter for a year and now have had a suprapubic catheter for a year and 3 months. I had the physician give me a presription for Buscopan. There used to be a suposetory that worked quite well, however my doctor was unable to locate any in my area. I have also used Indocid suposetories to help with inflamation.
Currently I'm also on Morphine fast acting tablets.
if the pain gets bad, a hot bath will temporarily offer short term relief.

All the best.

Ron

[anniewarbucks]

There is a good bag that I wear that fastens by the waist. It is made by Rusch and it is virtually undetectable under clothing. It is 1000 ml versus 200 ml in a leg bag. it is real comfortable to wear both day and night. The bag is called a Belly Bag. I hope that this helps

[TracyJCreations]

I was reading your question concerning "keeping  the catheter (urine bag discrete) My mom had back surgery and also had similar concerns.  She did not want to go out because of the urine bag. I created the U.B.(urine bag) Cover in many different fabrics. If you want to see a picture of one you can email me at ***@****.  My mom thinks this is the best thing since slice bread :)  You can wear as a sort of  purse or attach on the back of your wheelchair. No one will never know you have a  catheter.