Anyone else need to perform self catheterization on a regular basis ?

[Fakeblondie]

Im going to have to start this as of today and while ive know for a while and its partly a relief i`m also quite anxious and a little upset . TIA x

X

Not personally, but my neice does, and has for a while - she's early 30s, and has mild spina bifida. I think its been about a year or two now, possiby more - she felt just like you before starting, understandably, but adjusted quite quickly and says its no more hassle than going for a wee/making a cup of tea. She just has to remember to carry catheters with her when going out - which she does a LOT!
She's travelled extensively, has a boyfriend, is very busy and active and it has honestly not got in the way of her life at all.
But its a milestone, in the sense that it reminds her that her condition is impacting on her life - and therefore needed grieving at the beginning, iyswim.
HTH a little - good luck today, and hope it becomes as easy and automatic for you as it has for DN

I do! 3 times a day and have been doing it for years. I do it because I have MS and can't empty my bladder properly.

At first I hated it. Was really upset about having to do it as it was another reminder to me that I have MS. But I got my head round it and now have no problems.

Feel free to ask any questions xx

Me. Not regular but it's unpredictable when I need to. Kept getting acute urine retention,meaning lots of visits to A&E to be catheterized. I was eventually taught to do it myself.

I was very worried to start with and wouldn't stray too far from home incase I needed a public loo. Confidence grew (little by little) and a day out to London sealed it. Last time I needed to was in Turkey! Don't worry it will get easier.

PS Docs still have no idea what the cause is.

Hello, I posted a while back about this asking about similar things.
I have an incomplete spinal cord injury, and therefore problems with my bladder and bowels.
They have tried to teach me intermittent catheters but I haven't managed to do it myself. My anatomy isnt text book, and can't see with a mirror where it is. Also the position I have to get myself in, I can't stay very long. I can't hold my legs open and hold a catheter and hold my bits open.
They have mentioned a supra pubic catheter, but I want to avoid this as long as possible.

I know this post was months ago but I had to self catheterise about 2-3 times a week from May until November 15th. I ended up in hospital unable to pee at all - it felt like I was in labour until they catheterised me. Apparently I had about 1500mls in my bladder!! I was almost discharged from urology, after going home with a permanent cath in for 48 hrs. I was also shown how to 'Do it myself'. However, it hadn't solved the problem at all and I made a point of phoning up and telling them that I wasn't happy and still couldn't pee. After an MRI and ultrasound they found a very large fibroid 'invading' my insides and I had a laparoscopic hysterectomy 6 weeks ago as well as urethral dilatation. I haven't had to use my 'tubes' since the op and I feel SOOOO much better. For me it was more of a nuisance carrying around tubes and not knowing when I wouldn't be able to pee. It wasn't painful just uncomfortable so I count myself pretty lucky really.