Advice re Catheter

[Weeweewoman]

Hello wise peeps, I would love to hear advice and tips from those who have had the joy of wandering about with a catheter. I have a large fibroid which blocked my bladder, and after two weeks of being in agony (and ignored by just about every part of NHS) I was drained.......and fitted with a catheter for 10 days.

After initial relief, I’m now a bit clueless. I’ve got a large bag of wee strapped to my leg. The tubes at the top are catching on my unmentionables, the bag audibly sloshes, it’s longer than my thigh, the elastic obviously gets wet in the shower, I can’t disguise it inside my loosest joggers. I’m trying to conceal from my kids, and at least minimise the turn-off effect on himself. Obviously worried about infections etc so mainlining antibiotics.

Come on, you lovely lot. Any tips on managing and protecting any semblance of dignity? Tx

Maxi skirt and boots?

Every time I've had one I've spent the majority of the time in pyjamas or very loose trousers or just a top and pj shorts - wasn't able to work or go far each time .. I agree the bags are hellish though and now ask for a flip flo valve so like a tap that you open when you need to wee, at end of cath instead of it collecting constantly. It sits inside knickers and I wear a pad or two as well to protect from leaks. Shower with a pair of knickers on too or it dangles a bit and pulls. If thats suitable its worth it. Keeps bladder muscle and nerves working too.

You have my sympathy though, they are hideously sore things :( I remember a nurse insisting you could bungee with one if so inclined, crazy.

Ask for a flip-flo valve to fit to the catheter instead of a bag , then you just go to the loo and empty your bladder by turning the valve on. SO no bag needed ..just catheter in your pants.

Better because your bladder is still filling and emptying as normal which is healthier .

District nurses will have a supply of them - you may be able to get a referral from GP to get one.

doh ! ..didn't read shouldnthavesaid's post

I knew there would be help here.

Nocoolnames, did a rather pleasing online shop yesterday. Hoping it gets mild so I don't need tights. Actually, I've had a cunning idea to chop up tights and make a tube to fit over bag and hold in place better!

Shouldhavesaid and ggirl, flipflo sounds good but I'm not sure if I can have one yet. My bladder is very damaged from holding 4 litres of wee over two weeks. The current plan is to give it a complete rest, and fingers crossed it will regain its previous perky elasticity

Now excuse me, I'm off to go bungy jumping. WTAF??

I’d recommend asking for a flip flo valve ! Unless they’re measuring your urine output. But if you’re just emptying a bag into the toilet, there is no need for you to have one ! Ask for a flip flo valve

(Nurse)

Oh I just read it’s already been suggested sorry ! Need to read before I type