Catheter Sedation

[MissCeltic]

Is it possible to get sedated for getting a Catheter put in. I am getting a procedure and need to get one and it terrifies me. I suffer from panic attacks as well.

I'd contact the team doing your procedure and ask them. Diazepam or similar from the GP might be a possibility but it would depend on the procedure you're having and what other medication you might be given which is why contacting the team directly would be better.

You can ask for a local gel to be used before catheterisation which numbs the entrance. Ladies often don't need it but it's worth an ask the gel might even come with the catheter kit

Usually if they need to catheterise you for a procedure, then it would be under GA and they'd just do it while youre already under.

Men get painkillers for catheters but for some reason women don't, as I found out in my c section when I could feel it being pulled in and out. I'd ask for it, if men get pain relief so should we.

Women do get pain relief gel- same as men @KitKatChunki
and yes you can get a sedative if necessary @MissCeltic but deffo get in contact with the team on charge of your care as if it’s a GA they can catheterise once you’re under…

Thank you for the replies I appreciate it. I have such a low pain threshold and that’s why it freaks me out.

male and female catheterisation are rather different procedures and one thing for which men are definitely at a disadvantage (that said though, using instillagel should be fairly routine for all comers).

If you're having it done though as part of an operation though it'd be usual to do the catheter once either asleep or numb (exception to that might be an emergency section where reducing the interval to delivery may make the difference between a good and bad outcome).

If it's the idea of pain that's worrying you then they should be able to use instillagel topically unless you're allergic to one of the components. Gas and Air may be another short lasting option. This sort of thing is definitely something that it'd be inappropriate for the GP to be requested to prescribe for - it should be the team organising the procedure if anyone needs to prescribe. You should aim to have a discussion with the team in advance so they have the opportunity to plan appropriately/reassure you before the day.