Build-UK Chat Forums

[simonc]

Hi All

Just wondered how people felt on the issue of being cathetered. It was suggested to Sue yesterday that she try a catheter as moving her is getting harder and is causing her pain.

She flatly refused and siad that it would make her feel more "crippled" whilst I can understand that point I can also see the benefits of having one in place.

What is the feeling amongst members on this issue has anyone had one after not wanting one ???

Simon

[Hayleywart]

Hi Simon,

While there is the obvious advantage of not needing to get up / be hoisted for toileting, I have to say the cathether was a real turning point for my Mum, and not in a good way. Up until Mum had the catheter, she was still fairly flexible in that we could get her up either by lifting or hoist, onto the T40 (wheelchair with strategically placed hole) and to the loo. While it wasn't a pleasant experience for anyone, it did still mean she moved occassionally.

Mum's catheter was inserted for a couple of reasons. Firstly, she was in a lot of pain, and hated to be hoisted. When I was on my own with her, I just couldn't manage to get her onto the T40 using the hoist, unless I enlisted the help of my kids, which I felt was unfair on them, especially as Mum would be wailing and crying rather freakishly The other reason for the catheter was that she was finding it more and more difficult to release the urine. I did post about it at the time, and I do have a faint bell ringing that you mentioned Sue had a similar problem, in which case, you may have no option but to catheterise.

On the down side, since the catheter, Mum has never moved from her bed again. In fact she has never even changed position, and has become totally rigid. She has had numerous infections, which have in turn led to blockages and a few very painful nights with a swollen bladder waiting for the district nurses to come sort it out.

I would personally put it off for as long as you can. Is Sue able to use a 'slipper' - a little portable urinal. Mum failed to use it as she just couldn't 'let go' but I feel it would be well worth trying to master that rather than go with a catheter if it can possibly be avoided. Keep us posted.

xx
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Remember - Baaaahhhh means No!

[Dani]

Hi Simon,

I can only talk of my brief experience of having one immediately after giving birth, for one night only. It restricted my movement but I understand it can be (in a case of a mobile person) carried around, or attached to equipment (e.g. ) wheelchair if the person is using it.

I did not find it uncomfortable, just mildly irritating as I was dying to get up and have a shower.

Dani

[Hayleywart]

sorry - deleted. Had accidentally quoted my own previous post Don't know how or why!
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Remember - Baaaahhhh means No!

[melqart]

Hi Simon

My mum had a catheter inserted while she was in the hospice before Christmas. We thought she was OK with it but when she got home there were a few problems with it (leaking/pain etc) My dad had to get the emergency nurse out a few times at night because she was so upset Eventually mum admitted she absolutely hated the catheter. Don't know if it's because she still had enough control over her bladder that she was fighting it all the way or she just hated the idea of it. We tried to encourage her to persevere as it cut down on the lifting which was painful for her but in the end it was taken out. Her choice. She's been very open to any help up till now so we could hardly argue. She's now using pads 24/7 as, like Hayley we were finding the lifting impossible.

I suppose Sue can always try it. Doesn't have to be permanent if she doest like it and might make things easier if she does.

Jax

[theflyingpig]

Depending on your wifes mobility whilst at rest, there are these little gadgets that can funnel wee. I'm sure you've all seen them advertised where it allows a woman to stand up to pee.

Now I'm not sure if this would work whilst in bed, but if it's a hospital bed then bringing the head section up and tilting the feet, it's possible that your wife could use this funnel to pee into a bottle. It will prevent the need for a cathetor for now, if it works.

Also now you can have a cathetor put in that has a valve at the end, this too would allow your wife to pee whilst in bed. Although not sure how comfortable this may be for her.

Easier for a man, he has his own directional, but for woman getting a bed pan underneath can be trickier.

Speak to your wife, ask her what she wants and what she would like to try.

Good luck
Much love
Normaxxx

[Hayleywart]

Norma the one my Mum had was supplied by her OT. They call it a 'slipper'. It is basically a bit like a plastic bottle with a wide, shaped neck that fits snugly against your hoo-ha . Mum didn't manage it because she was finding it hard to pee anyway, but I think it would make weeing while lying down fairly easy, even for a woman.
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Remember - Baaaahhhh means No!

[Claire]

My mum is having a catheter fitted next week so will let you know how she gets on. It will make things a lot easier for her as she is constantly having the urge to wee but quite often gets to the loo and can not go! Is there any reason she can not get around the house with one fitted?

[simonc]

Hi All

Thanks for the responses so far it seems a varied success rate for catherters.

Sue is adamant about not having one but she is going into the hospice soon as I have a op coming up. I doubt they will hoist her as often as she needs so will see what happens.

As for pads I have only just got Sue used to having a nappy type pad on so we can go out for longer.

Keep the replies coming thank you all

simon

[Karen]

Hi Simon

I can understand Sue's reluctance to use pads but hopefully you have converted her as it gives so much more freedom when you go out and don't have to worry about toileting. Even if you don't have to actually use them, it is reassuring to know you have back-up in case you are caught out.

I can highly recommend Tena Discreet Pants which are more like knickers than the bulky nappy-like pads. They are relatively easy to be put on by a helper as they are well-elasticated. They are ideal if you are just going to be out for a few hours but may need the toilet. Even if you don’t need to use them, they give peace of mind so you are much more comfortable.

For really long periods like long-haul flights or long car journeys I have used the Tena Slip. Although I don’t like using these as they remind me of nappies, they have worked fine. They certainly beat the inconvenience of a catheter.

https://www.tenadirect.co.uk/women/

I hope this is of help.

Karen
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[Hayleywart]