Full Version: Catheter Won't Enter
Quadriplegic & Paraplegic Spinal Cord Injuries > Disabled Living & Spinal Cord Injuries > Spinal Cord Injury Health Issues > Bladder & Bowel
Lately I've had problems with cathing from my chair. When seated upright I can't always get the catheter to go in and it starts bending back on me I guess at the sphincter. I am forced to tilt way back to get it finally go in. I have no problem while laying down in bed stretched out. Is there something I am missing? Is the bladder bent, disallowing the catheter until I straighten it? Is this a common problem? Male, T12 complete, motorized chair with tilt,recline, etc. due to unrelated pain injury. Any help appreciated. Thanks, Steve
Nah, Steve,, trying while sitting up straight is,, while not impossible,, usually quite an effort. I've always "schooched" forward while cathing,, partly to get my pants and drawers in order,, and partly to "get a grip".
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Steve,
Same here. Sitting a little foreward in the chair is the best way to get it in. Then, when it hits the sphincter, hold it down until it eventually goes in. At times I even take it out just a bit, once it hits the wall, then put it back again. For some reason the second pass opens the muscle.
I was told there is a bend into the bladder, so sitting takes a bit longer. Once you get the hang of it though, it's not such a big deal.
Same here. Sitting a little foreward in the chair is the best way to get it in. Then, when it hits the sphincter, hold it down until it eventually goes in. At times I even take it out just a bit, once it hits the wall, then put it back again. For some reason the second pass opens the muscle.
I was told there is a bend into the bladder, so sitting takes a bit longer. Once you get the hang of it though, it's not such a big deal.
they also make tapered tip coude caths it helps getting it in when its tough
Just to confirm that yes sometimes they bend and you persavere.
Don't forget they have to be wet to slip, that bend is where your ... prostate is.
I use coated SIC. I know some use dry SIC and you have to lubricate them with a gel.
It's also advisable to inspect the end befor insurtion...damage can go unnoticed
I damage mine sometimes because I tend to bend and roll them, or they get bent and rolled just through roughly throwing things where it is. If that makes sence
Don't forget they have to be wet to slip, that bend is where your ... prostate is.
I use coated SIC. I know some use dry SIC and you have to lubricate them with a gel.
It's also advisable to inspect the end befor insurtion...damage can go unnoticed
I damage mine sometimes because I tend to bend and roll them, or they get bent and rolled just through roughly throwing things where it is. If that makes sence
QUOTE (bbqsteve @ Sep 25 2009, 03:09 PM) 
Lately I've had problems with cathing from my chair. When seated upright I can't always get the catheter to go in and it starts bending back on me I guess at the sphincter. I am forced to tilt way back to get it finally go in. I have no problem while laying down in bed stretched out. Is there something I am missing? Is the bladder bent, disallowing the catheter until I straighten it? Is this a common problem? Male, T12 complete, motorized chair with tilt,recline, etc. due to unrelated pain injury. Any help appreciated. Thanks, Steve
Your cath tip might also present a problem. I can't get the nelaton ones in at all so I use Tiemann tipped cath's which have a slight bend at the end that helps them open the spinchter. If it ever jams I just tilt my head back, take a few breaths and try again, usually works. You could also try coughing, I've heard that works.
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