[axl from down under]

Hi, I am a #T8 paraplegic, post injury 24 years (1985)

Since injury I have had a size 12 10cc indwelling catheter with no problems at all ie: UTI's.

I do have bladder spasm and control this with Detrusitol (detrol) and only leak when catheter is blocked.

Recently I lost weight (size 18 to 12) and have had skin abrasions from the catheter rubbing in the vulva region,
each time leading to time off work and bedrest for 3-4 days to clear and prevent further skin breakdown.

The only prevention I'm using at the moment is to put a pad between my catheter and my skin.

I have discussed this with my Spinal Outreach Medical Team and the only solution they have suggested is to switch to a supa pubic catheter.

My biggest concern is leakage from my urethra, as I'm afraid that it may not close off completely to hold urine in my baldder.

I have spoken to my Urologist, however he has no SCI experience and was unable to indicate
whether I would leak and said if I did then I would have to go back to the indwelling.

Any advice or suggestions will be greatly appreciated

Thanx in Advance

Tanya

Australia

[laura]

Hi Tanya,

When I was going from a urethral cath to a SPC my urologist said that there could be leakage around the site and urethra but it should only be a small amount.

I went ahead anyway because of the original reasons for having a SPC and since then I've had problems with spasms but that could be just me! Any leakage comes when my cath blocks if it does.

I would recommend looking into a SPC but also looking at other options too so you can get the best result for you.

I certainly wouldn't go back to urethral, I'm much happier with a SPC I'd just like some bleeding I've been having recently to go (see separate post) and to find an even better way to help spasms.

I hope others can fill you in on what they feel,

but at the end of the day I hope you find something you are happy with.

Best wishes,

Laura

[purple_faeries]

hiya

I am just about to have a supra-pubic cath put in in the next couple of weeks, I'm not sure where you live but over here in England it is possible for the surgeon to put a sort of sling over your urethra that would stop you from getting any leaks from that are. My auntie who is a CA told me about it, but unfortunately due to my hubbie i don't think i will be getting it, even though i really want it.

I think that a spc is certainly worth looking into, especially if you are still sexually active, although there is also a procedure called 'mitrofnoff', and this is basically a tap in your belly with a tube that goes through to your bladder out and when you need to cath (either regularly every few hours or when you feel you need to if you can) you put a cathether through the hole in your belly and you cath that way into a bottle or bag or whatever, also bypassing your urethra.

I hope this has helped and you can find out what you need

take care

Hannah

[axl from down under]

Laura

How long have you had SCI?

How long did you have the urethral catheter in before getting SPC, ans the spasm you refer to is that adominal spasm?

Tanya

Australia
[/quote]

[partygirl]

Hello, I am also from Australia and have a suprapubic cath. I am a T10 para for nearly two years now. I have a 'flip flo' valve on my cath that allows me to empty my bladder when necessary, usually every two to three hours. It means I don't have to wear a leg bag. I love it!
I use a night drainage bag so don't have to worry about cath release during the night.
I get a problem with my stoma site, called 'granuloma' it is extra tissue that forms at the site and is a fairly common problem with stomas. I have it 'burnt' off with a silver nitrate stick every so often, a painless procedure done by the stomal nurse at the local hospital.
I have my cath change by the continence nurse at the hospital every 4 weeks, no problems, she does it while I am sitting in my chair.
On the subject of urethral leakage. I had a problem with that when I put pressure on my bladder bending over, but have been using oestrogen cream around my urethra which tightens up the tissues. Need a doctor to prescribe it.
Other than that I reckon the SP cath is fantastic. It is easy to empty your bladder when you are out and about, and long car trips are a breeze as you can 'use a bottle' in the car!
Good luck with it.

[axl from down under]

Thanx for the replies, Well I had the SPC operation 2 days ago, suprisingly my urethra hasn't leaked, only slight leaking from the SPC site itself, everything going well so far, bit of stomach spasm while sitting up, hopefully this will subside once my bidy gets used to the SPC.

Cheers

Tanya
Australia

[kathmitch]

Hi Tanya.I also was having the same problem then i changed to a Laytex free catheter and it has been great, no more problems.
Hope this helps,regards Kathy.

[ems]

I think the sling thing.. is the taping of the ureth is called TVT, I'm having it this summer. Two very small incisions and then they pull a piece of *tape/gaueze* through and use it like a sling aginst the neck of the bladder. I dont think I'll feel it so I'm having it done under local.