[Lucydog]

Sorry, forgive my ignorance here but what exactly is a supra pubic cath? I mean where do they go and come from, how does it work etc etc? The reason I ask is Ive been doing ISC for nearly 4 weeks now, and while Im ok with the practical bits, in that time Ive had 1 UTI and a course of antibiotics, and this morning Ive got another one. Im really really particular about hygiene, and from what Ive read here, it seems its just something that goes with the territory of ISC in particular. So would I be better going back to my doctor and asking about a supra pubic instead as Im really not thrilled at the prospect of endless UTIs?

Cheers

Lucy


T11/12 incomplete

[russ1]

It's an indwelling catheter (permanent tube) which is inserted into the bladder through the wall of the stomach. Current thinking is that intermittents are much better for SCI's if they can be managed and UTI's should be less than with an indwelling. I went onto a suprapubic in hospital due to problems with SIC's (self intermittents) and wouldn't go back - it's generally just a lot easier IMHO, not had a UTI in three years of use.

Have a read through the bladder management guide on the SIA website - everything you ever wanted to know - there's a whole section in there on the pro's and con's of various management regimes.

[kanga2433]

I am not as convinced as I should be that Intermittant catherisation is less likely to introduce infection. I have had a supra-pubic catheter (SPC) for a long time now and have never had an infection. I think the fact that it is inserted and changed only after a number of weeks reduces the chance of introducing infections.

Otherwise an SPC is a great help. It can be used to intermittantly drain the bladder by having a valve fitted, or a drainage bag attached and be left to continuosly drain; my favoured way. We were taught to change the SPC so we are self-reliant for this too.

[keps]

When I asked about the possiblity of my having a spc (I was having difficulties with isc at the time, which have now been resolved) at my siu, my consultant seemed very against it.

He tried to frighten me off. He told me that he had had to remove them from some people because of AD (which he knows I am at risk for). Also, the possiblity that they may slightly increase the risk of bladder cancer was mentioned. So that put me off - the ad part in particular.

[Bookjunky]

I have used the foley indwelling catheters for a good 20 years now and the only times I have ever had a problem with an infection is when I have dehydrated due to another reason. Hey, severe gastritis screws you up. The key is adequate hydration so what you get in your leg bag is a light yellow and good hygiene. In my opinion medical people try to put people off using them because of thier lack of experience in a setting where adequate hygiene and liquid consumption is possible - and hospitals are not those kind of places. Hospitals are not only full of germs but adequate personal hygiene in a hospital is extremely difficult.

[kanga2433]

You're right there, Bookjunky! Hospitals are only for the fit! Catching infection in hospital is far too easy! That said, I have still had problems with a urethral catheter with infections so would not recommend one to anyone. The Supra-pubics, on the other hand are really good and no trouble at all to manange or to chnage come to that!

[dom]

hi
yes keps in my hospital they were dead against spc they said if one uses isc the bladder 'works' normally and if there is any chance in the future of a new advancement in the treatment of sci your bladder will still have the capacity to fill and empty whereas with spc it is continually emptying?
As far as infection is concerned i only ever had one in hospital! maybe because of 'other' people inserting the cath ? [transferring germs] or the atmosphere
if hand /eye co-ordination is a problem then maybe spc is the answer, is it more difficult for women than men due to our physiology?
when i was in hosp they gave me a dry cath with gel - absolutely useless -chafing-awkward-messy.
i thought if this was going to be the future leave me out,i actually cried tears of frustration in the middle of the night on the ward but had to persevere due to my bladder near to breaking point.
When i came home i was introduced to easicath which proved easier
go with what suits you Lucy my mate who uses an spc says at least he does'nt lose valuable drinking time in the pub having to go to the loo every five minutes

[purplecat]

I had a spc done 4 weeks ago yesterday and its the best thing I've ever had done - don't have to limit my fluid intake anymore And as I have a lot of fluid retention in my feet - can now take diuretics to combat this.

purplecat
:x

[kanga2433]

Good choice, Purplecat! Now all you have to do is to get taught to change the catheter, or get someone else trained, and you you'll be fine. It's simple to do and saves waiting around for nurses etc.