[mttb14]

John was finally seen by a catheter nurse and shown how to intermittently self catheterise.

The one they gave him is in a sterile package and is called Speedicath, it is already lubricated and you just open the packet and away to go, so to speak. Has anyone else used them? John used to be a butcher so he is a hygeine freak anyway, but are they good or bad when it comes to UTI's.

This is a totally new subject for us, so any advise would be gratefully accepted.

How do you manage if you are out and about and you cannot wash your privates in a public toilet, does it matter if you don't wash the penis on certain occassions.

Can you clean with wet wipes instead of water if no water is available?

We have more faith in all of you than most doctors and nurses, as you have lived it and there is definately more understanding on this forum than in most doctor's offices. If you have not experienced it you definately cannot fully understand it.

Thanks,

Maria

[jetslut]

Maria, John,
I've been using Speedicath since the beginning (3 years) , I've tried various other catheter/bag combinations, some of which are very "high tech" but I just reverted to carrying 6 or 7 speedies in my rucksac along with a normal hospital type (1500ml) bag, I figure as long as the bag is emptied thoroughly (maybe a quick puff of disinfectant spray in the tube before replaceing the cap).. this is all I require for a day out. For Disinfection of the penis I carry a small bottle of Octenisept and a pack of decent tissues, (if no Octenisept in by bottle- then I go without..after all their my bacteria) please don't use these so called Hygene wipes as they are not sterile!!!!

The crux of the matter is Hygene, and John may wish to use STERILE gloves to guide the catheter at the beginning but as he becomes more adept will be able to get away with a little careful steering (as I do ), all this will come in time. but the catheter must not be allowed to come in contact with abslotutely anything that has not been sterilised, if it does, then 'bin it' and use a fresh one.

Just listen to what they're saying in hospital, and John will work it out for himself all in good time.

best regards
Jetslut

This post has been edited by jetslut: 26 May 2006 - 08:56 PM

[mttb14]

Hi Jetslut,

John seems to be getting on with it quite well at the moment, the male nurse he had yesterday, showed us both how to do it, and I think as he has a penis aswell he could explain things better to John. (Not that I'm sexist, but I don't see how a female can fully understand a penis as we don't have one).

Its the breathing and coughing to get it past the prostrate that worried him the most, be he has been ok, taking it very slowly.

He has the 12" ones, so not to much tubing to get in the way, or to get cross contaminated. He was shown how to twist and turn it slowly and it seems to work, it is the dribble of urine at the end that John doesn't like. Does that always happen or is there a trick to stopping it happening.

This site is brilliant for questions and answers. SCI injuries really open up a relationship. We might have problems with sexual dysfunction since the injury, but I know more about his anatomy now than I ever did before, and we can now talk about just about everything. Far more than most of my friends can with their partners.

Thanks

Maria & John

[matt]

Hi Maria and John,
I use speedicath and can tell you they are great! Hygenic as well. Hope this helps

[Lucydog]

Hi Maria/John

I can only give a female perspective but Ive been using speedi for a couple of months now, and to be honest Ive had a constant UTI since. I was alwasy prone before but I guess its just me as Im super keen on hygiene. Anyway I was wondering how you got them? do you get prescription from your pharmacy or what? I was I just phone them up and order what I need and then they request the prescriptions for me. They arrive at my door within 48hours and they also send useful freebies such as disposable bags, hygeineic wet and dry wipes and bottles of alcoholic rub if you cant get to wash your hands properly. really good. Size 12 seems to be the size everyone starts off with. If you use a bigger size it means you get a faster flow, and a smaller one, a slower flow. Id suggest you have a look at Charter or ask the nurse. Id just like to say I have no connection with them at all professionally!

[mttb14]

Thanks for all of your comments, so far John was given a load by the catheter nurse at the hospital and he is writing to the GP for the prescription to be sorted.

This morning before he used it, when he pulled the penis into position there was a small amount of a creamy like substance, a small blob, he wipe that away and another small blob appeared. Don't think it was semen as no sexual feeling for a long time and he hasn't noticed it before. Any clues! It was right at the entrance.

He leeked around the catheter this morning and was less than amused, the urine was coming out of the catheter and out of the surrounding area of the catheter, does he need a larger size. He had about 15 hours of urine in him, 7 pm last night until 10 am this morning.

Answers on a postcard please, we don't see the catheter nurse until next Thursday.

Maria & John

[kanga2433]

15 hours is a long time between emptying. John ought to empty just before bed or sleep so that when he goes to sleep the bladder is empty. That way there should not be so much in the bladder in the morning.

He might get by with an FG 14 catheter which would give a faster flow leaving less to flow around the side of the catheter. If you ring the helpline of the company that makes them you can probably get a few samples to try.