[dirt flirt]

My accident was a year ago, and in that year I have had a UTI pretty much the entire time with the exception of a week or two in between each one. I have had the urodynamics test, ultrasounds, and numerous other test I can't pronounce. I take cranberry pills, anti-viral pills. I've gotten alot better at cathing, which is what they said my problem stems from. It is really starting discourage me. Does anyone have any other suggestions to help? I need It.

[crash]

I don't really know what to tell you. I try to drink as much water as I can. I still get them every now and then though. wash your hands, use a cleaning solution around the area before you start. I think drinking alot of water really helps.

[Joed]

Hi dirtflirt...

Do you use intermittent cathing? If so, and you reuse the caths...make sure you keep them in a bath solution of alcohol....or peroxide if you prefer. Rinsing/washing with soap and water after each use isn't good enough. I prefer alcohol, as it's what has worked for me in reducing UTI's, but it may deliver a slight sting if you have much sensation there.

I rinse the cath with water after use, shake it out, then put it in the alcohol, changing the alcohol every week.

This method has worked well for me. I keep a small container with my cath and alcohol at home, in my car, and in my purse. The container has a strap on it, so I call it my 'pot on a string'.

[In The Wind]

Hey dirt,
Sounds like your technique. Wash your hands, keeping in mind that it’s the mechanical action of washing that removes bugs, much more than the soap, but always use a good anti-bacterial soap.

As for re-using caths…They must be cleaned well, really well. Joed is female so she’s using comparably short caths. It’s gonna be different for you because your using something more like 16” long and the alcohol will stiffen the catheter and make it difficult to get it past the prostate and into the bladder sphincter without damaging it to badly.

Get all of your supplies set up and ready to go, clean the head of your penis with betadine, especially the meatus. Then wash your hands and touch only what you have to as you cath.

You might try some of the self contained hydrophilic catheters, the companies that make them will send you free samples, try calling James Johnson at the Shepherd Center ( 800-221-9373) and he can help you get samples to try.

[dom]

i get ones of the national health and they are disposable,i would'nt dream of re-using them

[Joed]

Quote

Joed is female so she’s using comparably short caths. It’s gonna be different for you

I believe that dirt flirt is female as well, according to one of her earlier posts on another thread.

[dirt flirt]

Sorry everybody, I should have given a little more info about myself. I am a female. I also use disposable sterile all in one caths, do the whole hand washing, clean the area good. Just having a really crappy time of it. I'm new at useing the computer and talking to people online, so bare with me. Thanks for the input, I need all the help I can get.

[georgie]

dirt flirt, on Jul 11 2006, 11:07 PM, said:

My accident was a year ago, and in that year I have had a UTI pretty much the entire time with the exception of a week or two in between each one. I have had the urodynamics test, ultrasounds, and numerous other test I can't pronounce. I take cranberry pills, anti-viral pills. I've gotten alot better at cathing, which is what they said my problem stems from. It is really starting discourage me. Does anyone have any other suggestions to help? I need It.

My hubby has been taking a low dose of antibiotics since he started self-cathing 14 years ago. If he does not take them, then he gets infections. He takes either Cefalexin or Trimemorphim (can't spell!) and suffers no side effects. It might be worth trying one of these.

[In The Wind]

oops, Sorry. I scaned past posts, but not very well apparently

[lune14]

Dirt Flirt,

I've been a complete para 25 years and never had a single UTI until a couple years ago. A year ago I was getting them constantly and I am very good about cath/sterilization etc. I self cath. I began taking Macrodantin last fall (a low dose daily antibiotic) and haven't had one since. Something my urologist suggested.

[benok]

Joed, on Jul 12 2006, 02:34 AM, said:

This method has worked well for me. I keep a small container with my cath and alcohol at home, in my car, and in my purse. The container has a strap on it, so I call it my 'pot on a string'.

Is there any chance you can attach a photo on the pot on a string please? Thanks joed

[Joed]

I don't even know how to get my pictures on my computer yet. I just bought my first digital camera a couple of months ago, and I've been procrastinating figuring all that stuff out. But here is a link that will show something similar to what I'm using:

http://www.thewaterp...aroundcase.html

In fact, I like the one at the link better...I may just have to go back and buy it.

The one I have is also hard plastic with a gasket/seal on a screw-down lid to keep it waterproof (or in my case, to keep the alcohol in), and a lanyard attached. It's really intended for swimmers, so they can take their keys, money, etc. with them into the water.

[benok]

thanks for the link joed. you keep the catheter inside the water sealed container?

(Just a thought on digicams. I remember a friend saying that as "disabled", we have a unique way of capturing shots and emotions, so just shoot and click. )