16 replies to this topic

[benok]

Straight catheters are suppose to be used only once. However, I would like to ask if there are ways you can suggest how to prepare them for two or three uses. I got to read that we can soak them in hydrogen peroxide or have them autoclaved. Could you please share some of the things you do especially for users who are able to use them over and over. What are the delicate preparations to keep it hygienic and free from getting uti. Just asking. I use nelaton straight catheters and the size is f16

[In The Wind]

I was told to use them for 7 days, washing them with anti-bacterial soap and bleach then storing them in brown paper envelopes between uses.

However after continuing uti’s I quit re-using them. I think that the re-infection issues were more due to not properly cleaning my hands rather than the cath’s.

Also, the washing stiffens the cath and on more than 1 occasion I ended up with a lot of blood due to damage done to the bladder sphincter. Even had one double over inside my urethra. That was scary….

[dom]

hi in the wind, my god, that does'nt bear thinking about!!how cold it possibly do that?

[In The Wind]

Well, thank God I don’t have to cath anymore. I had a hell of a time with it (I’ve developed more of a low-retention reflex bladder)

[Joed]

I use a bath of alcohol between uses. I've discussed re-using my caths with my urologist and NS, and they thought it would be fine, as long as I could tolerate the potential 'sting' the alcohol would cause. In my case, that's a non-issue, as I can't feel there anyway!

About the caths stiffening after use....I guess everybody is different, because I can't stand them when they're right out of the package, and prefer them to have a little more 'body'. When they're first opened, they are so flexible, I have difficulty getting them inserted. I just started with a new one, and it takes me twice as long in the bathroom...it becomes a scavenger hunt. lol.

[Dancingdolphin]

Well, thank God I don’t have to cath anymore. I had a hell of a time with it (I’ve developed more of a low-retention reflex bladder)
[/quote]


Hi! Mind if I ask what you do now and how you knew about low-retention reflex bladder? Thanks

[In The Wind]

The reflex emptying started on its own. I can feel when my bladder is going to empty so I started measuring bladder volume right before (250 ml) urination and then after urination (<50 ml). My urologist said I could quit using the catheters, although I still use them to check on things from time to time.

[benok]

Quote

Well, thank God I don’t have to cath anymore. I had a hell of a time with it (I’ve developed more of a low-retention reflex bladder)

wind, was it urodynamics that you went through?

Quote

I use a bath of alcohol between uses. I've discussed re-using my caths with my urologist and NS, and they thought it would be fine, as long as I could tolerate the potential 'sting' the alcohol would cause.

hello joed: I remeber your pot on a string. Is it where you keep the catheter. Do catheters suppose to be soaked in alcohol till the next time it is used again?

[Joed]

Benok...

Yes, I keep mine in the alcohol until the next use. I give it a couple of good shakes to get out any excess alcohol before using it. After use, I rinse it with cold water, shake it out again, and then place it back into the alcohol bath until I'm ready to use it again.

My urologist suggested that I boil them weekly, and I did that for quite awhile in addition to using the alcohol, but now I just toss them out after a week or two.

Edited by Joed, 19 July 2006 - 06:06 AM.

[In The Wind]

benok, on Jul 19 2006, 03:56 AM, said:

wind, was it urodynamics that you went through?

Not lately, I did those tests about 4 years ago when I started with this urologist. I've asked to re-do them since this change but he does not seem interested. But this is the same doc that insists on calling my bladder “nerve damaged” and I have to keep telling him that my SC is “nerve damaged”, not my bladder. The distinction may just be technical, but we all know how most docs are; lump us all into a patient category and shut the door. If they can’t cut on ya, they would rather spend time with someone who will let them cut and experiment.

When I noticed that the AD hammer had quit hitting me in the head and that I could make it to the toilet and then release urine, I started testing on my own. Then I talked to the doctor about it. With a couple of weeks worth of data…

[/Hijack]

[Dancingdolphin]

In The Wind, on Jul 18 2006, 09:17 PM, said:

The reflex emptying started on its own. I can feel when my bladder is going to empty so I started measuring bladder volume right before (250 ml) urination and then after urination (<50 ml). My urologist said I could quit using the catheters, although I still use them to check on things from time to time.

That's great!! No more fiddling around with all the tubes!!:-)

[juls]

hi, i use my catheters for about 3 weeks before i change it. After use i wash the catheter then put it in metholated spirits for 5 minutes, after that i carefully wrap it up in a sterile paper towel and put it in a container until the next use. I order the metho through a hospital as it's stronger then over the counter products that you can buy.
I hardly ever get uti's!

[Philip]

What I was told to do and what I have been doing for the past 20 years is leave them soaking in a solution of 1 ounce of betadine to 1 quart of water. changing out the solution every 6 days. I change out the cath every 6 months. I average 1 uti every 2 years.

You can also boil them for 15 mins place them in a zip lock bags don't use the cheap store brand they don't seal as well.

[benok]

Philip, on Jul 25 2006, 02:50 PM, said:

What I was told to do and what I have been doing for the past 20 years is leave them soaking in a solution of 1 ounce of betadine to 1 quart of water. changing out the solution every 6 days. I change out the cath every 6 months. I average 1 uti every 2 years.

Hi philip, what container do you use to soak the catheters? Is it a bottle or a pan? Can you give me an idea? What place do you store them? would room temperature would do? (can you share a pic?) Thanks

[Philip]

benok, on Jul 26 2006, 06:04 AM, said:

Hi philip, what container do you use to soak the catheters? Is it a bottle or a pan? Can you give me an idea? What place do you store them? would room temperature would do? (can you share a pic?) Thanks

Benok it's just a plastic container you get to store leftovers. I rinse it out everytime a change the solution. it just sit on the top of the toilet open to the air. if you want to have a cover on it, then just plastic wrap will do. just change it out every time you change the Solution. The top that came with the container is air tight and hard to open with all the liquid sloshing around. I use 12 caths at a time and the all fit nicely. they have plenty of room to contact the Solution. Remember to use your clean Technic and in public restrooms disposible wipes. The container I'm currrenly using is 6x6x10. if the container is too small then the catheters get bends that make it harder to cath. I use FR 14 Cuda Some people use a syringe after use to inject some of the solution into the channel to give it a good rinse. I use an ear blub. I want things in my life to be simple and easy. I used a glass jar for a bit with a lid but I didn't want the chance of it breaking if I drop it. Then you have to go looking for a jar big enough. Betadine is pricey you can use provadine. I do have sensation in that area and alcohol would be ouch. Peroxcide it to Volalile to do the samething, You can use bleach it too can be an irratating

[benok]

Thanks Philip. I appreciate the advice and all the info. I still am trying to manage my straight catheters to keep it clean and hygienic. We have almost the same level of injury. Anyway, thanks again.

[butterfly]

I wash the catheter with soapy water and then soak it in a container of water and a milton sterilizing tablet. I change the water and tablet daily and only throw out the catheter and use a new one after 2 weeks.
This has worked well for me over the last 9 years and I very rarely suffer with UTIs. Hope this helps.

Edited by butterfly, 30 July 2006 - 05:16 PM.