4 replies to this topic

[crazy8]

I have had an indwelling catheter for 22 years, but I now keep having problems with the catheter coming out, balloon and all. After years with not many infections, I now keep having infections which causes the catheter to come out of my bladder.

I am thinking of having the Super Pubic Catheter Surgery, but I do not know what to expect. Can anyone tell me if they have had this procedure, and if so, what can I expect?

Do you still experience leakage with the SPC? I often get leakage around the indwelling cath, or like I said, it comes out completely. Is the surgery complex/painfull?

Any input would be greatly appreciated. THANK YOU! -Crazy8 (T-12/L-1 Para, Female)

[LadyPilot]

crazy8, on Sep 13 2006, 06:57 AM, said:

I have had an indwelling catheter for 22 years, but I now keep having problems with the catheter coming out, balloon and all. After years with not many infections, I now keep having infections which causes the catheter to come out of my bladder.

I am thinking of having the Super Pubic Catheter Surgery, but I do not know what to expect. Can anyone tell me if they have had this procedure, and if so, what can I expect?

Do you still experience leakage with the SPC? I often get leakage around the indwelling cath, or like I said, it comes out completely. Is the surgery complex/painfull?

Any input would be greatly appreciated. THANK YOU! -Crazy8 (T-12/L-1 Para, Female)

Hi Crazy8, First of all WELCOME to this brilliant site.

I am wondering why for such a low injury you weren't given the chance to self- catheterize.

I had my "accident" 24yrs ago (#dislocation C7) and was told that I would have to have an indwelling catheter for life. But when I started to get up and about my body did what yours is doing now and rejected the catheter, inflated balloon and all. It happened 3 times and each time I bled badly. The ward Sister agreed to let me try intermittent self catheterization. This I did every 4 hours without problems. The consultant (who'd been on holiday)was furious that I was self cath'ing, but because Id managed I was allowed to continue!
I also take Oxybutynin to prevent my bladder emptying on reflex. As time has passed my body now "tells me" when I need to empty my bladder, which is helpful.
Why not ask if you can try self-cath'ing before going for surgery? Just a thought.

[htwhlz97]

I'm a t12 also and was going to ask the same question. I self cath and I could not imagine going any other way.

[crazy8]

Thank you so much for replying. I just found this site and I am so excited. As far as the self-cathing, I had tried it for awhile after my accident and it was a complete nightmare for me. Mainly because I have a very spastic bladder and I could not go long without leakage. They tried medication, but it made my mouth so dry, and I still had vast amounts of leakage between catherizations. I could not leave me house because I was constantly wet. It was probably the most frustrating time I've ever had since my injury. When I finally found a DR willing to let me use the indwelling it changed my life. I was then able to finish college, get my master's degree, and have a successful career. But now, I am having all types of problems.

I must admit, 20 something years ago when I got the indwelling, they did warn me that long term I could have complications. But back then I was young and 20 years seemed like an eternity. At the time it seemed like a good decision because it allowed me so much more independence and it solved the constant wetting problem.

So now am experiencing a lot of infections, catheter coming out, leakage, etc. and I have to do something. I am thinking about getting the Super Pubic but I would love to hear what people think about that procedure. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks again for your replies. I am so thrilled to find this website!

Respectfully,

Crazy8

[htwhlz97]

So now am experiencing a lot of infections, catheter coming out, leakage, etc. and I have to do something.

I had the same problems and I got a bladder test and cant remember the name of it at this time but they tested the amount of pressure it could take. But anyway after the test they needed to pull my bladder up and sling it to my inner abdomen (it had fallen after the birth if my kids and the injuries of my accident) this stopped all leakage and brought my uti's to a minimum. Hope this helps good luck!