11 replies to this topic

[popsune]

I am doing self cathetherisation 4 times daily and using lignocaine gel frequently to lubricate the cathether. Will there be an ill effect for the long term usage of the lignocaine gel? Is there a possibility for it to get into the blood stream and cause irregular heart beats or heart problems?

[StellaLAtella]

Why are you using that gel? Do you experience discomfort when you cath? Or is it simply for lubrication? I cath 6-8 times a day and use nothing for lubrication. I use a latex free intermittent disposable catheter. I would recommend using something more like K-Y for lubrication.

There are several good products out there, I would speak with your pharmacy or whoever you get your catheters from.
~Stella

[popsune]

StellaLAtella, on Jul 16 2008, 03:34 PM, said:

Why are you using that gel? Do you experience discomfort when you cath? Or is it simply for lubrication? I cath 6-8 times a day and use nothing for lubrication. I use a latex free intermittent disposable catheter. I would recommend using something more like K-Y for lubrication.

There are several good products out there, I would speak with your pharmacy or whoever you get your catheters from.
~Stella

I think that when I use the ordinary gel like KY I have a higher incidence of occurrence of UTIs. When I was first discharged from hospital, I used KY gel for lubrication but there were instances of blood in the urine which was why I changed to using lignocaine. I've been using lignocaine ever since for 5 years+. I have no sensation in the urinary tract due to the spinal cord injury and it's not due to discomfort that I changed to lignocaine. But just afraid whether it will cause any ill effects.

How is it possible that you use nothing for lubrication? Thanks for the reply.

Edited by popsune, 16 July 2008 - 11:31 AM.

[ronz8674]

hi have to say that I use and have used KY for years both for cathing and 'other' tasks that make me more comfortable [have limited sensation] feel fresher to and have had no problems but then again we are all different
Ron

[StellaLAtella]

How is it possible that you use nothing for lubrication? Thanks for the reply.
[/quote]


I started out using K-Y but the texture really grossed me out. I don't know why but I just don't need a lubricant. I use a size 14 french catheter (intermittent). I've been using them for years and could do it in my sleep. Just though, if I've had a bit too much wine and am tipsy, I can't seem to get it on the first 10 trys!
~Stella

[Tinbasher]

Have you tried the "self lubericated" caths? You just add water and they are as slippery as an eel

tin

[eujei]

you dont have to worry about long term effects.. lidocaine only has heart effects if is taken IV. its used in post- heart attacks arrhythmias. Lidocaine is the standart procedure to cath AB because its an anesthetic. i used those self lubricated. just add water.

[StellaLAtella]

eujei, on Jul 16 2008, 05:25 PM, said:

you dont have to worry about long term effects.. lidocaine only has heart effects if is taken IV. its used in post- heart attacks arrhythmias. Lidocaine is the standart procedure to cath AB because its an anesthetic. i used those self lubricated. just add water.

Who makes those self lubricated (just add water) types? I use COLOPLAST brand and my pharmacy doesn't offer anything else.
~Stella

[robbo100bike]

I think coloplast do a hydrophyllic (??) catheter. Will check.

I use LoFric which are made by Astra Tech. As stated above; add water, wait 30secs and they are quite literally "slippery as an eel".

Edited by robbo100bike, 17 July 2008 - 07:50 AM.

[popsune]

robbo100bike, on Jul 17 2008, 03:49 PM, said:

I think coloplast do a hydrophyllic (??) catheter. Will check.

I use LoFric which are made by Astra Tech. As stated above; add water, wait 30secs and they are quite literally "slippery as an eel".

How much is the price? Is it disposable or can it be used many times? Does it do any help to prevent UTIs?

[qbounce]

The only thing I've EVER used Lidocaine gel for is my bowel program, because sometimes I'd have terrible Autonomic Dysreflexia without it . . . it numbed the area preventing the headaches from AD. Because it's over the counter, your paying for an analgesic that you don't need!!

Just get the surgical lube or KY gel, or "lo-fric" lubricated caths. Whatever your preference. I tried the lo-fric once, but they're too slick for my grip, and I couldn't get it evenly moist, so it tore my urethra-oops!

[purple_faeries]

I'm afraid I don't have any experience with Lidocaine, but I self-cath (well my hubbie does lol), and to start out with I used Coloplast Speedicath (available for men or women), these are individual use sterile hydropholic coated caths, and you do not need to do anything to them, you just open the pack and shove it in lol. They are very convenient however expensive if you have to pay for them yourself (however in the UK they have to be prescribed so you would only pay the prescription cost if you had to pay) because doctor printed out an extra repeat of them one month that got ordered at the chemist and then we cancelled them, and the chemist said 'good cos that will save us over £211!!! (that was for 5 packs of 30).

I now use Hydrosil Discreet from Rochester, which are hydrophyilic like the speedicath, however they have a pack of water in the packet that you need to break, and then tip the packet 3 times both ways to make sure the cath has been covered. There is no lengthy waiting time or whatever. However these are only availble for women i think.

I hope this helps