Paul Martin wrote:
Chicken,
I had one in me during some prostate surgery some years ago. Now I have self cathed myself a few times when I wanted to get my bladder empty. It's not too comfortable doing this, but it will empty your bladder. keep in mind, too, that you're putting yourself for a chance of an infection if this is done often. Things need to be sterile to prevent an infection.
My advise? I wouldn't do it. They are uncomfortable and you're at risk of an infection. Just my two cents worth!! ......Paul Martin
Having done self cathing some years ago for quite a while I can say that sterile is not actually needed in most cases. All I needed to do was wash my hands well, then use a reusable catheter (14F Coude tip). I did have to take a low dose of antibiotic all the time though, but I would have had to do that eve with sterile caths and field.
However, it just wasn't for me as it sometimes hurt and caused some bleeding.
I've also tried some meds, Ditropan was one as was the spray at bedtime. Neither was very good. Ditropan caused too much dry mouth, I couldn't even eat a bite without water in my mouth. The night spray just changed when I wet from night to more during the day. Back to diapers and pads for me.
I did try Foleys but my bladder spasm's so much that I leaked around them no matter what unless I took more meds to paralyze the bladder. Just too much trouble to be worth it.