HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

self catherisation feedback

Support Forums
>
Multiple Sclerosis
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 10/14/2008 5:23 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks to Rhonda's encouraging feedback ( she said she taught chilren to self catherise) I went ahead and learnt. Must tell you that it has been a positive experience, odd but not painful. I self catheterise 2 - 3 times a day to empty a spastic bladder & avoid stretching & kidney damage and although I still have some urgency & frequency it is much better - I have more control, am managing without taking any drugs ( a big plus for me cos I am so allergic) & really feel much happier about the whole situation. I have just been out for 5 hrs, drank in this time one large glass of water, one carrot juice & one iced coffee. Did pee twice while I was out & when I came home but no real urgency or leaking. I am making a 5 hour plane trip to stay with a friend for a week something I would not have thought possible. Thanks Rhonda
Posted 10/14/2008 1:01 PM (GMT 0)
This is so great!!!  I am so glad to hear that such a simple strategy had such positive results.  This will make others so much more willing to learn this.  You are a warrior Popsie!!  You are fighting with all the tools you have.  Thanks for that inspiring post!  Enjoy that trip, you deserve it.

Posted 10/16/2008 4:18 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks Gretchen for your warm encouragement. Yes, you're right, I did write that post hoping to encourage others cos I know many are really (understandably) put off. We all fear the unknown. Me too! But sharing our experiences will hopefully help others.
Posted 10/24/2008 4:05 PM (GMT 0)
I too have to self cath 5-6 times a day as i have complete retention but still no dx or explanation as to why? all i know is that its a neurological problem, i am having tests for MS. I have had a few infections of the kidneys and ended up in hospital for IV antibiotics etc.. any ways of stopping this happening guys? any tips?

Rachy x
Posted 10/24/2008 11:32 PM (GMT 0)

Hey Rachy,

You might want to try cranberry extract from a health food store.  The cranberries cause your urine to be acidic and it makes it harder for bacteria to grow in it.  I use this and I have not had a UTI since.  Good luck.

Posted 10/25/2008 4:35 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Rachy,
Sorry to hear of your problems. I do not know much about the infections cos I have never had one. I started doing the self cath cos the neurologist said that is the best way to avoid infections if your bladder is not emptying fully. But I am very acidic so what Gretchen says about the Cranberry rings true. Maybe you should give it a go! I have actually found since I started self cath that my bladder is a bit better. It is more responsive and I have much more control over the relevant muscles. Also I seem to be retaining less urine. I have been doing s/c for about 2 months, perhaps yours will improve too with time. All the best, dont give up keep searching for a solution. :-)
Posted 10/25/2008 4:42 AM (GMT 0)
Rachy,
I just wanted to add another thought. I remembered that my Mum went thru a patch of complete retention in reaction to a drug she was given for pain. Here, we can ask the chemist to check their book on ALL the side effects of any drugs you might be taking. It might not be a common reaction so drs might not know about it. All the best
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply