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Any experience with condom catheters?

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Posted 8/26/2013 3:58 PM (GMT 0)
Geez, every time I get on this forum and read and re-read all of the posts made by my trusted veterans here, I just get that queezy feeling all over again re Thursday's RP. I faxed my Urologist/Surgeon some of the posts this morning for his comments, but I won't ever see any I'm sure. Now, I have a question about taking care of one of the main reasons why Post-Op folks don't go back to work so soon and that's Incontinence. Being a Pharmacist since 1971, I have always known about the "Texas Catheter Rig" in case there are some of you who doesn't know what that is, it's simply a heavy duty condom with a tube attached to the end with that tube leading to a bag that attaches to your leg and holds ~ 500ml or so... This is such an easy way to avoid all of the pads. Having said that, I haven't even had a chance to call my friends down the street who have a medical supply business, so I suppose that would be a good idea. Or, of course, just "Google" it!
Has anyone used this device in lieu of pads??? Thanks for any replys! Jimbo

Gave your thread a title

Post Edited By Moderator (PeterDisAbelard.) : 8/26/2013 10:25:51 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 8/26/2013 4:11 PM (GMT 0)
Thinking about this brings all sorts of bad memories back. I now remember using a similar contraption.
From scuba diving I had some of these condoms and used them for maybe 2 weeks when I really wanted leak protection. It allowed me to sleep and function without much worry.

It was great except the foreskin takes a beating from the glue. I used Rochester Medical silicone condoms.

Perhaps there are others that are not so sticky others may know more.

Dave
Posted 8/26/2013 8:16 PM (GMT 0)
I used the Afex system. really lets you move freely and no worry about fitting or pain. More expensive, but so much more comfortable. I have used for the last 2 months it when I know I will be doing some heavy leaking for a couple hrs in a sports environment. I use one or two tena pads a day now, But, I am getting better every week. I am 14 weeks post surgery and hope in the next 2 or 3 weeks I wont need it any more.
Posted 8/26/2013 9:26 PM (GMT 0)
I have worn them on and off, no pun intended, since my RRP 12/09. The one that suits me best is the Hollister Extended Wear external catheter. Add an extension tube trimmed to the proper length and a leg bag and you are good to go, dam, another pun. On the bag, it doesn't matter much unless you have to use one a goodly while then you might like a bag (usually 600-800ml) like the Urocare, twist valve with button holes for attachment then use the wide Urocare elastic strap with buttons on it. I could go into all sorts of TMI on this subject but at the end of the day, this is the stuff I finally most happy with. Actually, I am using that very thing at this moment. Most people just use pads or one of several type of outfits like the aforementioned Afex, but I find what I use to be comfortable and simple with 0 leakage.
Posted 8/27/2013 12:38 AM (GMT 0)
I will vouch for the Hollister brand of products. That is the brand of Ostomy supplies and appliances that I have been using for nearly 3 years. Their product quality and customer service are excellent.

I have heard from some users of condom catheters, that they can hurt, and with some brands, they have a habit of coming loose at the wrong time. Most of them will hook up to a standard catheter leg bag, and they do make all kinds of adapters to fit differences between the brands. In larger cities, they have Ostomy specific stores that stock all kinds of catheters parts and pieces.

david
Posted 9/19/2013 4:19 PM (GMT 0)
I found that the Hollister "In View" standard catheter is best for me. Sometimes they have too much glue and sometimes not enough. It varies with each lot. However overall they are very satisfactory. I found that the Hollister In View is more comfortable and less bulky that some others. Some of the latex catheters are too flimsy. ( This may be the ultimate example of "personal preference".)

I like a latex tube (Bard Latex Extension Tube #6A4194) instead of the Hollister plastic tubing. The latex tube is more flexible.

Use Hollister 900 ml leg bag (#9805) with the 38cm Hollister leg strap (#9342) attached to the top of the leg bag only.

Also use a strap to hold the tube to upper leg( Dale Hold-n-Place #H8410316) so that the tube and leg bag don't pull the catheter off and so that the tube drains straight down to the leg bag.

The above sounds a little complicated; but after about a month it becomes second nature. AND BEST OF ALL YOU STAY DRY.

Also medicare and my medicare supplement pay the total cost of all of the above supplies.

The catheter may come off about once every two months for various reasons. But you just wash off, dry, put on another and go on.

The secret to good adhesion is making sure that your skin is completely dry. Use an undershirt or some other dry cloth in addition to a towel. It took me a few months to figure this out.

Also , as far as the size of the catheter, if in doubt use the smaller size.

Send me an email if you want more info.
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