Taking a survey....

Which cathetar do you find most comfortable, suprapubic, latex foley or silicone and why? Please share your experiences.

CJ,

My catheter of choice is the suprapubic. When I had the latex foley, it hurt every time I stood up, and sitting down..forget-about-it!! It also had a tendency to pull when walking, in my opinion. Of course, that was because at the first hospital they did not show me how to properly tape and anchor it so it would not pull.

The SP cath is kind of weird; it looks like the same apparatus as the foley , but it is coming out your belly and then hooks to the collection bag. My 2nd doctor and the nurses at the 2nd hospital took much care in showing me the proper way to anchor it with gauze pads and tape so it would not pull or catch on clothing.

I also think it is easier to sleep with the sp; I was constantly worried about the foley getting pulled if you rolled over. I guess the thought of having the sp pulled on just wasn't as traumatic for me. (Plus, it never really happened; I was just worried it would!)

I ended up having the sp cath from July-Nov. I thin having a foley for that long would have put me over the edge.

One handy little trick for whichever you decide...see if you can find a pair of athletic swishy-type pants with the snaps up the side. For whatever reason, the leg bag did not work well for me with either catheter, and I ended up with the big yellow purse to lug around. With the swish pants, I just had the tube come out between 2 of the snaps, and carried a big tote bag with long handles. Lots of people never realized I had a bag of pee in that tote!!

Good luck; I will be praying for you on the 15th.

Hugs,
Dee

I had a foley catheter which was in for 3 weeks. I don't have experience with the other types. The foley got on my nerves within a week of being home. I had bladder spasms and it seemed to irritate me. I found it difficult to get a comfortable sleep position because I had to make sure everything was just right. I also had to make sure I sat down a certain way otherwise I would get irritated.

I was prescribed medication for overactive bladder and I took Motrin to sooth the discomfort from the irritation. I had the catheter removed a couple of days ago and I love using my bladder. A healed bladder is a beautiful thing.

Hi Cj,
I had the supra pubic cath also. It has been 7+ years since then. I did like the convinence of it. Mine did not have a bag attatched to it. It had a vaulve on the end, and every couple hours I stood up in front of the toilet to pee!! Just openened the vaulve. I had what I called a holster that was taped to my side and had sort of a velcrow strap on it that I hooked the hose in when not in use. I did find it irritating where it came out of my belly and it seemed my pants would hit it just right... But it was very convinent. I did have the foley for about a week after haveing the SP removed and I hated that!!
From Dee's discription of her's it sounds like her tubeing was more flexable than the one I had which would make it more comfortable!! My tubeing seemed to be more ridgid.
But I did certiantly did prefer the SP over the foley!!
I did just have another surgery and had a foley for a few days HATE..HATE...HATED IT!!
I really think it a personal decision though as to what you would prefer. Wish you the best!!...Netty

I think I am going to speak with the doc about the sp cath. I absolutely hated the foley both times I wore one. Walking hurt, even with the tube taped to my leg, the leg bag would back up and I hated carrying around that huge bag, basically I never left the house and sitting, forget it, couldn't sit upright at all. Keep your fingers crossed my doc will let me have a supra pubic, sitting would be good. Thanks for sharing.

Cj,
Just a comment on your last statement...My Uro didnt want to do the SP for me but ...I insisted on it!! It is your choice, your the one that will have to live with it..not the Doctor! As long as it's not going to compromise anything thats going on surgicaly it's your choice!! Don't forget that! Wish you the best..and let us know how you make out!! Good luck!!....Netty

I had the suprapubic catheter and was glad to have that rather than having to deal with a bag or cath myself. It wasn't really uncomfortable for me physically..mentally I hated it! The last couple of days the sight got very oozy and nasty, but it came out shortly thereafter.
Sherry

CJ,
I am kinda going nuts from having this foley. Honestly it doesnt hurt that bad but I know its there. It hurt much worse right after my hyst, but that was 8 weeks ago and now its not so tender anymore.
I hope whatever cath you get doesnt hurt you. If you do get a foley please ask for some Xylocaine gel, it works wonders to temporarily get rid of the pain in the urethra. Nurses put in on me every couple hours at the hospital and I took a tube home. I am not taking the ditropan for spasms anymore, Aleve works better for spasms.
Netty,
I wonder if a s-pubic cath would work for me? Over half the urine I make comes out of the cath but the rest just leaks out or I sit down on the potty.
I dont understand the dynamics as to why the cath doesnt capture all the urine.
Anyone think a s-pubic cath would work for me?

I came home after my prolapse surgery with the suprapubic catheter to retrain my bladder. I would sit down and urinate when I felt the urge and then uncap the catheter to release the residual measuring everything...how much I went on my own, how much residual, how much I had to drink. I had to do this until the residual became less and less..I forget what the amount had to be consistently before the catheter came out. They put the catheter in during the surgery so I don't know if you could have one now or not.
Sherry