Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Support Group
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I had got the catheter put in when i had surgery, it was the one through the bladder (between legs, cant remember proper term). Today I got the suprapubic one put in (goes straight into bladder above pubic bone area). I was told it doesnt hurt - I wish.
To start with my bladder wasnt full enough so they told me to drink 2 big cups of water. Half way through the 2nd one I started to feel sick & of course brought it straight back up.
Then my whole left side spasmed like crazy including the bladder which just wanted to go but couldnt as other catheter was blocked. The bladder was so painful & the spasms had my whole body going in the end & I was in tears.
They eventually took me back & ultrasound bladder 600ml so they were happy with that. Then they said need you to relax & stop spasms or we cant do it. I said you better give me something to help quick.
After 2 tried they got drip in, put jungle juice in which helped a bit but bladder & left leg wouldnt stop so they gave me more. It finally worked & I hardly felt the anaesthetic or procedure thankfully. Did feel the relief when the bladder was emptied big time.
Anyway I was in recovery type area & snoozed off some of the time but didnt feel much pain which I thought was good.
I was fortunate I had a very good friend with me who sat with me before & after & called the nurse when I needed something.
Eventually after 5 hours I was allowed to go home & walking set it off with some pain but nut too bad. Now tonight it is very painful, esp if I move in any way - stand/sit/bend etc.
I am hoping it is worth it after wards. How long have others been in pain after getting a suprapubic put in & what do you do tou take for it.
I hope its not too many days as I have been in so much pain recently I dont think I can stand this for to long. Did I make a mistake changing catheter type & getting it done after other surgeries etc?
Any advice, experience would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance
To start with my bladder wasnt full enough so they told me to drink 2 big cups of water. Half way through the 2nd one I started to feel sick & of course brought it straight back up.
Then my whole left side spasmed like crazy including the bladder which just wanted to go but couldnt as other catheter was blocked. The bladder was so painful & the spasms had my whole body going in the end & I was in tears.
They eventually took me back & ultrasound bladder 600ml so they were happy with that. Then they said need you to relax & stop spasms or we cant do it. I said you better give me something to help quick.
After 2 tried they got drip in, put jungle juice in which helped a bit but bladder & left leg wouldnt stop so they gave me more. It finally worked & I hardly felt the anaesthetic or procedure thankfully. Did feel the relief when the bladder was emptied big time.
Anyway I was in recovery type area & snoozed off some of the time but didnt feel much pain which I thought was good.
I was fortunate I had a very good friend with me who sat with me before & after & called the nurse when I needed something.
Eventually after 5 hours I was allowed to go home & walking set it off with some pain but nut too bad. Now tonight it is very painful, esp if I move in any way - stand/sit/bend etc.
I am hoping it is worth it after wards. How long have others been in pain after getting a suprapubic put in & what do you do tou take for it.
I hope its not too many days as I have been in so much pain recently I dont think I can stand this for to long. Did I make a mistake changing catheter type & getting it done after other surgeries etc?
Any advice, experience would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance
I also have no experience to draw on, but don't start thinking about having made mistake...hopefully it will be better real soon.
I know I made an informed decision, was more the pain talking again.
It was a life-saver for me though - my bladder had stopped working - total surprise the doc said (ha) - and kept me in a position of control.
Good luck!!
A.
I have had ms for 28 years and have been using a in-dwelling catheter since 3/09. I have been considering the suprapubic but
I always for some reason don't do it. I hope the pain subsides and
you heal up fast. Look forward to hearing to hearing how you like it.
The pain is less than yesterday, is still sore but more bearable.
Think it may have something to do with no boel action since too so taking movicol to make it go easy (hopefully), that usually works for me. I could not stand being constipated after the last surgery for blocked bowels.
Will keep you updated. Supposed to get less infections & troubles with this one & can still have sex eventually! LOL
10 days after getting the suprapubic catheter in & it was the right decision so far. The pain has eased a lot, get like twinges at the site & also in abdomen area but I did have major bowel surgery in August so that is still healing too. My main pain is if I bend too much or try to carry things but think this is more from surgery than catheter.
There is still some discharge from the site where the catheter is, have been told that is normal. I have put gauze with the plastic sealer thing on it today but other days I have just had a cotton swab around it. Mainly put the gauze/swab on so that the discharge doesnt stick to pants & then it is painful when I move & it separates. I leave it open at night so that it can heal with air. I asked the district nurse if what I was doing is right & she said "yes, keep it clean & by not allowing it to rip from pants is protecting it too".
I have had no leaks from the bladder which can happen sometimes. I now dont have to wear "adult diapers" YEAH. I am not having accidents.
I have no problem with the leg bag, just remember to empty it regular. The other thing is that lets me know if I am not drinking enough (not much drainage) & the colour of the urine too. It is so important to drink pleanty of water every day.
I learnt how to change the leg bag after being shown once & it is not hard (I was worried I wouldnt be able to do it with hand problems), it does take me time but thats ok. It's only once a week & I organise everything the way the district nurse showed me so I have everything there & my hands clean & I do it 1 step at a time.
It is not uncomfortable or noticeable, I have been wearing pants anyway which is usual for me as I wear shoes with orthotics & leg brace to just below knee so easier to wear pants. So long as empty it regular even if not much in it, it is comfortable.
I dont worry about having accidents, I can discreetly feel my leg where the bag is & if it is filling then go to the toilet.
Down the track I am going to use the tap valve. This means I wont wear a bag, will need to go regular to empty bladder direct from it, will mean I can go swimming etc. I have used it once & it is easy to manage too.
For me it is so far definately worth it to put the catheter in & go with the suprapubic catheter.
Will try to keep this updated. If anyone has any questions in any regard to any of this please feel free to ask away.