4wheeldave wrote:
I have been catheterised for over four years now so consider myself an expert on the subject. First of all to let a catheter drain into a diaper is ridiculous. Why would anyone want to. You either use a flip flow valve or let it drain into a leg bag. I use a combination of the two. I have a valve and a leg bag so am in control when my bladder empties. This means my bladder will be maintained and not shrink to the size of a golf ball. Secondly anybody who is catheterised for more than three days has a UTI. The balloon in the bladder gives bacteria a surface to grow on. However this does not mean you will automatically get poorly. You only get poorly if you become symptomatic and will need antibiotic. Foley catheters are dangerous I now only have one testicle having to have one removed a few months ago because of an infection. It's certainly not to be considered litely. The only way I stay well is to have an antibiotic for three days before each catheter change and to drink drink and drink. 12 to 14 drinks per day is a norm for me. 4wheeldave.
There's a number of issues that need to be addressed with your response.
a. Four years doesn't make you an expert, it only makes you experienced. Driving my Kia down I-94 doesn't qualify me at Indianapolis.
b. I agree, letting an open ended Foley catheter drain into a diaper is that actions of a fool who deserves what he or she gets.
c. A Flip-Flo not a "Flip flow" valve is a great way to keep your bladder acting as it should to retain the right amount of urine so it doesn't shrink.
d. Making the statement that someone being "catheterised for more than three days has a UTI" lacks all "expertise". I suggest you have someone else catheterize you, and avoid the obviously unsterile unclean environments you have the catheter done in.
e. Having lost a testicle to infections sounds like the grounds for a lawsuit. Foley catheters are not dangerous and you or those around you are not using them properly. This is not surgery and should not require days of antibiotics prior to changing and\or inserting. Reusing them may be why you have serious issues.
f. "12 to 14 drinks per day". I hope you're not talking about alcohol. 5-7 bottles of water per day is sufficient. To much more might be overdoing it.
Have a nice day.