8 weeks now with my Foley catheter.

[4wheeldave]

Well it's exactly 8 weeks today since I moved from diapers to an indwelling catheter and apart from the UTI at 2 weeks things are going pretty good. The week with the UTI was bad but is now just a reminder that I don't want another UTI if I can help it but that's the point how can I help it.
Saw the urologist on Monday for the first time since having the Foley and he was cool about it and is getting me an appointment with a nurse at the hospital who can discus things with me about the future and how best to keep infection free and different makes of catheters, etc.
I am feeling better and more positive about things but another infection would soon change that. I don't miss the diapers at all and it was fun going out and buying a load of new underwear. I am not using a bag at all now not even at night. I am changing the flip flow valve every week.
We have one of two holidays planned for the Sumer and it will mean a lot less packing without the diapers. One thing I will ask the nurse is about using the swimming pool when on holiday. I can't swim anymore because my legs don't work very well but I would like to wallow around in the pool for a bit to cool off. I guess this could be a problem with the Foley has anybody reading this used a pool with a catheter and if so did you stay infection free. Any advice would be great thanks 4wheeldave.

[wheels5894]

Well it's exactly 8 weeks today since I moved from diapers to an indwelling catheter and apart from the UTI at 2 weeks things are going pretty good. The week with the UTI was bad but is now just a reminder that I don't want another UTI if I can help it but that's the point how can I help it.
Saw the urologist on Monday for the first time since having the Foley and he was cool about it and is getting me an appointment with a nurse at the hospital who can discus things with me about the future and how best to keep infection free and different makes of catheters, etc.
I am feeling better and more positive about things but another infection would soon change that. I don't miss the diapers at all and it was fun going out and buying a load of new underwear. I am not using a bag at all now not even at night. I am changing the flip flow valve every week.
We have one of two holidays planned for the Sumer and it will mean a lot less packing without the diapers. One thing I will ask the nurse is about using the swimming pool when on holiday. I can't swim anymore because my legs don't work very well but I would like to wallow around in the pool for a bit to cool off. I guess this could be a problem with the Foley has anybody reading this used a pool with a catheter and if so did you stay infection free. Any advice would be great thanks 4wheeldave.

Great to see your are doing well, Dave.

As fa a swimming, go for it - it is great arm exercise. I'm unable to use my legs either but swimming is fine with just arms and it will improve your arms for other things.

As far as the catheter is concerned, if you have a flip valve on the end, just make sure it is shut and then into the pool. There's no problem otherwise. I've swum with a supra-pubic in without any problems.

[4wheeldave]

Thanks for that wheels I agree it is good arm exercise although my arms get quite a bit of use with the old wheelchair.

Would be good to be able to cool off in the pool and not worry about infection getting up via the catheter but sounds like you did ok so that's hopeful.

Thanks again 4wheeldave.