New year.

[justej]

Welp. 2021 is here. In 2020 I got a Suprapubic Catheter. I hate it. I’d much rather just wear diapers. And I can’t believe I’m saying that. I had high hopes for the SPC but it just isn’t worth it. I’ve had 3 infections and leaks more times than I can count. Unless my urologist can convince me otherwise I’ll have her take it out at my appointment in a couple weeks.

[Patrick]

I agree with you. I've never had an SPC, but, over the years, I've had numerous Foleys. They have led to UTIs on several occasions and embarrassing leakages. For all their negatives, which comprise a long list with which everybody here is familiar, diapers are still the best compromise for our situations. My current urologist told me to anticipate a sphincterotomy renewal as soon as the current covid 19 crisis abates enough to allow elective procedures to resume. Good luck getting your urologist's support at your next appointment.

[realworldic]

Really sad to hear this I had hoped you would find a solution!

[justej]

My bag from last night leaked all over the floor. Now that I have found a solution (total dry overnight in xl) I just don’t want to do this anymore.

[Patrick]

Being stuck in a wheelchair when your protection leaks must be the pits. I hope your home health assistant will be able to clean your floor and bed and get you back to normal. Keep us informed.

[justej]

Patrick - yes it does. I’m not in my wheelchair full time but lately it’s enough to drive me batty. My aide was gone for 4 days because she was sick and they couldn’t find someone to replace her last minute. I was stuck cleaning the messes on the carpet. On all fours one legged. It sucked. I did go out today to get a Covid test for a sleep study I have to do and wore a rearz inspire. I had ordered a cloth diaper from them and a pair of pul pants and had also thrown in some samples of the inspire. I have to say WOW. It lasted me crawling around getting my wheelchair in and out of the building plus 2 wettings and could have probably taken more. I’m SUPER impressed.

[justej]

I told my mom today that I am going to ask my doctor to remove my SPC tube tomorrow and she said “you’d rather wear DIAPERS!?!” and I told her I had to wear them anyway with this thing and I’m tired of the leaks, discharge from the stoma, and infections.

Ive been wearing for 6 years now. I’m used to it.

[Patrick]

Your decision is the result of long acquaintance with your medical situation. Good luck getting support for doing what you feel is best for you. Keep us informed.

[Stan]

It is situations like yours that make me thankful for my urologist. She is not procedure happy. As long as my bladder empties she is happy. If I don't complete the process into the toilet and finish in my diaper -- fine, as long as the job gets done. Urine retention is a problem. There are "procedures" which could be done which could maybe make things work better but the risks for me of general anaesthesia and post surgical infections are too great. Sometimes keeping it simple is the best answer.

I hope your doctor doesn't fight you on your decision. Changing wet diapers is not the worst thing in the world.

[justej]

Well it’s out. She tried talking me into keeping it but ultimately I had to make the best choice for me. I know retention is a possibility and I’ll decide on that when the time comes