catheter

Tue Apr 20, 2010 3:44 pm

Hi all, I just had surgery and have to have a catheter in for the next 7 days, the leg bag is driving me nuts when it pulls on the catheter. My question is can i just unhook the bag and let the catheter drain into a diaper or will this cause a infection? Thanks.

Wed Apr 21, 2010 7:33 am

I assume you have a foley catheter in use. I really don't see a problem. The catheter itself can cause an infection more than anything. To be safe, though, I would call your doctor and get his approval. ........Paul Martin

Wed Apr 21, 2010 10:35 am

Yes it is a foley catheter and I have to have it in until monday when I see my urologist. I had a urethrotomy to repair a Urethral stricture that is right up against my sphincter. It started about 2 months ago, my stream started slowing down and it was hard to get started urinating. My prostate was also infected which was causing my bladder to spasm and when that happened i would loose control of my bladder. So this has been a very trying couple of months, but I really appreciate all the advise I have received from the people on this form.

Wed Apr 21, 2010 11:40 am

Hi ave_guy,

Sounds like you have had a couple of tough months.

I have had the Foley experience and it is no fun. The tube tends to get pulled and the bag at best feels ackward. Foley catherters are intended to be mostly closed systems. The end of the tube you cannot see is a direct path into your bladder. You do not want to get any 'backwash' from passed urine and bacteria back into your bladder. Leaving it open in a diaper might invite infection. In the past I've drank cranberry juice to reduce the chance of infection.

As always-it is best to talk to your doctor regardless of the advice you get from folks that have dealt with incontinence for a while.

Wed Apr 21, 2010 4:41 pm

Hi,

I just picked up on this, and I have had much foley catheter experience, especially in the 1980's and early 1990's. I do not have much feeling there, so I don't feel discomfort like many do, but I should tell you that I had a life threatning infection that put me in the hospital for 6 weeks with related surgery. The route of the infection.................you got it, I somehow broke the sterility chain, infected in the prostate, and in to the reproductive system and bloodstream.

If you are asking is it safe to let the foley drain in to a diaper, I would say not. I don't know the reasons why you have it temporarily, but perhaps it is there to promote continence, or heal an existing infection, but from what I have read, once a foley is inserted and left for any amount of time, infection is inevitable, and escalated and promoted once you break the sterile environment that the urinary bladder has.

Like the other's, the best advice I would allow is to obtain a medical opinion.

BTW, leaving a foley to drain in a diaper means that you are constantly wet as it will constantly drip, opposed to regular voids which you can feel (at least I can) with the spasms and momentary urges.

I agree with you that leg bags are very uncomfortable, and I dislike them and condoms too, but there are occasions that I continue to use foleys, condoms, and leg bags, and waive the comfort for the convenience of a situation.

Just me careful, and if you are going to consider doing this talk to a professional in the medical field.

Sat Apr 24, 2010 6:17 am

I've not use a catheter in several years and my experience with them has not been good (severe infection). I would recommend NOT using a catheter if at possible. I know many ppl use them and have very problems, but if you ever get a severe infection from the use of a catheter you'll never want to take that risk again. If you have no other option be sure to take the meds that prevent infection. Good luck!

Sat Apr 24, 2010 11:37 am

Hi, I had a internal urethrotomy for a stricture that is right next to my sphincter. The catheter has to stay in for 7 days while the incisions they made in the stricture heal so I have no choice but to have the catheter. My only fear is that the sphincter got nicked during the surgery and I will be totally incontinent. Thanks again for all the advise.

Sat Apr 24, 2010 11:59 am

All the more reason why there is discomfort from the drag of the leg bag and the tugging as it fills. The sphincter can be a tough muscle, and even with nicks or damage like other muscles can regenerate. In a couple days it looks like you can put the foley behind you, and your incontinence is better or at least no worse than before. Good luck!