www.incontinentsupport.org

Puffy, I like your comment about certain things we were so worried about years ago not really mattering any more. So true.

I forget whether I already mentioned this, but I thought my condoms were a little too snug, contributing to the difficulty in removing them. My supplier sent some samples of the next larger size, but they are a little too large. I guess I am between the two available sizes, so I will have to go with the smaller size for better leak protection. Now that I am using a skin prep, it has helped in removing the condoms.

--John

Most hotels will accept packages on your behalf if they are arriving within a day or two of your planned stay. You need to call ahead and talk to a manager to get it approved for medical supplies. They don't need the details and it is illegal for them to open the package if your name it on it so privacy it not an issue. I have done this on a cruise.

I have a 7 day cruise with my first night staying in a hotel the day before we boarded the boat. I had half a case sent to the hotel from me directly. I packed the rest that I needed in my checked bag. Shipping 2 bags of Abena M4s was much less expensive than paying for a second checked bag. That was with a tracking number. I called the hotel a 2 days before my arrival and arranged for them to hold the package when it arrived the next day. A few minutes after the tracking number confirmed delivery I call the hotel manager to confirm she received it and was holding it for my arrival. When I got to the hotel she let me know the package was in the luggage holding area and they would bring it up to my room shortly. I took my mom to dinner and when we returned to our room the package was sitting on the my bed still taped closed the way I shipped it.

On the cruise ship I had several places to dispose of used diapers and my cabin steward was informed so I didn't need to worry if I left one in the bathroom garbage in my cabin.

Overseas this can also be done. It costs a little more to ship overseas. If you are going to Europe there are many local suppliers. Just ask your hotel concierge where to find hospital supplies and they will point you in the right direction.

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When life hands you a lemon, make lemonade.

Doug, I agree with all that you have said. Among other options, I am looking at cruises starting from, and ending in, London. That way I can plan some activities pre-cruise to allow time both for any missed luggage to catch up and to have a shipment of diapers arrive from a supplier. I know that I can arrange a quick delivery of nappies from a local online supplier within 24 hours. Very convenient. The condom catheter provides me with a primary means, a backup to the diapers, and a way to reduce the total number of diapers required on the ship. Another resupply when the ship returns to London sets me up for some more ground touring before returning to the States.

--John

You should have a look up in Scotland if you have a chance John!

I very much would like to do that, Wheels!

I am taking a break from the condom caths for a couple of days and then will resume with more wear out of the home.

Puffy has reminded me that, between the different quality manufacturers of the condoms, most sizes are represented. I seem to be mid-way between a 30 and a 35mm (darn - I can't even brag!). If I can find a 32mm or 33 mm I should be fine. However, the 30mm Coloplast Conveen Optima condom with the internal adhesive gel certainly has been leakproof and secure (although perhaps too secure). I will have to be careful in my experimentation not to sacrifice a secure seal for a better fit.

--John

See if you can find a dealer for the German make of sheaths, Manfred Sauer. They do 2mm incremental sizing so could manage the 32mm. I used these and the adhesive area is bigger than the Coloplast ones and seems more reliable without being harder to remove.

Thanks Wheels! I need to see what my medical supply house can get and what my insurance will cover.

--John

I have followed up our discussions by doing some additional research on condom catheter sizes and have asked my medical supply house to provide me with three new brands/types of condoms in a slightly larger size (not 32mm). So far I am staying with those that have an internal adhesive. I think I have two Rochesters and a Hollister on order.

My supply representative was very helpful, but seemingly never had encountered anyone who could not get the darned things to come off. He kept thinking that they were slipping off!

I'll let you know how I do.

--John

I liked the Rochester Wideband, but not too easy to find around here, need to go online, and I also have used the Hollister InView, but had issues with the adhesive being SO high up that it was self-sealing the catheter off above the glans. I called them, and never heard back. Should definitely start below, no need for it that high up. Silicone is the ONLY type to use, they seal much better, and can keep an eye on skin integrity during the day. Puffy

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Puffy
BC, Canada
Fighting the "Bladder Battle" since 1995

Puffy,

I have had some success in removing the Conveen Optima condom by applying two separate coatings of skin prep to the penis and letting it completely dry before putting on the condom. That did let me remove the condom after 12 hours without undue discomfort.

However, my new monthly supply with 3 different condoms should arrive early next week. No more experiments until then. For ordinary daily use, I think I can get by with a condom with less adhesive, or at least with a weaker adhesive. Hopefully, one of the three new condoms will meet that requirement. That should help when I need to intermittent cath.

However, I also need to find a condom deliberately with more adhesive for long active outings during vacation on hot days. Think of long shore excursions in the Mediterranean or the Carribean with a fair amount of walking on level surfaces. They did not send this condom to me, but I believe one of the Rochester condoms has adhesive specifically formulated to resist perspiration. If that worked out reliably (and I emphasize "reliably"), it could allow me to participate in a shore trip lasting just a bit too long for a diaper to be practical and without private opportunity to change. I figure I can go into a stall and drain a leg bag faster and less obviously than I could change a diaper. Of course, this also is dependent upon my being confident in my managing my bowel incontinence long enough to feel comfortable with this.

It's all about risk management!

--John