I'm really struggling to use Intermittent Catheter

CountryMimi

Hey!

I had an appointment for ICS yesterday and was given a few different catheters to try before the nurse puts in an order for the catheter I'm going to use on an ongoing basis.

I've had a number of attempts since getting home from my appointment yesterday, but haven't had any successful drainage. I imagine I'm probably inserting it incorrectly. I'm just wondering if anyone has any advice?

The nurse is ringing me tomorrow morning; I'm panicking a little as I haven't been able to successfully trial each catheter and I'm worrying that if I can't get to grips with it, it'll preclude me from having bladder botox incase it works 'too well'.

If it helps, I've been given the Curan Lady, the SpeediCath Compact Eve and the Luja Female.

I saw that that Bladder Health UK are hosting an education day, but unfortunately it's far too far for me to travel to, otherwise it would have been great!

I know this is a sensitive subject, so if you would prefer to reply via PM, please feel free :)

Adrian_Scope

Hello @CountryMimi

I don’t have any personal experience with this, but I wanted to let you know that the event

@bladderhealthuk are running is online, so you should be able to take part wherever you are.

I believe they also have a free helpline that offers confidential advice, so they may be able to help with your query: https://bladderhealthuk.org/talk-to-us

Try not to worry about your nurse appointment tomorrow. I imagine you won’t be the first person to have difficulty using an intermittent catheter, so it’s absolutely fine to explain what you’ve shared here. The nurse should be able to help or arrange additional support if needed.

In the meantime, hopefully one of our other members may be able to offer some advice too. 🙂

CountryMimi

Thank you so much @Adrian_Scope as I didn't realise it was online. That's super helpful.

Thank you so much for your encouragement too. I'm sure I'll get there in the end, it's just a very new component in the management of my disability.

Also, think I'm quite late to the party, but I've just discovered the Scope Hub in Leeds - which isn't massively too far for me. I'm hoping that I'll be able to visit at some point.

SaraC_Scope

@CountryMimi

Hi. I'm Sara one of the CP specialists at Scope.

Whenever there is a new or additional element to our disabilities, it's natural to feel anxious or worried if we're getting things wrong. I completely understand.

It's great to hear Adrian has given you details of an online event. I'm part of the Facebook group Cerebral Palsy Adult Advice UK.

Alongside this they run a Ladies with cerebral palsy UK It's a space to ask questions and seek advice from others who might be in a similar situation.

It's also a lovely space to speak to women who understand and build connections.

Good luck with your appointment tomorrow.

CountryMimi

Hi @SaraC_Scope nice to meet you!

Hopefully I'll be able to get some good advice from the event 🙂

Oh that's great to know. I don't have Facebook myself, but my Mum is on a couple of support groups for invidivuals and friends / family members for my condition. It's just nice to know you're not alone.

Thank you so much 🙂