I have been using self- Catheters for a year and a half now and am still finding it difficult

Gill74

Hi everyone, I have been using  self- Catheters for a year and a half now and am still finding it difficult. Not the actual use of them but the fact that I can only use my catheter 6 times a day! The amount of drinks I can have versus the amount of liquid in food. It was recommended that I didn't drink after six pm. Well that curtails the social life! 🙂 Does anyone else have a dietary problem? Is it wrong that you frequently overflow? Thanks for any help you can give. Gill

Tori_Scope

Welcome to the community @gill74 Thanks for joining!

This isn't something I've experienced personally. I hope that someone else who's faced the same challenge will find and respond to your post soon. 

Have you spoken to your medical team about this issue, and any ways around it?

Sandy_123

Hi @Gill74 welcome to the forum.  Can I ask why you can only use your catheter 6 times a day, as they usually have a tap on at the bottom, so they can  be emptied as needed. The only ones that don't have a tap on the bottom is the night catheter bags, which are large to accommodate night usage and connected to the day bag.

Gill74

Hi Sandy these are not a bag they give you independence and you can use them when you want to go for a wee. Much better than bags to which I am thankful for.🙂

Boyden1964

Hi I might be able to help with some tips and advice I have been self catheterizing for 20 plus years hope you don't  mind me asking what's the reason you self Catherise? As I maybe  able to help you with some tips and advice