32 years in I have urethra scarring making catheter use difficult. I had it stretched last year and that made things better for about a year. Can you just keep getting it stretched or does that cause just more scarring? Or do I need to look at reconstructive surgery? I have an appt with urologist but it’s out a month. Thanks!
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Are you doing intermittent catheterization? Using an indwelling urethral catheter? Urethral dilation can cause more scar tissue. Need a little more information. (KLD)The SCI-Nurses are advanced practice nurses specializing in SCI/D care. They are available to answer questions, provide education, and make suggestions which you should always discuss with your physician/primary health care provider before implementing. Medical diagnosis is not provided, nor do the SCI-Nurses provide nursing or medical care through their responses on the CareCure forums. -
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You might want to discuss the option of Mitrofanoff surgery with your urologist so you don't have to cath through your urethra any more.
(KLD)The SCI-Nurses are advanced practice nurses specializing in SCI/D care. They are available to answer questions, provide education, and make suggestions which you should always discuss with your physician/primary health care provider before implementing. Medical diagnosis is not provided, nor do the SCI-Nurses provide nursing or medical care through their responses on the CareCure forums.Comment
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I've had a urethral stricture (scarring) for many years (I'm 39 years post injury). I am able to pass a hydrophilic catheter but because of the stricture a rigid (not flexible) cystoscope must be used when I receive my Botox treatments. A previous urologist would cut the stricture when doing the Botox procedure -- a more recent urologist dilates the stricture. My current urologist has suggested placing a balloon called an Optilume at the time of my next Botox procedure. I haven't done much research into it yet but this urologist is highly regarded and it may be exactly what you need. And far less invasive than a Mitrofanoff surgery.
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Looks interesting. I hope it has less complications and side effects than the UroLume which was used to hold open the external urinary sphincter (and was an alternative for sphinterotomy). With that, we could not allow passage of any catheter through the urethra for 3-5 months after placement or it could be dislodged. We even kept a percutaneous SP insertion tray at the bedside for these patients during their recovery period for use in an emergency such as severe AD. (KLD)
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Thanks. I use Mentor Catheters. 14 fr / 16 in. Aren’t hydrophilic super slippery? I’m a sort of quad.Comment
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Yes, hydrophilic catheters are very slippery and, therefore, easier to insert. I know several quads who have used SpeediCaths because they're stiffer than a lot of other hydrophilic catheters.
I've been cathing for around 30 years, the last 14 years with hydrophilic catheters. I don't even try using non-hydrophilic ones anymore because they're extremely difficult to insert.
I'd recommend checking to see if your catheter supplier would provide some SpeediCath samples. If you haven't tried hydrophilic catheters, you don't know what you're missing out on.Comment
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