Your kind words make me smile. I'm very happy you have found some useful information that will make your time with a catheter more manageable. Cheers, and wishing you and your loved ones great health. Tony

It really is an archaic torture device but a necessary evil until they find another way to void urine. Survey? Like a focus group? Temporary? May I ask if this was by choice not because of a diagnosis.

@maletenance lol I work for a title company so I said survey instead of surgery 😅 I guess work is on my mind...I had a cyst that needed to be removed so I have to keep a catheter in until Friday. Fingers crossed not any longer. If need be it would be another 5 days after that.

I was gonna say.....who would opt to have a catheter put in on purpose LOL. Although I will be starting clinical trials for my new catheter and I assume thats on people who need it. Anyhow, thanks for the clarification. Got my fingers crossed for you that you wont need it longer than expected. Wishing you a speedy recovery. Tony

@@maletenance thank you!!!!

@maletenance and thank you for your videos. Very helpful like the sleep trick

That is a great idea to donate supplies and pay it forward. You can also donate directly to the people that need them. There is a great Facebook group that is made of of real people, who are sharing ideas, asking practical questions and in general supporting one another who find themselves with a urinary catheter. There I have heard from people who are in need of supplies for so many different reasons and to not be able to have access to supplies is just terrible. It's called Foley Catheter Users - Medical Necessity facebook.com/groups/409606162809349/

Hello, I'm sorry you have been dealing with so much. Urinary catheters on the best days are not easy to deal with but a necessary evil for so many.

@@maletenance Thank you l am trying to find solutions to deal with foley catheter. If l move fast or transfer from wheelchair to car or transfer from wheelchair to sofa l get goosbumps what should l do to stop the pain.

Unfortunately, I'm not sure if you will be pain free while using a catheter. However, I do know that there are some solutions to manage the pain, including what you are already doing by moving slower.. 1) ask to change the catheter size...I've heard people say it helped. 2) There is medication (I can't remember the name) for bladder spasm pain, ask your physician, 3) Visit and join this FaceBook site called Foley Catheter Uses - Medical necessity. Real people, real time, real issues, real solutions offering practical advice, tips, etc from people who have a catheter for a variety of reasons. Great support and a wealth of knowledge. Here is the link facebook.com/groups/409606162809349/?multi_permalinks=1980905299012753&notif_id=1725847630102529&notif_t=group_activity&ref=notif I hope that helps a little. Hang in there.

Me too! I just had mine done yesterday...I'm a female but like he's saying sitting on an angle is best but my back starts to hurt

Hi Vicki, I'm glad you have found some information in the videos and I am sorry you are dealing with so much. Unfortunately, your question is out of my realm of knowledge. These are issues for medical professionals - a gynecologist, a urologist, and a gastroenterologist. If you have those they may need to work together to get you to a better place. I wish you all the best. Tony

Hi Robert, I'm sorry you found the videos after you'd gone through so much. I wish the videos were offered as practical peer support in the ER and doctor's offices, as it would help so many dealing with an indwelling catheter. I'm working on it. I'm sorry you have been dealing with so much and may have to SPC into the future. I don't know much about SPC.....I only had mine for a short while after surgery.....but I do think it's important to share the details... good and bad...as it will be an option for many. Maybe we can do a video (you don't have to be on camera, just your voice) as you have figured out some ways to manage some of the issues that have arisen....especially the bladder spasms. You know firsthand the pros and cons. If not I completely understand and I wish you all the best and thank you for sharing....people read the comments and will get the information. Tony

@@maletenance Thanks for reaching out Tony I really do appreciate, Best wishes, Robert S. Africa

Whatever works.

Right! It is hellish. So many people have responded to this video thanking me for doing it. I was freaking out before I posted it cause it's so personal but it has helped so many. It's already painful having a catheter but then add catheter crust on top of it.....nightmare!!! Here's a tip I just learned from someone who wrote to me - you can get these things called Perineal Cleaner or Foley wipes. They are specifically for cleaning the catheter and help prevent the build-up. Who knew?! God forbid they give any practical information in the hospital or doctor's office. By the way, how are you doing?

@maletenance doing ok thanks, hoping it's going to be taken out on the 12th Sept, fingers crossed,but I've still got to get the doctors to sort out the BPH, looks like some sort of surgery, are you all sorted now ?

@@nicktarbox1984 I'm all sorted out. I had to have surgery and pee like a racehorse now. Did a bunch of videos about it. I will suggest you review/research/be very thoughtful about what is offered to you to solve the BPH. All procedures have side effects and risks, some more than others depending on various things. I only mention it because I wish I had done my homework as I might have gone in another direction...I was just desperate to have the catheter removed and pee on my own. Oh well, its in the past now.

@@maletenance Ive just been watching a load of your videos, Wow you have helped so many people including myself and have replied to everyone who has commented, You have been so honest about your journey , your a hero, Thank you

That's a really nice thing to say. I don't consider myself a hero, just someone who wants to help where no practical help is given. I was just thinking about it the other day....everything from a can of soup to a car to flying has some sort of instructions/directions/information/pamphlet/brochure that comes with it but not a urinary catheter. What in the actual @#$!. It makes no sense. This is one of the reasons I continue to offer peer support through the videos and one one-on-one calls. Why do people who are already going through so much are discharged without any support on how to live with the damn thing. Sorry for the rant. Anyhow, If you have any questions that I did not cover in the videos, feel free to reach out. I've spoken to people from around the world and it seems to help to talk to someone who's been there. [email protected] Either way, I'll check in with you here after Sept 12th to see how you're doin. Hang in there. Cheers, Tony

Hi Nick, Firstly, I'm sorry you have to deal with all of this. I know firsthand all the crap that goes along with a diagnosis of BPH and having to live with the archaic torture device. Here's what I recommend because it's too late to get a lubricated catheter, you can use KY gel. Of course, be hyper-vigilant when applying to not cause an infection. Wash your hands first or use gloves. No vaseline. As for the bladder spasms, there is a prescription you can get to help. I don't remember the name of it but I'm sure your doctor/urologist will know. May I ask what the plan is moving forward and what procedure/option/medication you will take to rectify your BPH?

Right!!! There should be a PSA for all catheter users to keep everything extra clean. When I was making this video, I was quite embarrassed but it's really a thing that happens more often than not and can add so much additional pain, so I had to do it and I'm glad I did. It has helped thousands. I'm going to do an updated video and include the wipes to use..... Who knew there were specific wipes for catheter crust? Also some of the names people call what it feels like....none of them should ever be associated with your privates.

There is a slide in the video that tells you to go to the link in the description. Here is the link for the kegel exercises www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/mens-health/in-depth/kegel-exercises-for-men/art-20045074

The first day of having a catheter for me was miserable. I was in the ER in severe pain because I could not urinate on my own. The nurses tried 6 times, poking and jabbing and guessing what size to put in. I was in hell. Finally, the on-call urologist showed up and got it in on his first try. I have never felt such relief. I think that caused me to have some sort of PTSD and every time I had it changed afterward I found it not pleasant. Mind you many many people have no issues so it's completely individual. I learned to live with it because it was an end to a means.

Hi Jacob, from what I understand people can live with a urinary catheter for many years. If you have mobility issues and are sedentary you may not find it painful or cumbersome to deal with. That said immobility has its fair share of cons but that's another thing entirely. Each person's journey and choices will be different depending on various things....lifestyle, age, pre-existing health issues, and diagnosis. etc. I have heard of some people who opt for a suprapubic catheter (through the abdomen) as it cuts down on UTIs. However either way comes with its own pros and cons.

I'm really glad you found the video informative. I'm not surprised you did not know that ideally the bag should be hung as it's better for draining when you're lying down. The common theme for anyone who gets a urinary catheter...and this is globally....is NO INFORMATION IS PROVIDED!! I can not tell you the thousands and thousands of people who have told me the catheter was put in, whether in the ER or physician's office, and discharged with not even a page of dos and don'ts, how to, what to expect.....zero information. It's actually shocking that something so common does not come with a booklet/pamphlet on how to navigate living with the archaic torture device. I mean you get an instruction manual for everything else!! Sorry for the rant....I'm a little passionate about the topic. Anyhow, keep watching the vids and if you have any questions feel free to reach out here or at [email protected] Cheers, Tony

Hi Michael, I really appreciate your kind words of support. There is a common theme I've noticed over the years when someone gets a urinary catheter: no information is provided on how to navigate this new reality. To me, this is the ultimate definition of adding insult to injury. I may not have all the answers but it's a good starting point which is better than nothing and to your point....it's never just "a pinch". I needed to share what I went through so that others would hopefully benefit and I am proud and humbled it has done exactly that. Anyhow, I hope that you will not have to experience using a catheter to urinate. I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy. Cheers, and wishing you and your loved ones great health. Tony

Hi Jay, thanks for the positive comment, and thank you for the suggestions. I didn't even know there was such a thing as Foley wipes. I may have to do a follow-up video with this new information as it will help so many others. I was so scared to put this video out there initially because it was so personal but I'm glad I did. Cheers, and wishing you and your loved ones great health. Tony ps. How are you doing? What was your diagnosis that led to catheter use?

Sorry, it wasn't helpful to you! Hopefully, you'll find something that will work and make a video about it to try and help others with another option. Good luck and wishing you great health.

Thanks, I'm glad it helped. Sucks that you had to use the night bag during the day for a month. I hope they have restocked the leg bag so you don't have to lug the other around. Wishing you all the best. Tony

@@maletenance Problem is that everytime I remove the catheter within three or four hours I have to head back to emergency b/c the urinary rrettentuon problems comes right back. It's not kidney stones b/c I've completely eliminated salt out of my diet for the last 2 years and I've put myself on raw garlic, 50 mg of zinc daily, and 3600 mg of saw palmetto (every second day) and now I'm completely stumped at what is causing the urinary retention problem.... it's not UTI either since I was at emergency the other day and my urine tested clean..... This urinary retention problem has got me really confused now... since it has been ongoing since Dec 2023....

What does your urologist say? Have they done a CT scan?

@@maletenance Urologist has no clue what is causing the problem. Urologist just wants to do a TURP surgical procedure which will possible leave unable to have kids after I get married at the end of this year.... I don't even trust doctors as not a single doctor even suggested zinc supplements for an enlarged prostate and the last doctor even told me to my face that flomax really did little to nothing....

It's so strange that the urologist just wants to do a procedure without a clue as to what's causing the problem. You're right to be concerned especially for your future. Can you switch urologists? Also, I believe doctors cannot suggest anything homeopathic. It might be a liability. I was on a bunch of prescription medications to shrink my prostate but unfortunately, my prostate was too large and irregular in shape to have any effect. My only option was surgery. Had I tried some of the holistic approaches when I first noticed my urine flow slowing down years ago, it might have worked but I was in denial. My goal now is just to continue my catheter peer support and advocate for men to take a comprehensive approach to their health not a reactive one.

Hi, I'm pleased that the informational videos helped you out. It's not easy living with a catheter as you know full well, and it's only made worse that no practical information is provided by doctors/nurses/urologists. I'm sure you're thrilled to no longer have to deal with all. You have certainly had to deal with a lot. I missed the whole kidney stones part but the prostate enlargement and UTIs I know all about. I ended up having a prostatectomy. Would I do it again? Had I done what you suggested and educated myself to become more knowledgeable I might have taken a different path. It is what it is. I am curious, and if you wouldn't mind sharing, how much did your prostate shrink whilst doing the zinc, saw palmetto, raw garlic, etc mix? How big was your prostate and what was your PSA? This is great to know as it will help others. I have heard both positive and negative things and I would guess it's based on each individual's diagnosis. I don't know much about this path. I did the other way with prescription meds but unfortunately, it was in vain as my prostate had grown exponentially and irregular in shape. That led me, like you to the ER and my first encounter with a catheter. After six tries by nurses jabbing and poking me, the on-call urologist finally got it in on his first try. Over a liter came out. I never felt such relief but it was short-lived because the pain of the catheter took its place. It's been a journey and I'm peeing like a racehorse. I do hope you too will start to experience again the simple joy of urinating with a strong slow and effortless starting and stopping. Thank you for sharing. Cheers Tony

@@maletenance Yes, I had a 1.5 litres in me one time and I thought my brain was going to explode! I would say that the saw palmetto, zinc, and raw garlic made things go back pretty much to normal, but I would guess that 60% ~ 70% reduction in prostate size as I have not yet had another problem with regards to my prostate since Dec 2023. I tale 50 mg of zinc daily, 1000iu of vitamin D, 3600 mg of saw palmetto every second day (as it is a single capsule), and about 6 medium to large pieces of raw garlic (in a sandwich or wrap, or salad). I actually feel perfectly normal and my prostate is pretty good as well from my last ultrasound scan, other than the doctors don't really know what is causing the urinary retention problem. Flomax is just a waste of money and one doctor I visited said Flomax / Tamsulosin doesn't really work whatsoever. Raw garlic works better than anything b/c when the bladder starts to get full, the bladder pushes against the bowels which in turn causes one to crap every 30 minutes b/c as the bladder fills it needs to make more room and the only way it can do that is by forcing everything out of the bowels. This is why you feel you want to crap every 30 minutes if you have a urinary retention problem like myself. This in turn presses against the prostate and causes/irritates the prostate to swell or enlarge. As soon as I got home from emergency I just took 5 pieces of raw garlic in a cheese sandwich and what almost completely better by morning. The zinc will help replenish the zinc deficiency in the prostate which is the main reason why the prostate enlarges. Zinc is cheap and I've been taking the 50 mg of zinc daily for about 7 months and everything is back to normal. Zinc also boosts the immune system so that's an extra benefit as well. If you have blood in the rectal area, jst repeat the raw garlic trick 3X or 4X a day everyday for 4 or 5 days and everything will be back to normal. I've had that and the raw garlic did the trick and cured me completely. I'm not too sure about the saw palmetto but I'd rather try saw palmetto than take any doctor's advice. Why? I had to research the zinc supplements myself and found out that a enlarged prostate was due to a diet low in zinc (and I don't eat very much red meat). Raw garlic is good for people anyways as garlic also boosts the immune system and fights off cancers if the cancer is in its infancy to moderate stages. I do know this b/c back in my hometown in Sask. a farmer had prostate cancer and the local doctor also told him to eat as much raw garlic and he could stomach. Then after I moved to Calgary and began teaching the local janitor told me that his niece had breast cancer and the doctor also told her the same thing, eat as much raw garlic as she could stomach and come back for x-rays after three months. Sure enough after three months she came back for x-rays and her cancer was completely gone!

Sounds like you have a recipe that works for you. From what I've learned from speaking to many people over the years, is that it's not a one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to incontinence whether you go a traditional way or a more holistic way, or a combination. Diagnosis, pre-existing health issues, weight, lifestyle, stress, access, resources, age and so on all play a role and have to be taken into consideration. Biology is so diverse and what works for one person may not work for another. What we do have in common, is that it's all very trying and we just want to be healthy again.

Hi Kenneth, welcome to the club you never wanted to be a part of. I am sorry you have to deal with a catheter and I do hope it won't be for too long. I am happy that I can provide you with information that I hope will make having a catheter more manageable and tolerable. If you have any questions please feel free to ask either here or at [email protected] Cheers, Tony

@@maletenance I'm managing....thanks, going back Monday , hopefully get it out....thanks

Hi Kenneth, just checkin on ya. Are you catheter-free?

@@maletenance no,took it out last Monday, got a UTI on Tuesday,did some IV antibiotics, couldn't pee Thursday, put me back on the cath, that's where I'm at now, hopefully early next week, try again.....thanks for reaching out...

@@kennethrainero8664 Awww man! Sorry to hear that. Hang in there bro. Fingers crossed for you.

Mickey, I'm so sorry you must deal with all of this and you're so young. I am glad you found the videos and they are so helpful to you right now. There is so little practical information on navigating living with a catheter which adds to more stress in an already anxiety-inducing situation because it's not just the physical but the mental and emotional toll it takes. I feel for you man....its #@$% scary AF. What is your diagnosis that has led to catheter use and why might it be for the foreseeable future? If you have any questions feel free to email me at [email protected]. I've spoken to a lot of people (a few have become friends) and it helps to have some peer support. Hang in there. Tony

I believe so. Anything that is super absorbent will do. A leak guard would also be preferable for added security.

@@maletenance What about a booster pad?

Booster pads add even more security when worn with an adult diaper.

Hi David, I never went swimming while I had my catheter. If I were self-cathing it probably wouldn't be a problem but with an indwelling catheter, I would be worried about possible infections.

@@maletenance Agree yes.

It sure is. Some people don't mind it, but most of us would rather never have to deal with it again.

I don't know much about Rezum, Turp, Urolift, etc. Rezum is less invasive but all procedures have side effects and risks. The one that is right for you will depend on many variables including but not limited to your diagnosis. Do your research, speak with your physician, and take your time to choose what's best for you. Good luck and wishing you great health.

Night boners with a catheter hurt and wake you up. On the flip side, your body is doing what it's supposed to do naturally and hopefully, that will continue for years to come. Hang in there. Cheers, Tony ps. Why did you need a catheter? I had BPH.

@@maletenance BPH and retention Tony. Currently on 1 month of catheterisation and on Tamsulosin. Praying when the trial without catheter happens in a couple of weeks that the medication has done its job.

@@maletenance Got a really bad urgency feel for most of yesterday, not looking like an infection but even after good output levels throughout the day, things felt very urgent. Took a Diazapam and Paracetomol when I went to bed which eased things a bit.

​@@davidshaylor2449 might it have been a bladder spasm. From what I understand they can feel like mild pressure to extreme pain.

Hey David, Just checkin in to see how you're doin?

Hi, glad the video/s are helping. It's a real #$%@ having a catheter. As for bladder spasms, I didn't get any of those which I heard are terribly painful. I know there's a medication you can ask for but I don't remember the name. Ask your urologist. What I can recommend is that you slow everything down. I took my time with everything.....walking, sitting, going to the bathroom, getting in bed.....everything. It sucks because doing anything takes so much longer but if it helps to avoid bladder spasms then it's worth it. If you have any other questions please feel free to ask or email me at [email protected]. Cheers, Tony

@@maletenance thanks again! Yes the slower i move around the better everything goes to avoid the ongoing discomfort. I did get an rx for dealing with the bladder spasms but it didn’t work much (causes constipation as well) - still have them so it must be the catheter that is probably causing them Best of luck!

@@esp_elektron Sorry the med didn't help and the constipation just created a whole other issue cause you don't want to strain with a catheter. Actually, maybe this will help and get you some other suggestions. There is a Facebook group called Foley Catheter users, they are great and it's really supportive people from around the world. The link is below facebook.com/groups/409606162809349/

@@esp_elektron Maybe ask to change the size of the catheter. I read on a Facebook forum that it has helped some people.

Uff I’ve lived through bladder spasms, not fun. At first I thought that the catheter was coming out! I told the nurse and they explains the spams. And that it was “normal”. Then on, I just “rode the wave”, they didn’t usually last long. Curiously, I’ve had more than my fair share of catheters, and only in one occasion did I have repeated spasms. I might have to ask about catheter sizes.

Hey, I'm glad the videos and tips have helped. Sorry, you have to deal with all of this. Yeah, having a catheter is not fun. I don't know how some people do it. Like having a giant straw in your privates is a walk in the park. God bless them but it was awful. Something as basic as sitting now has to be thought about constantly. Know what I did also, I slowed everything down to a snail's pace....it helped so much to do everything in slow motion. Anyhow, I hope your recovery is going well and wishing you a speedy recovery. Cheers, Tony ps. Thanks for the tip about not straining. I might have to do a video about it.

You're so welcome. I'm glad you find the videos useful. May I ask what your occupation is?

Hi UK, I'm glad to read your message and that you are doing well. Thank you for the kind words and I'm happy the video/s helped. There was no first-hand information out there at all when I was going through my health issue and dealing with a catheter. I knew I had to share whatever I learned to help others hopefully have an easier time. So to get a message like yours continues to confirm it was the right decision. Cheers, and wishing you and your loved ones great health. Tony

I'm really glad it helped. You know anything we can do to make life a little easier while having a catheter makes a huge difference. Cheers, and wishing you great health. Tony

Hi, I could not go at all. During the days leading up to the stopping, there was starting and stopping of the flow, and the sensation to go but only a few dribbles, eventually nothing. Mind you, I knew something was going on for a few years in terms of my flow and always having to go and waking up multiple times a night but I ignored it. Something might be going on if you can barely go in 2 weeks..... that's kinda not normal. Is your doctor a urologist?

@@maletenance I’m not sure mate I’ll have to find out, thanks for reply.

I'm a side sleeper too.

Hi, I want to let you know that since I started the channel, the majority of men who comment are like you and me......we ignored the symptoms, so don't feel bad about that....it's in the past. The goal now is to get back to great health (peeing if I'm being blunt) and it seems like you have the resources and access to help do that. If you'd like I'm happy to answer any questions you have have based on my own experience. It all can be a bit overwhelming as you move forward. I've spoken to tons of guys from around the world and it helps. You can email me at [email protected] Cheers, Tony

I dunno if they do, but if I say certain words on KZbin, the video will get flagged and may be taken down, and that would help no one.

@@maletenance No it's just their christian, conservative nature, stemming from the first settlers who were religious fanatics, thrown out of England, tried some countries in Europe, and finally went to "the new world". Any way that's my deduction.

Point taken.

Hi Vijay, I'm happy it helped. I wish you a speedy recovery and continued great health for you and your loved ones. Cheers. Tony

It sounds like it could be bladder spasms, which can be very painful. These can come on at any time and without explanation. He should probably call his doctor who can prescribe a medication. The name escapes me but there is a particular medication for this issue. As for everything else....the bag filling without him realizing it is completely normal. I would also like to commend you for taking the time to reach out on behalf of your father....he is lucky to have you. Let me know how it goes and if you or he have any other questions please feel free to reach out here or [email protected] Wishing you both well. Tony

Hello Jose, Please forgive my delayed response. Regarding your question, I'm not sure exactly what you are asking. How many days can you use another catheter? The same one? How long can you keep it in? Are you self-cathing or intermittent? If you can clarify I would be more than happy to try and help you. Tony

I'm happy you are having a much better experience than most. That said, although we all have it in common that we have or have had to use a catheter, there are so many variables that can or cannot make it tolerable, including physical limitations, diagnosis, obstructions, fear, and so forth. It is not a one-size-fits-all situation. After all, it is a huge straw going into a very small and sensitive area. Regardless, it will be good for people who come here and read the comments to see that they may end up one of the lucky ones who, like you, can learn self cath easier than most. Cheers, and wishing you great health. Tony

@@maletenance Thanks man.

That only happened to me once, and I got a little freaked out. Kinda wish it would happen again to be honest. Reminded a little of how things used to be.

@@maletenance Oh yes, those were the days.

@@torgeirmolaug196 I guess it's still better than ED. I feel those guys, especially if they are on the younger side.

Thank you for the vote of confidence. That is my hope also that the R.O.M Catheter will be a game changer and at the very least an available option to allow people to live a better quality of life while having to use a catheter. Cheers, and wishing you and your loved ones great health. Tony

You're so welcome. Hang in there. Cheers, Tony

Glad it helped. God luck with your procedure. Which one are you doing?

I'm sorry....CATUI's are awful. Hang in there.

There are side effects to every procedure unfortunately.

@@maletenance truth! And they often don’t tell us

I've spoken to people from around the world, and the one thing that is common with everyone is that no information is given, whether it be how to live with a catheter, side effects of procedures, etc. There is also no support for the mental and emotional toll it takes because of how anxiety-inducing the whole experience can be. However, I'm trying my best to change that by offering to put my pamphlets in doctor's offices and the ER and offering one-on-one peer support to let people know they are not alone. Sometimes just speaking with someone who knows what you're going through is enough.

Hi the pivot thing I used is called a Stat-lock. It definitely provides more support to help keep the catheter and urine bag in place. It also helps to minimize the tugging. Hope that helps. If you have any more questions please feel free to ask. Cheers Tony

You're not insane....at 75 you've earned the right to be frank. Cheers.