Catheter DIY problem solving for people living with a urinary catheter

[@essexlad8151]

Wow, this and your other catheter video have been an absolute godsend to me as i hardly got any help in regards to catheter care when i left hospital. Out of all the videos about this subject your ones are by far the best! You have a very relaxed style of giving information which i loved. Please make more videos around the subject of urology as there's probably thousands of people out there that are worried about having a procedure or post-operative care because their consultant wasn't as good as explaining things as you are. I've just had a urethrotomy due to two large urethral strictures and my consultant hardly explained anything about the procedure and the post care needed, he also failed to explain that this procedure had an extremely low success rate. Having somebody like you going through all the difficult urology problems people might face would be a brilliant thing... Thank you

[@ahotribe]

Thankyou so much for your very kind feedback which is much appreciated. You have motivated me to make more videos! Sorry to hear about your urological problem and best wishes for a satisfactory outcome All best wishes!

[@essexlad8151]

@@ahotribe Cool, more vids will be great! May i ask a question? I know a little about the body as i studied medical science at college but your urology expertise would be very helpful to me. Because my stricture was quite bad i was given a 20ch catheter for intermittent dilation. My plan was typical i suppose at daily for two weeks, alternate days for two weeks, twice a week for one month and then once a week ongoing. I was told by one of the consultants that depending on how things go i might only have to do this for a year. After i went on to alternate days i noticed that on the "off day" my flow decreased by quite an amount, it didn't hurt to pee but i felt that i needed to push, I also noticed quite a bit of spraying in the wrong direction so to speak. Then on the "on day" it really hurt to put the catheter in, it goes in smoothly at first but then really hurts going through the part where the two strictures were, it takes quite a bit of pushing and pain to get to the internal sphincter where a simple cough gets me into the bladder. My catheters are the ones that contain an oleophobic coating with added water, this is meant to reduce friction but I'm finding that every time i use a catheter i need to also use a local anaesthetic gel to aid me, which i find really helpful. Due to the pain I've been suffering when going to intermittent days my consultant has recommended going back to daily, which I'm very disappointed about. So my question(s) is... in your opinion, is this something that I'll be doing for the rest of my life? Because it's quite painful when pushing the catheter through am i causing any more damage to the urethral stricture tissue? And finally, does the procedure I've had limit my chances of having Urethroplasty in the future? Sorry for the long message but i like to be thorough... Thank you.

[@ahotribe]

@@essexlad8151 sorry to hear about your stricture woes! Urethral strictures can be very frustrating for both those who suffer from them and also those trying to treat them due to the fact that scar tissue has a tendency to recur and any time anything is done to treat scar tissue carries a risk of making it worse. Your treatment thus far will not limit your chances of having a urethroplasty in future, but if you are experiencing significant resistance and pain now that you have reverted to daily ISC I would suggest asking your urologist to refer you to a urethroplasty expert for specialist advice sooner rather than later. Hope this is helpful. All best wishes for a good outcome!

[@rozybanzon4769]

Hello.i have this problem this time .pls let me know f how are you

[@DavidB5501]

I agree this is extremely useful. I have to say the information I was given when I was discharged from hospital with a catheter (after a near-death UTI/sepsis emergency!) was poor. No-one warned me that catheter blockage is a common problem, or told me what to do about it. (On carefully reading the guidance sheet I was given, it has one brief mention of blockage, and basically says 'call for help'.) I have several times had to call out a District Nurse, who has replaced the catheter, but only after a few weeks of misery did one Nurse tell me about catheter flush-outs (I think she used the term 'bladder wash-out', but it seems to be the same thing). I have now got a prescription from my GP for a sterile saline solution, but it is helpful to know that if necessary bottled still water would do! I'm now facing a wait for prostate surgery, so I'll see if you have any videos about that! If God designed the human body, the prostate gland must be one of his cruel jokes. 'Where shall I put it - ah, yes, I'll wrap it round the urethra!'

[@rlsodatown9621]

Thank you for this information- it has been very helpful as we navigate this journey. Sadly, our medical professionals are too busy to share tips and guidance with us so we have been navigating on our own. I appreciate your help.

[@ellenmcintyre1247]

Thank God for this video, and that I had one of the visiting nurses give me one of the catheter flush syringes when she was going to dispose of it. I just thought it would be a handy piece of first aid equipment, never dreaming that I would actually need it on a weekend where otherwise I would have ended up in an ER spending a ton of money thank you so much for this video!

[@ahotribe]

You are very welcome. So glad to hear it saved you a visit to the ER!

[@dm-mx2we]

Yes, Ellen. Thank God (by whatever name you use) for Mr. Aho. I had my surgery performer by him. Read my comments that I just posted. Mr. Aho. I like your new video with your current length of hair. (If you remember, I told you I wanted to let my hair grow also, and then the COVID pandemic emerged and hotted up, and it gave me an excuse to grow out mine, because I could not visit the barber !!! :) Visitors to this video: This prostate surgeon Mr. Aho is the best -- perhaps in the world -- who's recommended by prostate experts to have your prostate surgery performed. I travelled from the USA to Cambridge, UK (Nuffield Hospital) to avail his expertise and experience. I found that his caring/kindness/concern in a physician were the best that I have ever experienced in my 67 years. For example, the morning after my surgery, around 6 am, here he comes into my hospital room to PERSONALLY check the catheter and remove it and clean up the penile area. I needed to urinate immediately afterward and when Mr. Aho heard the sound of the urine stream hitting the disposable collector, his face lit up with a smile. That's genuine caring, folk. Take care all.

[@ahotribe]

@@dm-mx2we Thank you so much for your kind comments Daniel! It was a pleasure having the opportunity to help you become catheter free. Thank you for travelling so far to see me. Hope all is well with you. Sending you all my best wishes for a happy and healthy 2021!

[@jhstummer]

Excellent video, Dr Aho. I had hernia surgery and the surgeon and hospital released me without determining if i could urinate.Six hours later I had to go to the ER for a catheter to relieve the excruciating pain and had a catheter put in place. ER gave me no instructions if I had complications. This video would have been a great help.

[@danielmcguinness6192]

Thanks for that information. Lack of knowledge leads to unnecessary panic

[@christinekulper7824]

Thank you, very helpful for taking care of my father in law! ❤❤❤

[@apossemiers]

Best advice I've ever had. Thank you Dr.

[@reyesreyes6114]

You gave me a really good idea 💡 I might try the drainage bag instead of the single use catheters. I feel I'm more prone to utis using a single catheters. Doctors advice I drink plenty of fluids.. which leads to using more catheters. Thanks lol 😆 and catheters are so expensive smh

[@user-ss5mf5de8z]

I agree that a patients may be taught to do this for themselves. Nurses are taught this as a sterile procedure using ,sterile gloves, sterile solution and cleansing of the connection site with an alcohol or chlorhexidine wipe before disconnecting to do this. Patients could have a stock of these things in the home in case they may need to do this.The water you buy bottles from a shop is likely clean but is not sterile.Having the right stuff to do this would reduce the chance of introducing infection.....otherwise, all very helpful tips.

[@MrJazzlarry]

Excellent. Too bad they don't give this info out when you get the thing put in.

[@ianhood382]

Thank you so much most doctors are blind to this or don't care

[@ahotribe]

Thanks for your kind comments. You're very welcome!

[@bobbrown6342]

I am currently wearing a Foley catheter and had the urged to go to the bathroom, the bag I was wearing was not filling, after watching your video I used some of your tips to clear the blockage squeezing the catheter and pumping it and the blockage cleared and the bag started filling up.Thank you for the informative video

[@jerrybruns6632]

thank you so much for the information. Also liked calm voice, human connection.

[@_kevin_io]

Was losing my mind going through 2-3 Caths at a time. This helps! A ton

[@karentoynton8948]

Nice to hear some help from the Uk. Very helpful

[@smackanation]

Thank you for this video Tev! Very Helpful.

[@ahotribe]

You're very welcome. Glad it was helpful!

[@romeojay9667]

Thanks Doc your explanation is very clear😌

[@kumudparashar6052]

Thank you so much sir 🙏 Your great knowledge very useful for my mom.

[@cdh2328]

Helpful info. Thank you. What happens when a catheter won’t come out? That’s our current situation. After very long stretches at the hospital recently we are very hesitant to go to emerg if it can be avoided. Ten hour stays is not a pleasant experience. We also found they are not that competent when dealing with catheter matters. Also, after 7 years with an indwelling catheter, is it possible to ever become continent again? A lot of people with indwelling catheters are not mobile so getting in a hot bath is not an option. Actually, we didn’t know you could bathe with an indwelling catheter but due to our circumstances bathing is not a viable option.

[@kenemmens6281]

My understanding is that getting in a bath when catheterised is NOT recommended because of the risk of contracting an UTI (urinary tract infection).

[@dveronic]

Thanks so much. I was having the discomfort at the entry to the urethra.Simply K-Y jelly. Thanks again.

[@jasoningham8839]

This is really helpful. Thanks Tev.

[@ahmdfahm]

Very useful tricks & tips for urinary blockage.

[@ahotribe]

Thank you. Pleased you found the tips for clearing urinary blockage useful

[@johnszoke586]

Thank you so much, my father will be so relieved . I will help him next time

[@ahotribe]

My pleasure. Glad it has been helpful!

[@Lsbud]

Very good information. I was looking for how and where is the best place to sit.

[@janelockie]

Brilliant informative video, thank you 😊

[@neva.2764]

Doctor Who, my dad ended up being put in an artificial coma after complications during gal bladder removal. He survived and is in rehab now but still has a urinary catheter. They tried to remove it but had to put a new one because his bladder wasn't empty. He's waiting to see a urologist but I wonder wether there is s natural solution for not being able to pee after catheter removal. His is in for 2 months now... I've noticed that there are several people having this same issue. Can you please advice us on exercices or something? Many thanks! 🙏🏼

[@Vette]

What if it leaks around the catheter itself? not where it enters the body but where the bag attaches to

[@peteduncan-um4kx]

thanks for all the great advice & information I've only had my catheter for two days and have to endure until a TURP opp in 6 weeks! have a problem with some discomfort and even more when I need to pee not sure whether its inserted correctly or if the tube in the the body is too narrow I feel like the need to resist and it last for the duration of the process any advice? thank you I don't fancy having to have the thing inserted all over again!

[@imxploring]

Excellent well prepared and simplified information!

[@taffythegreat1986]

That was good information. But why can’t you reinsert the tube yourself, if you do it slowly? 👍👍👍

[@haddenvladamiriii7137]

Hi I am a man with a urine catheter night bag the issues I’m having are vapor lock meaning trapped air air bubbles 🫧 and fluid that won’t allow proper flow into the urine bad also blockage this has been removed for a new catheter and within a few days this issue has happened again making it extremely difficult to urinate properly pressure backing up was given Bactrim due too uti milky white substance in the tube from infection 2weeks having this issue and looking for home remedies to help solve this issue any advise is appreciated Tysvm

[@kellyhocking4063]

I am struggling with my suprapubic catheter I can't stand the change over it seems to snag in and out

[@markorollo.]

I was born with spina bifida, been using intermittent catheters for around 25 years, i am about to have an op for a urethral stricture and its been suggested thst i change from intermittent catheters to a suprapubic catheter or other. Its up to me and from what ive seen i think i would prefer to stick to how im doing it, other ways just seem like too much hassle.

[@danina1996]

Thank you! Another quick question. What do you do if the catheter tip (the bit where wee comes out) gets enlarged and doesn’t hold the bag? I had this problem quite a few times

[@danl5592]

Get a plastic ratchet clip diameter 11.6- 12mm, also flip flow valve and ratchet clip is a a lot more convenient than a bag.

[@eltoro6064]

Nobody touches on the level of pain when inserting the catheter into the urethra. What if the "discomfort" equals pain? Some videos even suggest up to 6 times a day, this equals 2160 times a year. Multiply that with any number of years you have to catheter, it's the monumental level of pain involved.

[@rlsodatown9621]

I’m so sorry. If you haven’t, you may consider lidocaine gel about 25 minutes prior to insertion? Or trying a different option/type of (male?) catheter? There are companies that give out samples online.

[@rachaelmrodgers]

He doesn’t mention a lot. Not a thing about sterility. That a big one. He dropped the catheter while using it, continued to use the same one. I’d be a careful taking advice from someone like this. I’m sure he has good intentions but it’s clear he hasn’t done the procedure often.

[@andydavies285]

I get the sterile bit, but come on!!.. "give the guy a break" This was a demonstration procedure...

[@stephifam9400]

This was really good. My house bunny bit my suprapubic catheter and I had to wrap electrical tape round it!

[@ahotribe]

Haven't heard of that happening before. Lucky it didn't bite further along your end of the catheter otherwise you might have needed more than electrical tape to salvage the situation!

[@stephifam9400]

@@ahotribe lol I did as he bit the actual deciding connection between balloon and catheter! Omg. It leaked all over the place u had to have a new one in. I'm keeping my Hickman line well away or that could be very nasty! Thankfully learned by the catheter! He's on my other one here called rabbit special needs you can take a peek at the naughty boy lol!

[@jimruell1375]

Foleys last a week....disposable unless your just switching size bags but be sure to cap the one your not using.

[@krishnamaharaj5600]

If there is a suspicion of a UTI can drinking cranberry juice help in any way?

[@michaelcrawford5286]

Thank you for very helpful information. How often can you flush with citric acid solution to clear blockages? Can sediment formation be reduced by any non-procedure measures? Thanks again.

[@altalekany3394]

Thank you very much about all that useful information Thank you

[@timothyfolds4683]

Would you recommend flushing even if the catheter isn’t blocked? To prevent it from blocking. If so how often?

[@pinkangel729]

No. Flushing increases the risk of infection so it should only be done when you absolutely need to.

[@orofacialpreventiveoncolog5135]

Actually sir, my father is on catheter for last 3 years and he is having BPH with neurogenic bladder, so urologist advised him for catheter, so my father is on silicon catheter that is changed in one month But for the last 20 days his catheter is blocked within 5 days of interval On urine culture and microscopy there was infection of proteus mirabilis and accumulation of triple phosphate crystals on eye of catheter Now he is on nitrofurantoin 100mg ER and feropenam 300mg bd but still white clots are seen in urobag and catheter and still there persists problem of blocking within 7 days inspite washing of bladder within 2 days Pls advice what to do Hoping for early reply sir.

[@ahotribe]

Apologies for my delayed reply. If he hasn't had a bladder scan or cystoscopy yet I'd recommend one of these (after seeing a urologist) because with a catheter in place for so long it is possible he might have stones or debris in his bladder. Either of these can cause repeated catheter blockages. Proteus UTIs are often (but not always) associated with stones in the urinary tract Hope this is helpful

[@dhivyapooja5507]

Same problem my father also.

[@dhivyapooja5507]

In this video, he used drinking water in syringe??

[@dhivyapooja5507]

Pls tell me, I am poor this language

[@rlsodatown9621]

@@dhivyapooja5507He is using bottled drinking water, like Dasani or Aquafina.

[@newflowergetu8958]

Thank you so much for your information. For how long the urine catheter stay connected in our body. Thanks in advance for your kind reply.

[@ahotribe]

You're welcome! An individual catheter can usually be expected to be ok to stay in place for up to 3 months. Catheters should be changed every 2-3 months. Sometimes they might need changing more often if there are problems with blockages or infection

[@carlossanz9643]

Please Sir, if the catheter I am wearing (for two moths now) is a three way one, am I right that I can do the same flush procedure on the "third end" without needing to detach the "leg bag"? or is it better to perform it over the principal end??

[@CLEOPATHRAJONES]

ThkYou

[@mih-c5614]

Great advice. I just tried a few tips and it’s better. Thank you for this video 🫶

[@reyesreyes6114]

Irrigating my bladder always felt funny to me lol never used drinking water.

[@user-uz3ve5fl1s]

Surely sterile water should be used when doing a bladder wash out?

[@dhivyapooja5507]

I am poor this language. But I understand this video. My father has same problem for passed 1month .but often catheter blocked once in 2days or 3days. What to do sir. My father feel it is a life threatening. I couldn't see my father 😢 face this problem daily.

[@dhivyapooja5507]

For Catheter blockage explanation , we all thank u lots for this. I can't explain my thankfulness in words. U make smile my family

[@renukauppar131]

I am also suffering from this I know about this blockage treatment

[@arneldeguzman7761]

How to get solution with leaked kidney catheter?

[@srishtikundra3207]

Sir which is best indwelling or intermitent self cathter for life time use

[@JohnC-ic4js]

Aren't you pushing the catheter debris into the bladder?

[@kashiflf]

Great information ❤

[@patricknicol3861]

my catheter tube has started to furr up inside ,so much that i t's not clear anymore.can i use a small pipe brush to clean it? Thankyou.

[@regcrowder9010]

Thank you. This is definitely helpful.

[@isabellukowski4674]

Hello is it inhalation sterile water?

[@Mariamiman]

What is the best catheters for lady’s to use please name

[@tomkit3096]

thanks so mush you help me a lot

[@dhivyapooja5507]

Any permanent solution is there for catheter or any else

[@shebaalex4865]

Thank you so much!! This is very informative

[@dm-mx2we]

Yes, Sheba. Mr. Aho is a blessing. Read my comments that I just posted. He performed a surgery on me in Feb 2020. Mr. Aho. I like your new video with your current length of hair. (If you remember, I told you I wanted to let my hair grow also, and then the COVID pandemic emerged and hotted up, and it gave me an excuse to grow out mine, because I could not visit the barber !!! :) Visitors to this video: This prostate surgeon Mr. Aho is the best -- perhaps in the world -- who's recommended by prostate experts to have your prostate surgery performed. I travelled from the USA to Cambridge, UK (Nuffield Hospital) to avail his expertise and experience. I found that his caring/kindness/concern in a physician were the best that I have ever experienced in my 67 years. For example, the morning after my surgery, around 6 am, here he comes into my hospital room to PERSONALLY check the catheter and remove it and clean up the penile area. I needed to urinate immediately afterward and when Mr. Aho heard the sound of the urine stream hitting the disposable collector, his face lit up with a smile. That's genuine caring, folk. Take care all.

[@ahotribe]

You're very welcome. Glad it was helpful!

[@manwar999]

thank you

[@ahotribe]

You're welcome

[@newt7705]

a good video.

[@ahotribe]

Thankyou!

[@MrGeez42]

Which is the right way to take sample for lab analysis?

[@user-ij8qj9xg6h]

Hi I tried to flush it because his bags not filling and I couldnt it was pressure & my dad said it hurt so I stopped forcing it .What can I do?

[@ahotribe]

I'm glad to hear you stopped forcing. It sounds like he might have a complete catheter blockage and needs to have the catheter changed. Hope that has already happened (sorry about my delayed reply)

[@maryamelbatool5477]

Thank you

[@jcdunne]

You are giving out some potentially harmful advice and not explaining very well. You explain self flushing and do not once mention sterility and cleanliness while doing this, you yourself drop it while you are doing it! You do not suggest reducing infection risks and obtaining ready filled flush bags from your nurse that are clean and safe, and that you can be taught how use these. Drinking water is not necessary clean and certainly not sterile and you could give yourself an infection and do a lot of damage using this. As a doctor, you should explain the risks to people who are unaware. Explain the biofilm that occurs inside the bladder and the catheter and how pushing inwards can push this antibiotic resistant bacteria back up into the bladder can cause serious infection known as a septic shower. NHS professionals do not push into a bladder in the community for this reason. Plus you can cause damage. You do not know the people watching your videos medical history so to suggest this could be unsafe .You also do not mention potential causes for a blockage or haematuria and flushes that can help blockage such as citrate for crystals, antimicrobial for sediment.

[@bonsaigardenwithmarksander968]

Thank you 🙏🏻

[@koof1776]

Excellent~

[@MD-xl3lj]

Why do I feel a burning sensation and sticking point as I'm inserting the catheter?

[@ahotribe]

Could be a slight narrowing of your urethra internally. If you still have any concerns please contact your local urology department

[@MD-xl3lj]

@@ahotribe Thanks for replying. However I have already seen a urologist twice and they said there is no narrowing inside my urethra, but I still feel like I can't urinate properly? Maybe I need to find a more skilled urologist?

[@srishtikundra3207]

Sir is atonic bladder curable or not?

[@martinkennedy2400]

...excellent thanks

[@devikadilshani3771]

which medicine should I use while using catheter? to clean urine.

[@ahotribe]

There is no medication that cleans the urine while a catheter is in place. The most important thing is to stay well hydrated. Drink enough to keep your urine looking clear. If it looks yellow or darker, drink more to make it clearer. Don't drink more than 4 litres over 24hr though or you can dilute the sodium in your blood which is not good

[@dslash8438]

Cranberry pills with a lot of water helped me.

[@singlemommy7011]

Sir any help for shy bladder

[@phwbooth]

Do I detect a touch of Aussie, Sir?

[@norbuyangzom8091]

Thank u very much handsome dr

[@indiancinemaclub4989]

Very useful

[@ahotribe]

Glad to hear that. Thankyou!

[@harveypost7799]

Its a pain in the buttocks .my catheter changed every month...only pain is when removed.eletrical nerve shovk to the toes .hoing yo hav operation for cathther thru abdomen..im 75 which in that is unbelievable was also going to hav a fouble hernia operation but decided ive live 9-10 yrs wirh hernias and didnt need thev psin of operation .i hav sum discomfort with my opening nothing great just one awhile.i will shift position of catheter. I did not follow rule 5 protect ur health..

[@denasewell]

I live with a foley catheter . When a Doctor suggested a Super Pubic I thought it was a funny name considering there is nothing "pubic" about it as it is inserted through the abdomen. You know when a Doctor invents something or makes a discovery they will often name the thing the doctor discovered ...wouldn't it be hilarious if there was a "Doctor Pubic"...LOL! it sounds like the title of a 70s porn movie..or a supervillain Evil Dr.Pubic I have the sediment issues as well as re-occurring anti-biotic resistant urinary infections despite my doctor throwing Cipro and many other medications...it almost goes away then it comes right back? Any advice. Also when my catheter is changed right before the fourth week I start leaking and the balloon will have much less fluid than the amount put in.Can the balloon be leaking? Or does the water in the balloon dissipate?

[@motleydude73]

The lower abdomen is the pubic area what are you talking about

[@FemmeBleu]

5:00

[@user-ch5wq4ig4q]

What was the testoterone replacement you had ,the gel or something else and did you discontinue it

[@davidmeredith759]

Thank you

[@Zoie157b]

Thank you