Female here. Never imagined I'd need a catheter, let alone a foley bag at the age of 41. The hospital gave me the bare minimum in terms of information regarding how to live with this thing for the next week (until I see a urologist and hopefully won't need it any longer). I know I won't have as many problems as men do with catheters, but I truly appreciate the information presented. One video in and I'm already feeling a lot less anxiety. Thank you for putting this out! I will be watching more of your content for other tips. Again, thank you!
@MinkDynastic You are so very welcome. It makes me so proud to receive such a lovely comment because I was so afraid of putting myself out there. However, it had been the thing I am most proud of. Male or female getting a catheter is traumatic, physically and emotionally. I am continually shocked that there is no information given on how to live with the darn thing. I decided to continue my support by making a pamphlet that doctors can give to patients ......a peer support tool not medical advice....so that they have something. Let me know if I can send you some to give to them. It will make it easier for the next person. My email is Tony.alcindor@maletenance.com I got my fingers crossed for you that you wont need it any longer. Cheers and wishing you great health. Tony
I’m a woman caring for my elderly father who is using a catheter. It’s difficult for him to have these conversations with me, understandably. Now I understand why he no longer sits on his favorite chair while watching tv. He’s been laying on the sofa instead. I appreciate your channel. Thank you soooo much!
Firstly, Thank you for the kind words and I am so glad that the videos/channel have helped. So much of having a catheter is a mystery and there is no info on how to live with the darn thing. Secondly, my hat is off to you for caring & supporting your father and researching information on how best to help him. I know it's difficult for daughters/wives/sisters etc to speak with fathers/husbands/brothers etc about urinary catheter use. The location presents some uncomfortable moments. Also, it's so personal and odd to have so much-unwarranted attention around your privates coming from your female support system. I know personally that I sometimes just wanted to not talk about it even though they had the best intentions. I know silly man thing. Hang in there, both of you and I send you a BIG virtual hug. Cheers. Tony
So glad I found this video. Thank you so much. It's very frustrating that doctors don't seem to know about this problem and there's no info on official websites
You are so welcome and I am glad you found the video useful. Check out the other ones I did about living with a catheter. I think it's under Playlist. Don't forget to like and subscribe, as it will help reach more people who could really use this info. Cheers and wishing you great health. Tony
A brilliant and much needed video, many thanks. Just listening to this helps, as we sometimes think it is just ourselves that have this problem while for everyone else it is just plain sailing. Appreciated.
Awwwww, thanks! Happy to have helped in a lil way. It's a tough road for many having a catheter and no one tells you how painful doing simple things can become. I searched everywhere for tips on how to live with the archaic device and since no one was talking, so I decided to and I'm really happy I did. It's not only the physical but the mental and emotional toll it takes, which no one talks about but I speak to many people about it and do my best to let them know they are not alone. The channel is probably the thing I am most proud of. I also designed an improved catheter that will reduce the pain substantially, so that life has some semblance of normalcy. Just waiting for the final patent. Cheers. Tony
I am female so while I understand fundamental differences I know the pain of the tube getting a stricture in the tube when sitting down and using a donut pillow helps because it prevents sitting on the tube with men it acts as a platform so the penis remains straight and therefore the catheter tube is straight. I know having a catheter has many more challenges and pain associated with catheters.....also where the tube goes in can be painful usually cleaning and putting a small amount of lubricant around the tube alleviates this. Many surgical procedures are performed so more and more young people have to use catheters for some months following surgery...so it is great you have these videos because the nurses/Doctors do not prepare you for all the issues living with a catheter. This is something nobody talks about..that is super cool that you are because it will help someone.
I'm so glad you found the videos and great tip regarding the lubricant. I have been pleasantly surprised the videos have helped thousands of people, of both genders, whether they are catheter users or helping and researching for a loved one. I agree with you that unfortunately you are left unprepared on how to live with it. My doctors and nurses were great, unfortunately, they had limited information or any first-hand experience about how to live with that archaic device every day. What's interesting is that I never thought about young people having to use a catheter when I was re-designing the indwelling catheter (I will have the final utility patent shortly). I'm not young nor was my diagnosis (although it's starting to affect younger men....that's another story) so I was only thinking about my demographic. I thought I'm suffering and so are others, there has to be a better way to live with this thing. My intention was to make an indwelling catheter less painful (not pain-free) for the duration of use to perform the simple activities of daily living......walking, exercising, showering, sitting, going to work, etc. If I can substantially reduce the pain, then some semblance of normalcy in terms of mobility while having to use a urinary catheter can be attained, which would help add so much to the user's quality of life and would have less impact emotionally, mentally, and even financially. I know when I had my catheter for months and months pre and post-surgery I would have benefited from this improved catheter by just being able to move around with less pain. Until there is another way to void urine from the bladder, for those that have no mobility issues, it will make life a lot more tolerable. Cheers, and wishing you great health.
@@mroldnewbie I have had a catheter for years and have been advised to get a suprapubic installed but most of the people I now who have it have recurring infections which is true with foley catheters but is very manageable with antibiotics.I have permanent damage as a result of long term use of a catheter but I had to have it
Hey Tony, thanks for your reply! I imagined that it was the urethra opening size that did that. I’m very happy to meet you as you are doing a wonderful service for people.
Hi Tony,just wanted to tell you that My catheter was removed yesterday and I was told that my bladder and prostate surgery was healing great.I was told that my bladder diverticulum was one of the largest the urologist had seen.And my prostate was very large . I'm happy to report that all went well and recovering and doing great.Yes the catheter was rough at times,but you can get through it.I just wanted to thank you and your subscribers for being there for support and getting advice from people who had or were going through same experience.Hope all get well soon.Thanks Jerry
Hi Jerry, I am so happy to read your message and that everything went great and you are healing...sans catheter. I am thrilled to have been a small part of your journey. It makes me smile to know that by putting myself out there with such a personal topic it has and continues to help others. I wish you a speedy recovery and continued great health. All my best Tony
I have been struggling with this same sitting problem which has been upending my life for the last week and a half. It’s great to hear you affirm my problem after not getting much useful advice from doctors or nurses or internet. Yesterday a friend suggested getting a gel seat cushion. I found a HOMCA memory foam donut cushion on Amazon which arrived today and immediately relieved pain at the base of the penis in my crotch. It has an elongated hole which I turned from its usual position for coccyx relief to run front to back and that worked. Thanks for providing your experiences as well as a place for commenters to give additional ideas.
Hey Warren, that is a great tip! You and all the people who found me here are the reason I did the videos.....I just wanted to help out because there was no practical info on how to live with that archaic device. I have more videos coming including ones about my prostatectomy surgery. That was a lot. I had a serious come to Jesus for that. Happy to report that I am healthy......a lil PTSD from the whole experience...but other than that I'm good.
Hello, I’m glad I came across your videos this morning after a night of not much sleep. I’m on day #5 with this miserable catheter after a robotic radical prostatectomy. Since we are sent home with almost no knowledge of how to care for and live with a catheter, I’m grateful for these.
Hi Christopher, I am really really glad the videos help. That was always my goal. I'm currently working on more and they should be posted soon. Hang in there and wishing you great health. Tony ps. May I ask what your diagnosis was that led to the prostatectomy? I also had one. Feel free to email if you prefer not to use this platform. Cheers.
Thanks for info.I am a 72 yr old male dealing with this after prostate and bladder surgery a week ago.I have five more days till follow up with surgeon and hopefully it can be removed.your absolutely correct that you come home with virtually no knowledge on how to live comfortably with catheter and bag.mine only supposed to be two weeks, can't imagine dealing with this for months and years.your videos are very needed thank you and hope all has better health in near further
Hi Jerry, I'm sorry you had to deal with everything, however, I'm glad found the videos helpful and recovering well. Yes, the catheter is necessary evil but like you said, "no knowledge on how to live comfortably with a catheter", makes it ten times harder. Its a damn shame that this is what I hear over and over again from people. They put it in and bye bye. It's truly adding insult to injury. I'm working hard to change that. Anyhow, I wish you well and hopefully you don't have to use the catheter any longer than needed. Cheers, Tony
Seriously man, all your tips are super useful. Have had a catheter for sometime and can relate with all these problems. Especially your coat hanger trick was the best. Thanks a lot and god bless.
So happy to hear that the videos helped. It was scary putting my face out there for something so personal but I knew if I did it would be of some help to so many who find themselves having to deal with a catheter. Cheers mate.
Sharon, I'm so glad that you found the information helpful. It's not easy having to adjust to living with a catheter for any period of time and I thought that by making these videos....even though I was so scared of putting myself out there with this topic.....that it would help so many. I'm really happy and humbled that it has done just that. Cheers, and wishing you and your loved ones great health. Tony
Fortunately for me, I saw this video prior to my bladder tumor removal this week. I purchased two neck pillows and those were the only thing I could sit on for the two days I had the catheter. Thank you for making these videos. You helped me prepare and understand so I can only guess many, many others have been helped.
Thank you for the kind words and I am so glad the videos helped you. I'm humbled to be a small part of so many people's journeys and to provide some information that they may not have received on how to live with a catheter. Cheers, and wishing you great health. Tony
You are so welcome. I know the self-pity well. I was $@#ed up and rightly so. I felt broken. It required some serious mental gymnastics and I had to dig deep. It's only your first few days so you're allowed to wallow in a lil self-pity but in order to get through, you can't live there. If you need an ear or have any questions, reach out. Cheers mate. Tony
Martin, I'm really glad you found the video helpful. Don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions that I did not cover in the other videos. Cheers, and wishing you great health.
Thank you Tony, I’m on the 2nd Foley catheter since my prostatectomy due to a bladder neck stricture, urologist is trying to dilate it too open up. I never heard this might be a possibility prior to the surgery. I more or less laid in bed for two weeks after surgery, didn’t sit on anything hard or for long. This time I’m 6 weeks after surgery and driving or sitting for any extended periods is damned uncomfortable and becomes extremely painful/ache. I bought a gel/foam drivers seat pad for the truck & Gabe adopted a two pillow lay/sit position on the love seat or couch. Your videos & your manner have been extremely helpful!
Hi Dale, It is a $#@! drag and no one tells you that something as basic as sitting is gonna hurt AF. So sorry you're dealing with some complications after surgery. You've been through enough. Hang in there. When I woke up from my prostatectomy I had so many tubes coming out of me I just went back to sleep cause I couldn't deal. I don't know what you had but I had not only the indwelling catheter but also an SPC and a drain. I have a scar that runs down the middle and two dimples on either side that look like a stupid face on my lower abdomen. I guess it's a small price to pay for my health sans prostate. I'm really glad the videos have helped. That was my mission - to shed some light on this journey from someone whose actually been through it and I'm humbled it's making a small difference Cheers mate and wishing you well. Tony
I'm very happy that you found the videos useful. If you have any questions I did not cover with the videos please feel free to reach out to me at Tony.Alcindor@Maletenance.com In the mean time hang in there and wishing you well. Tony
Hi Tony Thank you for these videos as I am sure they help so many that never say thank you . anyway I am 66 and have been cathed 3 times since age 60 for urine retention come to find out Oxalates (plant toxins) caused the bladder sphincter to STOP me from expelling for about 12hrs each, SO glad to figure out the problem. Oxalate dumping, did not know a thing about it 2 days ago am now near expert. Best Regards.
Hi David, I really appreciate you taking the time to write me and thank me for the videos. Being able to provide some much-needed information on how to live with a catheter is probably one of the best things I've done. Now on to Oxalates.....WTF! I have never heard of such a thing. I had to Google it immediately and was stunned, especially because many of those foods are supposed to be good for you. I'm looking at spinach with different eyes. Sheesh, you can't win for tryin sometimes. I'm glad it's not permanent. I really hope you have no more incontinence issues and have to revisit catheter use. Cheers, and wishing you and your loved ones great health. Tony
Thanks for the info when it comes to sit on a hard surface chair. Mind you I knew already that it could be painful to sit on a hard surface chair. I learned it the hard way the first time I had an appointment with a physician.
Ouch right! Who knew something so basic as sitting could be so painful. Then again who knew that something as basic as going pee would be something I prayed for every day for months. I had to have surgery to get there but urinating on my own is an absolute joy!!! Wishing you great health. Tony
@@maletenance And, when having a foley, there are things which one could miss and that would be to take a bath. I can tell you that I sure would not take it for granted.
Gotta thank you, Tony, for your catheter videos. They are great. I love the hanger trick for the night bag. And the tips for sitting. i find I can sit on just about any surface if I sit forward -- on the edge of my chair -- and turn a little sideways. Your tips are excellent, because like you say, they send you home with this pokey thing in your bladder and wish you good luck.
Thank you So very much,I got out of surgery 3 day's ago &; I was.expeirancimg extremely bad pain due. To having a cathiter connected to my privates parts & the pain pills were not helping but your advice did help,knowing how to sit on a chair.stopped the worse pain ever,So thank you.G.M.,oh yeah,I had a kidney stone the size of a golf ball removed & another stone in my urethra, & it took a month for the doctors to remove it,thanks for your help.G.M./NY.C
Hi George, I'm really happy the video helped. Everything take a little getting used to when you have a catheter. Slow everything down if you can. It sounds like you've been on a journey thats for sure! Golf ball sized kidney stones....holy hell!!!! Now your one mission is to rest and recover. Don't do too much. By the way what surgery did you have and what was your diagnosis if you don't mind me asking. You're welcome to email me if you prefer some anonymity. Cheers and wishing you and your loved ones great health. Tony
You are so welcome. If you haven't purchased a softer pillow yet get the travel pillow. Because of the hole in the center it removes any direct pressure from sitting on a full surface. It's kinda like your privates are floating or suspended. The only downside I found from sitting upright for along time, is that the catheter, which is straight, is now forced to bend to accommodate sitting and as as result it caused some minor trauma to the delicate inner walls of my bladder. It caused some minor bleeding, which I saw in the urine bag and a couple of times on the floor. It can be quite alarming.
I am so happy this video helped! You made me smile. Best feeling ever! Oh but that pain......I'm having PTSD just thinking about it. The funny thing is because of that pain, I actually designed an improved urinary catheter and filed my utility patent last year. I was in so much pain and couldn't move, I thought there had to be a better way and decided to do something about it. It took some time and a lot of R & D (I have no background in healthcare just first-hand experience...which is more than I can say for most if not all of the professionals that treated me. They were great but have no idea what it's like) but I have come up with something special that allows the user range of motion to continue the activities of daily living. It makes the whole process of having to use a catheter less painful....not pain-free but minimizes the pain to a tolerable level so you can function. I am very proud as it will change the lives of so many until they think of a better, less archaic way to void urine. Wishing you great health.
So true! Many doctors and nurses don’t know how to help with the immense pain of the patient and related intricacies of it😬I am researching for a male relative who is in pain for this and I keep thinking there must be a bette reason and definitely better support system too. Thanks for this video!!
@@webversation You are so right! God bless the doctors and nurses but they don't know how to help once you leave their office/s. You're basically on your own to figure out how to live with this very evasive and somewhat archaic medical device. I was like "what do I now to live and function daily?". That's why I had to make the videos to help and I'm so happy I did. Wishing you and your male relative great health. Tony
@@maletenance thank you yes…I keep thinking there must be a better alternative to this archaic method for such basic, yet critical and fundamental human bodily function 🙄 #urologists or anyone in the filds related to #bladder should unit and tackle this issue somehow!!
@@webversation It's funny you should say that. I took it a step further than the videos and designed an improved catheter that should get its final patent approval in the next few months. I'm not a doctor nor in the medical field but I was a user of this device for many months and knew there had to be a better way to deal with the pain. Just walking was miserable. The functionality is the same but reduces the pain so activities of basic daily living can be accomplished. It will change many many lives for the people that have no option but to use an indwelling catheter (of which there are millions) until there is another way to void urine for severe incontinence. It will make life a lot less painful.....not pain-free, there's still a tube coming out of your privates......but it will reduce the pain to a manageable level so a sedentary lifestyle is not adopted....sans no other pre-existing mobility issues. As the saying goes " Necessity is the mother of invention". Cheers Tony ps. I hope I'll never have to use my own invention.
They don't tell ya. I use the hemorrhoid cushion. The was still to flat so i added more foam. Now very thick and i can sit anywhere no pain. I thought about making a few as well
Your extra padded cushion is a great idea. I would have bought anything to help with the pain. What's that saying - necessity is the mother of invention. I actually invented an improved catheter that allows a range of motion without the constant in and out-friction minimizing pain and discomfort so you can get on with the simple activities of daily living. It is in its final patent stage. I never would have thought about this had I not gone through having to use one.
Same for females! I can’t have it but consider it going in the abdomen vs your privates if you are going to have one a long time. You will also have infections. I’m really sick anyways and immune compromised but the infections are horrible. It’s been 3 years so far for me.
Hi and thanks for sharing. You've had a catheter for 3 years.....that's intense. I'm sorry. May I ask what your diagnosis that caused your health issues leading to catheter use? I had a suprapubic catheter also after my prostatectomy. It was not painful but a lil strange to realize I was passing urine through my stomach. You are right also about the infections with a urethral catheter. It's almost inevitable...I had 2 in a space of 3 months. Cheers and wishing you well.
After 17 days got mine removed. Been almost 3 days now and I still catch myself walking like John Wayne! Hated it so much. This channel was most helpful with decent tips. Anyway, got a radical cystectomy to look forward to after 3 months of chemotherapy starting in 2 days time.
@@Un-Woke The John Wayne reference about sums it up. I'm really happy that the videos helped. There's not much out there on living with a catheter from a person that went through it and so I had to do something to help out. I'm really sorry you have to deal with everything. My best friend has stage 4 breast cancer....its not easy. Fortunately you have access resources. If my timing is correct your procedure is tomorrow, so I'm sending you good vibes and positive energy to get through it all. Cheers Tony
Hi Tony, today I met Albert here in Malta and he told me about you. I only had the catheter one day and the removal of it was so very very painful! Tony told me he felt nothing like I did on the removal. I don’t know if you know about why it could be so painful? It looks like your help with the longer term coping tips with the catheter helps a lot of people. Much gratitude!
Hi! Having a catheter for one day or months like I did can be painful and the pain threshold varies from person to person based on so many things from the size of the urethral opening, to trauma having it put in or taken out. Plus with all the nerve endings down there can all add up to being painful or for the few lucky ones no pain at all. But think they might be lying. It is after all giant straw being shoved in our willies after all. LOL! It was a pleasure to speak with Albert and I have my fingers crossed for him that everything will work out in a very positive way. My goal is to help more people who find themselves having to deal with a catheter and be peer support when there is limited information provided. Thank you for reaching out and it's good to hear that your catheter experience was not long. Wishing you continued health. Cheers Tony
Hey Roger, Sorry for my delayed response....took some time off to celebrate my mom's 87th bday. How are you doing? How's your health? Are you still dealing with the catheter? Yeah, urinary catheters are miserable. I never ever want another.....I definitely have PTSD. Why did you need one in the first place if you don't mind me asking? Hope to hear from you. Wishing you great health. Tony
@@maletenance sorry Tony, this didn't come up.on my feed. Happy belated to your mother. I lost mine at 59 so I'm glad your mum has managed to see 20+ more years bro! I had an operation that didn't go well. They then did a re-correction but this has led to an embarrassing condition which ended up in burst stitches so the catheter (which is still in and causing me a lot of irritation) has been put in to stop me from reinfecting the area.
@@rogermajor1490 no apology's needed. Especially with all that's going on with you. OMG Roger!!! WTF man! I'm so sorry to hear what's going on. What operation? What burst? Damn! Where are you now? Hey, listen I'd like to hear more if you wanna talk. Spoken to a lot of guys who I met here and it's been good to talk to someone who's gone through some similar shit. It helps cause other people don't get it. tony.alcindor@maletenance.com Totally get it if you don't either..that's cool too. What are the next steps for you?
Hi I have been wearing a cathetar for about 9 months now....My urologist recomended a flip flo to preserve bladder function which is basically a littlt tap instead of a bag...wearing the bag can impaire bladder function over time I Have been told....Also in the UK I have a hydrogel coated silicon cathetar which to be honest I do not even know it is there..I get it changed every 3 months..by a nurse...There is also a medical study which showed that 8 days of water fasting reduced prostate size by 30 %..This is my next project to see if I can go without an operation...☺
Hi, Thank you for sharing. You've figured some things out that are working for you which is great! I have spoken to many people and the flip flo valve catheter works great for them. Others not so much, they got the worst bladder spasms. Although many of us share the same diagnosis our anatomy, physiology, overall health play a major factor in which catheter systems works best and thank God theres options. If you can please forward me the link to the study. I'm curious about it and it's success rate. I know, when I got my BPH diagnosis, I desperately tried several medications but the size and irregular shape of my prostate was too far gone. I think my doctor was just pacifying me, when he already knew the outcome. I hope you find the success I didn't. Cheers. Tony
Hi, I am so sorry for the delayed response to your kind words. I've just learned how to respond to comments on the back end of my site. I hope the message finds you healthy and well. Cheers, and wishing you all the best. Tony
This suggestion works for me sitting on the couch. BUT I have to sit at a desk using the computer for several hours a day. Any suggestions for sitting in a desk chair?
@mikeroads1529 Hi Mike, I'm sorry that the travel pillow is not doing the trick. It saved me because like you, I had to sit at my desk while I had my catheter. The only other thing that someone mentioned was a hemorrhoid pillow. Other than that I'm so sorry I don't have anything else to suggest. If you figure something out please share it as it will help others who visit here. Hang in there.
hi there tony. just had a catheter yesterday coz i was diagnosed with urine retention. after attaching it after just 2-3 hrs it keeps getting full. sometime there is blood. is it normal?
Hi there, I'm sorry you have to deal with a catheter. It can be quite daunting with limited if any information provided on how to live with the dan thing. However, I will be happy to help in any way I can. Firstly - You no longer pee the way you used to....the urine just kind of leaks/dribbles out all the time. So you could look down and see the bag is full and not even realize it. The second thing is the urine bag you have may be too small. You may need to get a larger daytime bag. You should also get the large night bag which usually comes with a longer tube so it can hang off the bed. Regarding finding blood in the urine - if it's not accompanied by pain beyond the pain of having the catheter, there is no fever, and the blood is not excessive, it's completely normal. The tip of the catheter rubs the delicate inner lining of the bladder causing minor trauma, hence the blood and sometimes blood clots. I did a whole video about it called 50 Shades of Pee. Here's the link. th-cam.com/video/dYbSGa4ouYo/w-d-xo.html Let me know if you have any other questions and feel free to email me at Tony.Alcindor@Maletenance.com. Hang in there. Tony
It certainly is, and it's spelled perineum. Regardless, I hope you find some applicable information here that will make your time with a catheter exponentially better. Cheers, and wishing you great health.
I've been wearing a urinary catheter for 3 months and don't know when I'll have it removed. I have the same problem as you do. You have to figure out how to live with it.
You'll find way to get through it. You've already come such a long way. I had mine for a little over 3 months pre-surgery. May I ask what led you to catheter use and why you don't know yet when you'll have it removed?
@@user-ny1rh3br5j I was wondering if you'd mind telling me more about your experience with double balloon catheter and your HoLEO procedure? I could maybe make a video to help others who come here looking for help and support on how to deal with bladder spasms. By the way how are you doing since you had your procedure? You're welcome to email me at tony.alcindor@maletenance.com if you decide too.
Hey Tony, just another grateful stranger here wanting to say thank you so much for these videos. They have been absolutely invaluable in helping me through this traumatic experience. I'm a 36 year old guy from Scotland. Ended up in the emergency room after several months of issues (potential chronic prostatitis, still on waiting list for urology specialis). The staff nurse put the catheter in and i screamed at the top of my lungs, but over 1 litre ended up coming out. The whole night was a blur, i was on such strong painkillers too. The nurse barely gave me any information on how to manage the catheter and seemed annoyed when i asked about sitting on the toilet or to explain twice how the night bag worked (my set up has a day bag at all times and you attach the night bag to the bottom of it). She also said it shouldn't be hurting as much as i was saying, insinuating i was exaggerating. Not a nice experience! I got given a single sheet of paper with some very basic info and told I'll be contacted by the urology clinic in about 2 weeks. I don't need to tell you how i felt or what I've been going through, I'm on day 4 with it in now. Finding your videos were a godsend, all the things i wanted to know were there. Another man openly talking about feelings of embarrassment (and for myself even shame being 36, I've not told anyone at work except my boss so i could get time off). I'm just so grateful this resource was there, you have no idea how much it's lowered my anxiety and made a stressful situation that much easier to cope with. I know you've probably had endless comments like this, but even if you dont see it, i still just want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Hi hi hi! I am so glad you found the channel and sorry you are going through a very difficult time. Thank you for the kind words and I am so pleased that the videos are helping. Your journey sounds familiar to mine, and the hundreds of other men who visited the channel seeking any information. I had my first catheter in the ER. The nurses tried six excruciating times, poking and jabbing before the on-call urologist finally got it in. I have never felt such blinding pain. I was discharged with not one bit of information on how to live with the damn thing. It is a real shame that no information is supplied on how to live with the archaic torture device. I mean what in the actual #$%&!!!! Even once I got a urologist who would take my insurance (don't even get me started on the state of insurance in the US) I still got no practical info. If you haven't had a catheter, what can you possibly offer on how to live with the damn thing day in and day out. Oh and forget about anyone talking about the mental and emotional toll! That is one of the reasons why I had to make the videos. Men were suffering in silence. You're unfortunately part of a club that you didn't want to be in and I gotta help the members out. I feel your pain, I know what you're going through. It is so unfair, painful, traumatizing, and anxiety-inducing. I've said it before and I'll say it again, it's the definition of adding insult to injury! I also very much understand your not wanting to share what's going on with anyone. I felt broken and embarrassed. It's a mind f@ck that requires some serious mental gymnastics to get through it all and no one can help you with the mental toll unless they've been there. I get it, I really do. However, understand that you are not alone; thousands of us have been through it and you will get through it. Regarding your comment - I answer all the comments/messages left here and answer every single one of them. When I read these comments it breaks my heart to hear someone suffering and if I can offer some peer support I will. I have even gone a step further and offer to speak to anyone who needs me. I have spoken to people from around the world - Malta, Thailand, England, Singapore, and all over the USA - offering peer support and it has helped. There's nothing like talking to someone who knows what you're going through. Bonus, I've made some new friends. I used to charge because it takes time but I'm getting rid of that and people can offer something or not. I just have to help and it feels good to know I helped even a little bit. If you have any questions or just need to shoot the shit and vent, feel free to reach out to me at tony.alcindor@Maletenance.com and we'll set up a time to talk. In the meantime, I hope you're doing ok and getting through it all. Hang in there. Cheers, and all my best. Tony
Ah yes.The wonderful National Health Service. A waiting list for a Urology Specialist? While we have to pay or have insurance here in the US the person we would go to first would be the Urology Specialist not some General Medicine doctor for the referral. I would fight tooth and nail against any plan to adopt such stupidity.
@@maletenanceTony, when you say change your Catheter, do you mean the catheter pipe of the catheter bags? my dr said I have to change my leg bag once a week
Came across this video doing research for my husband.took him to er as he could not pee.had uti so they gave him antibiotics to take for 10 days and put catheter in. We have no idea if his pain is normal, how long it will last, how often he has to change out bag.i read he should be emptying when only half full but they didnt even tell us that. Thankyou so much for sharing your experiencr
Hi Rebecca, I'm so glad you found the videos helpful. When it happened to me....also in the er.....I was so confused. I had no idea what to do with this archaic device and I was just sent home with no information on how to live with it. It was physically trying and a mental %$#! If you have any questions that I did not cover in the videos please feel free to ask and I'll do my best to answer them. Cheers, and wishing you both great health. Tony ps. I hope they gave you supplies, especially the night bag which is much larger.
So kind of you Tony. I am doing my best to keep his spirits up as he is a little discouraged.im no dr but am thinking this may be related to his newly diagnosed diverticulitis and abcess.its all so closely related.its encouraging to see someone like yourself on the other side of this nightmare
@@rebeccamacandrew5595 Oh I know that feeling of a little discouraged well. For me, it was not only the physical but the mental and emotional that was tough that I never shared. People would ask me how I was doing and I would say fine but internally I was struggling. I felt at times broken or shame or less than or some other crap that was running around in my head. All this attention was being placed around my privates and it was exhausting and embarrassing at times. I just wanted everyone to go away and for things to go back to normal. It required some serious mental gymnastics to get through it all. I had to have a real "come to Jesus" about it and know that I was on the road to a better place of health than the one I was in. Anyhow, I'm happy to report I'm healthy today.....body, mind, and spirit. Sorry, I'm blabbing......I wish you both strength....hang in there. Tony
2 weeks ago I was your husband, I drove to the er, and I'm doing the research. This guy was some help But if your me, him trying to be cute was annoying. The 1st cathy I got in er was far more tolerable, soft rubbery than this 2nd one the urologist put in during my kidney stone removal. OMG this new one is made of a hard hose, I feeel it right now as I m trying to type. If hubby needs a replacement ask for the soft tubing, the one I have OMG, hurts at the opening also
Probably best. I'm actually in the final stages of receiving my patent for an improved catheter design that will allow range of motion. You'd be able to ride a bike. It's been almost a three year process but I could not be more proud knowing that when it finally gets to market it will help so many have some semblance of normalcy Cheers and wishing you great health.
Thanks for the great tips. Wondering how you afix the tubing? I've learned that having slack in looping the foley gets rid of my pain issues. The gizmos that swivel the foley seem to make things much worse (In my experience) Also I understand why its important to not have the foley yanked out but that is pretty hard to imagine if the ballon is in inflated. Whats of more concern to me is any lateral motion of the foley that can cause pain to the end of the urethera. Hate to say how little info I was given after my prestectomy. Nothing about cleaning and the crust? Ouch ouch ouch. soap and water several times a day is the other way I've learned how to make my foley pain free.
Jay, we are members of a club we never wanted to be in. Man, so much of what you say I went through too. No info on living with a catheter was what prompted me to start this channel. My urologist and nurses were the best but had no info on living with it, moving around, and cleaning.....oh the crust was terrible......fuckn sandpaper. I'm so sorry you have to deal with all this.....it's a lot and if your heads not on right you could lose your shit! Mental gymnastics all day. So here's what I did with the lil swivel thingy, I found if I moved it more toward the inside of my thigh it really helped. Since I had it in for so many months it actually made me think there has to be a better way. So I come up with an improved catheter (final utility patent pending) for those who are mobile allowing range of motion to accomplish activities of daily living. I'd say it will reduce the pain by 80% This as you know makes a world of difference in navigating life with this archaic device. Anyhow, you hang in there, and wishing you great health. Cheers Tony ps. May I ask what your diagnosis was and how old you are.....it'll help with my advocacy plans for earlier screening.
@@rmgpdoc Everything with the final approval got backed up due to Covid. However, I hope to hear from the USPTO in the first quarter of 2023 that its received final approval, which I believe it will. Then I can figure out the next steps to get it to market. I wish I could tell you how it works cause I'm so excited and it was so simple I couldn't believe it. It will help so many.
@@rmgpdoc As the saying goes "From your mouth to God's ear". It will allow so many to have more painless mobility and carry on with a somewhat normal routine especially since we are seeing a rise in prostate issues (I can only speak to this area of catheter use) causing incontinence in those much younger than in previous years. I'm certain it will help with bladder spasms however clinical tests will be needed to provide accurate data.
Oh wow! That could be a lot to deal with. Are you able to use an intermittent catheter as an option? If not you'll need an aisle seat for sure closest to the restroom. Wonder if there's a way to hide the bigger overnight urinary bag discreetly once you're on board. Like once you're seated go to the bathroom with a blanket or something, pretend your cold, switch bags, and hide it on the way back to your seat. I dunno man, just a suggestion so you're not getting up all the time to drain the bag. Lemmie know what. you end up doing so I can share it here who may have to take a long flight also. Cheers T
@@maletenance Flight is tomorrow. going to go to the hospital today and ask them about my options. I am thinking i want to try just bringing regular cathaters with me and using them if i have to.
@@maletenance Went to hospital earlier and they put foley catheter in. When they put air in the balloon it hurt more than when they put the catheter in and then no urine came out. I also had a stinging like pain while it was already in. So they deflated the balloon and took catheter out and said they were going to put it back in but this time use local anesthesia. I asked the doctor what are the chances of me dieing if i cannot urinate during the entire 14 hour flight and she said you will be fine and told me she went 24 hours without peeing one time. So 730pm september 25th in the Philippines right now. My flight is the 26th at 6 pm back to NY one 10 hour and one 14 hour flight.
@@JJason406 How's it going with the second catheter? I can see it's been about 4 hours. Is the catheter working? I'm sure this is nerve-wracking and stressful. I got my fingers crossed for you.
@@maletenance Doctor in Qatar refused to give me a catheter. I missed my first flight in qatar to usa because i was afraid about going on the plane. Leading up to boarding i had to urinate but couldnt. So if i had the urge to urinate before a 14 hour flight i knew i wouldnt make it. I went to the medical clinic in qatar airport and they gave me a flight the next day. Long story short when i went on that flight i could not urinate the whole time. I got back to america a couple days ago. Now after being here my urinary retention is even worse. Sit on the toilet for 10 minutes and urine just dribbles out. I dont have a problem with my prostate so its not like they can remove my prostate and solve the problem. I might go to the hospital and refuse to leave until they do something to help me. I dont know what to do. I a losing my ability to urinate and running out of time.
Dont want to lean over on your bladder either. I hate this suction part that has on it. jerking at you getting ready to finish up on the tube. Acts like a sink plunger very painful. Only problem is is bad on your back. If you have a bad back. Or can weaken your back.
Man, it's not easy and no one tells you anything. You gotta figure it out all by yourself. That's why I started the channel. I was a mess and in pain physically, mentally, and emotionally. No one to talk to or too much-unwarranted attention on my privates. I had to deep and do a lot of mental gymnastics to get through. I am glad that you found the videos and I hope they help a lil bit.
2 weeks ago I drove to the er, and I'm doing the research. This guy was some help But if your me, him trying to be cute was annoying. The 1st cathy I got in er was far more tolerable, soft rubbery than this 2nd one the urologist put in during my kidney stone removal. OMG this new one is made of a hard hose, I feeel it right now as I m trying to type., next replacement ask for the soft tubing, the one I have OMG, hurts at the opening also, it is to short to where it connects with bag tubing, all up by my junk. omg
I'm glad you got something out of the videos, like the tens of thousands that did and will continue to. I may not be your cup of tea but I'm doing my best to contribute something constructive on a subject that no one was talking about based on my personal experience. I also did something productive to help the hundreds of thousands of people that will have no other option to void urine than to use a urinary catheter.....I invented a new one that will ease the pain by allowing range of motion so you can continue the activities of daily living. The final patent will be approved in 2023 and if you still have to use one you'll benefit from this annoying guy who's just trying to help. In the meantime, wishing you great health.
I've had a foley catheter for almost two years now. To make it more comfortable, you could ask the urologist to put in a smaller one. I use a 16 fr. size (orange) which is more comfortable for me than and 18 or 20. Also you can put a little KY jelly or other water based lube on the opening to your penis and a little on the tube, which will cut down on the friction there. You will probably have to do this a few times a day because it dries quite fast. I use a hemmoroid cushion to sit on, but I'm not too bothered by a regular cushioned chair.
@patrickbrouty9072 Thanks for sharing the great tips. Any and all information is always welcome. May I ask what was your diagnosis that lead to catheter use and is it going to be permanent? The reason I ask is, I've recently been awarded a patent for an improved indwelling catheter that reduces the friction at the penis opening caused by movement. It substantially reduces the chaffing so the user can lead a more normal life. I wonder if this is something you would benefit from and what would you be willing to pay? I'm working to get it to market and your answer would be helpful. If you prefer to answer privately you can email at Tony.alcindor@Maletenance.com If you'd prefer not to answer I completely understand and wish you all the best. Cheers, Tony
@@maletenance I have an enlarged prostate (BPH), which led to urine retention and kidney damage. I've been on prostate medicine to reduce the size of the prostate but have not been able to urinate without a catheter after trying two times. I get the catheter changed every month at a clinic here in Romania. They always ask what size I want and I have the best results with the 16 fr. This is covered by my insurance. I also change the bag with tube every 3 days. I've went for a TURP surgery but it was canceled due to slow blood coagulation. Other procedures are not possible now due to the kidney insufficiency. So, for now, I am stuck with the catheter. It's great your working on a new design. I would be interested in how it works. I'm not greatly bothered by soreness. But I'm sure many would benefit from this new design.
Thanks for sharing. I had BPH also and was on medications which unfortunately did not work. It was always a lil heart breaking every time I tired to urinate on my own and it didn't work. I did not have kidney damage and ended up having a prostatectomy. I'm sorry that you don't have a solution yet and having a catheter is not easy but you seem to have a positive attitude which is important. Also, sounds like you have great health insurance....it's very different here in the US. As for the improved catheter, it works pretty much the same way a car suspension works by absorbing movement. Pretty simple design actually and the technology was already proven. Now just to get it to market.
Hi, I never took a bath while I had my catheter. I was advised against it as there is a higher risk of infection. The likelihood of getting a UTI is already super high as it is just from catheter use. Stick to showering and watch the video about how I did it.
According to the instruction booklet that came with my 'Colorplast' urine bags, it says to take a regular bath or shower. I prefer a long soak in a bath, but couldn't work out the best way of doing it.
@@Phaedrax2 I'm surprised that coloplast would advise a bath?! Just a suggestion ask your urologist before you submerge any part of the catheter in bathwater. Lemmie know how it works out. Cheers
@@user-ny1rh3br5j This is amazing! I would like it if we can speak sometimes. I only know what I know and am trying to offer support. You would offer another catheter experience that can help so many when limited information is provided. I've talked to many people who are at a loss on how to navigate living with a catheter. From the pain, to the emotional and mental toll. If not I understand and thanks for commenting.
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Female here. Never imagined I'd need a catheter, let alone a foley bag at the age of 41. The hospital gave me the bare minimum in terms of information regarding how to live with this thing for the next week (until I see a urologist and hopefully won't need it any longer). I know I won't have as many problems as men do with catheters, but I truly appreciate the information presented. One video in and I'm already feeling a lot less anxiety. Thank you for putting this out! I will be watching more of your content for other tips. Again, thank you!
@MinkDynastic
You are so very welcome. It makes me so proud to receive such a lovely comment because I was so afraid of putting myself out there. However, it had been the thing I am most proud of. Male or female getting a catheter is traumatic, physically and emotionally. I am continually shocked that there is no information given on how to live with the darn thing. I decided to continue my support by making a pamphlet that doctors can give to patients ......a peer support tool not medical advice....so that they have something. Let me know if I can send you some to give to them. It will make it easier for the next person.
My email is Tony.alcindor@maletenance.com
I got my fingers crossed for you that you wont need it any longer.
Cheers and wishing you great health. Tony
I’m a woman caring for my elderly father who is using a catheter. It’s difficult for him to have these conversations with me, understandably. Now I understand why he no longer sits on his favorite chair while watching tv. He’s been laying on the sofa instead. I appreciate your channel. Thank you soooo much!
Firstly, Thank you for the kind words and I am so glad that the videos/channel have helped. So much of having a catheter is a mystery and there is no info on how to live with the darn thing. Secondly, my hat is off to you for caring & supporting your father and researching information on how best to help him. I know it's difficult for daughters/wives/sisters etc to speak with fathers/husbands/brothers etc about urinary catheter use. The location presents some uncomfortable moments. Also, it's so personal and odd to have so much-unwarranted attention around your privates coming from your female support system. I know personally that I sometimes just wanted to not talk about it even though they had the best intentions. I know silly man thing. Hang in there, both of you and I send you a BIG virtual hug. Cheers. Tony
So glad I found this video. Thank you so much. It's very frustrating that doctors don't seem to know about this problem and there's no info on official websites
You are so welcome and I am glad you found the video useful. Check out the other ones I did about living with a catheter. I think it's under Playlist. Don't forget to like and subscribe, as it will help reach more people who could really use this info.
Cheers and wishing you great health. Tony
A brilliant and much needed video, many thanks. Just listening to this helps, as we sometimes think it is just ourselves that have this problem while for everyone else it is just plain sailing. Appreciated.
Awwwww, thanks! Happy to have helped in a lil way. It's a tough road for many having a catheter and no one tells you how painful doing simple things can become. I searched everywhere for tips on how to live with the archaic device and since no one was talking, so I decided to and I'm really happy I did.
It's not only the physical but the mental and emotional toll it takes, which no one talks about but I speak to many people about it and do my best to let them know they are not alone. The channel is probably the thing I am most proud of.
I also designed an improved catheter that will reduce the pain substantially, so that life has some semblance of normalcy. Just waiting for the final patent. Cheers. Tony
I am female so while I understand fundamental differences I know the pain of the tube getting a stricture in the tube when sitting down and using a donut pillow helps because it prevents sitting on the tube with men it acts as a platform so the penis remains straight and therefore the catheter tube is straight. I know having a catheter has many more challenges and pain associated with catheters.....also where the tube goes in can be painful usually cleaning and putting a small amount of lubricant around the tube alleviates this.
Many surgical procedures are performed so more and more young people have to use catheters for some months following surgery...so it is great you have these videos because the nurses/Doctors do not prepare you for all the issues living with a catheter. This is something nobody talks about..that is super cool that you are because it will help someone.
I'm so glad you found the videos and great tip regarding the lubricant.
I have been pleasantly surprised the videos have helped thousands of people, of both genders, whether they are catheter users or helping and researching for a loved one.
I agree with you that unfortunately you are left unprepared on how to live with it. My doctors and nurses were great, unfortunately, they had limited information or any first-hand experience about how to live with that archaic device every day.
What's interesting is that I never thought about young people having to use a catheter when I was re-designing the indwelling catheter (I will have the final utility patent shortly). I'm not young nor was my diagnosis (although it's starting to affect younger men....that's another story) so I was only thinking about my demographic.
I thought I'm suffering and so are others, there has to be a better way to live with this thing. My intention was to make an indwelling catheter less painful (not pain-free) for the duration of use to perform the simple activities of daily living......walking, exercising, showering, sitting, going to work, etc. If I can substantially reduce the pain, then some semblance of normalcy in terms of mobility while having to use a urinary catheter can be attained, which would help add so much to the user's quality of life and would have less impact emotionally, mentally, and even financially.
I know when I had my catheter for months and months pre and post-surgery I would have benefited from this improved catheter by just being able to move around with less pain.
Until there is another way to void urine from the bladder, for those that have no mobility issues, it will make life a lot more tolerable.
Cheers, and wishing you great health.
@@mroldnewbie I have had a catheter for years and have been advised to get a suprapubic installed but most of the people I now who have it have recurring infections which is true with foley catheters but is very manageable with antibiotics.I have permanent damage as a result of long term use of a catheter but I had to have it
Hey Tony, thanks for your reply! I imagined that it was the urethra opening size that did that.
I’m very happy to meet you as you are doing a wonderful service for people.
Thank you for the kind words of support and my apologies for the delayed response. All my best
Hi Tony,just wanted to tell you that My catheter was removed yesterday and I was told that my bladder and prostate surgery was healing great.I was told that my bladder diverticulum was one of the largest the urologist had seen.And my prostate was very large . I'm happy to report that all went well and recovering and doing great.Yes the catheter was rough at times,but you can get through it.I just wanted to thank you and your subscribers for being there for support and getting advice from people who had or were going through same experience.Hope all get well soon.Thanks Jerry
Hi Jerry,
I am so happy to read your message and that everything went great and you are healing...sans catheter. I am thrilled to have been a small part of your journey. It makes me smile to know that by putting myself out there with such a personal topic it has and continues to help others.
I wish you a speedy recovery and continued great health. All my best Tony
I have been struggling with this same sitting problem which has been upending my life for the last week and a half. It’s great to hear you affirm my problem after not getting much useful advice from doctors or nurses or internet. Yesterday a friend suggested getting a gel seat cushion. I found a HOMCA memory foam donut cushion on Amazon which arrived today and immediately relieved pain at the base of the penis in my crotch. It has an elongated hole which I turned from its usual position for coccyx relief to run front to back and that worked. Thanks for providing your experiences as well as a place for commenters to give additional ideas.
Hey Warren, that is a great tip!
You and all the people who found me here are the reason I did the videos.....I just wanted to help out because there was no practical info on how to live with that archaic device.
I have more videos coming including ones about my prostatectomy surgery. That was a lot. I had a serious come to Jesus for that. Happy to report that I am healthy......a lil PTSD from the whole experience...but other than that I'm good.
Hello, I’m glad I came across your videos this morning after a night of not much sleep. I’m on day #5 with this miserable catheter after a robotic radical prostatectomy. Since we are sent home with almost no knowledge of how to care for and live with a catheter, I’m grateful for these.
Hi Christopher, I am really really glad the videos help. That was always my goal. I'm currently working on more and they should be posted soon.
Hang in there and wishing you great health.
Tony
ps. May I ask what your diagnosis was that led to the prostatectomy? I also had one. Feel free to email if you prefer not to use this platform. Cheers.
Thanks for info.I am a 72 yr old male dealing with this after prostate and bladder surgery a week ago.I have five more days till follow up with surgeon and hopefully it can be removed.your absolutely correct that you come home with virtually no knowledge on how to live comfortably with catheter and bag.mine only supposed to be two weeks, can't imagine dealing with this for months and years.your videos are very needed thank you and hope all has better health in near further
Hi Jerry, I'm sorry you had to deal with everything, however, I'm glad found the videos helpful and recovering well. Yes, the catheter is necessary evil but like you said, "no knowledge on how to live comfortably with a catheter", makes it ten times harder. Its a damn shame that this is what I hear over and over again from people. They put it in and bye bye. It's truly adding insult to injury. I'm working hard to change that.
Anyhow, I wish you well and hopefully you don't have to use the catheter any longer than needed.
Cheers, Tony
Seriously man, all your tips are super useful. Have had a catheter for sometime and can relate with all these problems. Especially your coat hanger trick was the best. Thanks a lot and god bless.
So happy to hear that the videos helped. It was scary putting my face out there for something so personal but I knew if I did it would be of some help to so many who find themselves having to deal with a catheter.
Cheers mate.
Thank you for you helpful and honest
information. I needed this so bad.
Sharon, I'm so glad that you found the information helpful. It's not easy having to adjust to living with a catheter for any period of time and I thought that by making these videos....even though I was so scared of putting myself out there with this topic.....that it would help so many. I'm really happy and humbled that it has done just that.
Cheers, and wishing you and your loved ones great health. Tony
Fortunately for me, I saw this video prior to my bladder tumor removal this week. I purchased two neck pillows and those were the only thing I could sit on for the two days I had the catheter. Thank you for making these videos. You helped me prepare and understand so I can only guess many, many others have been helped.
Thank you for the kind words and I am so glad the videos helped you. I'm humbled to be a small part of so many people's journeys and to provide some information that they may not have received on how to live with a catheter. Cheers, and wishing you great health. Tony
Thanks for making this video. I can’t believe it’s been so difficult to find tips on this topic.
You are so welcome. Just knowing I helped in. small way makes me happy. New videos are coming soon. Cheers
Thank you brother. I have to get out of this bed and shake off the self pitty.
You are so welcome. I know the self-pity well. I was $@#ed up and rightly so. I felt broken. It required some serious mental gymnastics and I had to dig deep. It's only your first few days so you're allowed to wallow in a lil self-pity but in order to get through, you can't live there.
If you need an ear or have any questions, reach out. Cheers mate. Tony
Dude thanks for explaining it so well you're awesome
Martin, I'm really glad you found the video helpful. Don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions that I did not cover in the other videos.
Cheers, and wishing you great health.
Thank you so much for making these videos, I was recent discharged with a Foley and wasn't given that much information about home care!
You are so welcome and thank you for the kinds words. It makes me really happy that the videos are helping so many.
Wishing you great health.
Tony
Abi....you were not the only one to have received little to no information about home care. Or to even how to live with a foley.
I like him. The giggling did it for me.
Hey just wanted to say thanks for doing these videos. Very helpful. Had some good laughs too lol
Glad the videos helped and you got a giggle too....laughter is great medicine.
Cheers, and wishing you great health.
Thank you Tony, I’m on the 2nd Foley catheter since my prostatectomy due to a bladder neck stricture, urologist is trying to dilate it too open up. I never heard this might be a possibility prior to the surgery. I more or less laid in bed for two weeks after surgery, didn’t sit on anything hard or for long.
This time I’m 6 weeks after surgery and driving or sitting for any extended periods is damned uncomfortable and becomes extremely painful/ache.
I bought a gel/foam drivers seat pad for the truck & Gabe adopted a two pillow lay/sit position on the love seat or couch. Your videos & your manner have been extremely helpful!
Hi Dale, It is a $#@! drag and no one tells you that something as basic as sitting is gonna hurt AF. So sorry you're dealing with some complications after surgery. You've been through enough. Hang in there. When I woke up from my prostatectomy I had so many tubes coming out of me I just went back to sleep cause I couldn't deal. I don't know what you had but I had not only the indwelling catheter but also an SPC and a drain. I have a scar that runs down the middle and two dimples on either side that look like a stupid face on my lower abdomen. I guess it's a small price to pay for my health sans prostate.
I'm really glad the videos have helped. That was my mission - to shed some light on this journey from someone whose actually been through it and I'm humbled it's making a small difference
Cheers mate and wishing you well. Tony
Thank you for your video, the information is very useful, thanks to your clips I have learned how to adapt to information.
I'm very happy that you found the videos useful. If you have any questions I did not cover with the videos please feel free to reach out to me at Tony.Alcindor@Maletenance.com
In the mean time hang in there and wishing you well. Tony
Thanks for these helpful vids 👍🏼
Hi Mark, you are very welcome and I'm glad that you found the videos helpful.
Cheers, and wishing you great health.
Tony i brought in one of those vinyl lawn chairs that have a lot of give to them. I put in in the kitchen where i spend a lot of time. Great video
Thank you! The lawn chair is a great idea!
Thank you so much very informative
Grace, I'm so glad you found the video helpful.
Wishing you great health.
Hi Tony Thank you for these videos as I am sure they help so many that never say thank you . anyway I am 66 and have been cathed 3 times since age 60 for urine retention come to find out Oxalates (plant toxins) caused the bladder sphincter to STOP me from expelling for about 12hrs each, SO glad to figure out the problem. Oxalate dumping, did not know a thing about it 2 days ago am now near expert. Best Regards.
Hi David, I really appreciate you taking the time to write me and thank me for the videos. Being able to provide some much-needed information on how to live with a catheter is probably one of the best things I've done.
Now on to Oxalates.....WTF! I have never heard of such a thing. I had to Google it immediately and was stunned, especially because many of those foods are supposed to be good for you. I'm looking at spinach with different eyes. Sheesh, you can't win for tryin sometimes. I'm glad it's not permanent. I really hope you have no more incontinence issues and have to revisit catheter use.
Cheers, and wishing you and your loved ones great health. Tony
Thanks for the info when it comes to sit on a hard surface chair. Mind you I knew already that it could be painful to sit on a hard surface chair. I learned it the hard way the first time I had an appointment with a physician.
Ouch right! Who knew something so basic as sitting could be so painful. Then again who knew that something as basic as going pee would be something I prayed for every day for months.
I had to have surgery to get there but urinating on my own is an absolute joy!!!
Wishing you great health. Tony
@@maletenance And, when having a foley, there are things which one could miss and that would be to take a bath. I can tell you that I sure would not take it for granted.
Gotta thank you, Tony, for your catheter videos. They are great. I love the hanger trick for the night bag. And the tips for sitting. i find I can sit on just about any surface if I sit forward -- on the edge of my chair -- and turn a little sideways. Your tips are excellent, because like you say, they send you home with this pokey thing in your bladder and wish you good luck.
Hey Charles, I'm really glad the video's help. That was the mission so mission accomplished. I wish you great health.
The neck pillow is a great idea
It was a life saver!
Thank you So very much,I got out of surgery 3 day's ago &; I was.expeirancimg extremely bad pain due. To having a cathiter connected to my privates parts & the pain pills were not helping but your advice did help,knowing how to sit on a chair.stopped the worse pain ever,So thank you.G.M.,oh yeah,I had a kidney stone the size of a golf ball removed & another stone in my urethra, & it took a month for the doctors to remove it,thanks for your help.G.M./NY.C
Hi George, I'm really happy the video helped. Everything take a little getting used to when you have a catheter. Slow everything down if you can.
It sounds like you've been on a journey thats for sure! Golf ball sized kidney stones....holy hell!!!! Now your one mission is to rest and recover. Don't do too much.
By the way what surgery did you have and what was your diagnosis if you don't mind me asking. You're welcome to email me if you prefer some anonymity.
Cheers and wishing you and your loved ones great health. Tony
Thanks. It works for me.
You are so welcome!
Wishing you great health.
Tony
My desk chair is padded but I’ll bet a softer pillow would help. I just overlooked that. Thanks! For the very timely response!
You are so welcome. If you haven't purchased a softer pillow yet get the travel pillow. Because of the hole in the center it removes any direct pressure from sitting on a full surface. It's kinda like your privates are floating or suspended. The only downside I found from sitting upright for along time, is that the catheter, which is straight, is now forced to bend to accommodate sitting and as as result it caused some minor trauma to the delicate inner walls of my bladder. It caused some minor bleeding, which I saw in the urine bag and a couple of times on the floor. It can be quite alarming.
This is the video I needed thank u so so much. My god painful I always have to stay on my side. This is very informative
I am so happy this video helped! You made me smile. Best feeling ever! Oh but that pain......I'm having PTSD just thinking about it.
The funny thing is because of that pain, I actually designed an improved urinary catheter and filed my utility patent last year. I was in so much pain and couldn't move, I thought there had to be a better way and decided to do something about it.
It took some time and a lot of R & D (I have no background in healthcare just first-hand experience...which is more than I can say for most if not all of the professionals that treated me. They were great but have no idea what it's like) but I have come up with something special that allows the user range of motion to continue the activities of daily living. It makes the whole process of having to use a catheter less painful....not pain-free but minimizes the pain to a tolerable level so you can function. I am very proud as it will change the lives of so many until they think of a better, less archaic way to void urine.
Wishing you great health.
So true! Many doctors and nurses don’t know how to help with the immense pain of the patient and related intricacies of it😬I am researching for a male relative who is in pain for this and I keep thinking there must be a bette reason and definitely better support system too. Thanks for this video!!
@@webversation You are so right! God bless the doctors and nurses but they don't know how to help once you leave their office/s. You're basically on your own to figure out how to live with this very evasive and somewhat archaic medical device. I was like "what do I now to live and function daily?". That's why I had to make the videos to help and I'm so happy I did.
Wishing you and your male relative great health.
Tony
@@maletenance thank you yes…I keep thinking there must be a better alternative to this archaic method for such basic, yet critical and fundamental human bodily function 🙄 #urologists or anyone in the filds related to #bladder should unit and tackle this issue somehow!!
@@webversation It's funny you should say that. I took it a step further than the videos and designed an improved catheter that should get its final patent approval in the next few months.
I'm not a doctor nor in the medical field but I was a user of this device for many months and knew there had to be a better way to deal with the pain. Just walking was miserable.
The functionality is the same but reduces the pain so activities of basic daily living can be accomplished. It will change many many lives for the people that have no option but to use an indwelling catheter (of which there are millions) until there is another way to void urine for severe incontinence.
It will make life a lot less painful.....not pain-free, there's still a tube coming out of your privates......but it will reduce the pain to a manageable level so a sedentary lifestyle is not adopted....sans no other pre-existing mobility issues.
As the saying goes " Necessity is the mother of invention".
Cheers
Tony
ps. I hope I'll never have to use my own invention.
THANK YOU!!!!!
You are very welcome. How're you gettin on?
They don't tell ya. I use the hemorrhoid cushion. The was still to flat so i added more foam. Now very thick and i can sit anywhere no pain. I thought about making a few as well
Your extra padded cushion is a great idea. I would have bought anything to help with the pain. What's that saying - necessity is the mother of invention. I actually invented an improved catheter that allows a range of motion without the constant in and out-friction minimizing pain and discomfort so you can get on with the simple activities of daily living. It is in its final patent stage. I never would have thought about this had I not gone through having to use one.
Same for females! I can’t have it but consider it going in the abdomen vs your privates if you are going to have one a long time. You will also have infections. I’m really sick anyways and immune compromised but the infections are horrible. It’s been 3 years so far for me.
Hi and thanks for sharing. You've had a catheter for 3 years.....that's intense. I'm sorry. May I ask what your diagnosis that caused your health issues leading to catheter use? I had a suprapubic catheter also after my prostatectomy. It was not painful but a lil strange to realize I was passing urine through my stomach. You are right also about the infections with a urethral catheter. It's almost inevitable...I had 2 in a space of 3 months.
Cheers and wishing you well.
So true, lay back. Don’t sit up straight
Right!!!! It was miserable any other way.
Wishing you great health.
Your right , totally ruined my life, could hardly walk after one fitted, just cant used to it.
It's miserable AF! How are you doing now? Are you still using a catheter?
After 17 days got mine removed. Been almost 3 days now and I still catch myself walking like John Wayne! Hated it so much. This channel was most helpful with decent tips. Anyway, got a radical cystectomy to look forward to after 3 months of chemotherapy starting in 2 days time.
@@Un-Woke The John Wayne reference about sums it up. I'm really happy that the videos helped. There's not much out there on living with a catheter from a person that went through it and so I had to do something to help out. I'm really sorry you have to deal with everything. My best friend has stage 4 breast cancer....its not easy. Fortunately you have access resources. If my timing is correct your procedure is tomorrow, so I'm sending you good vibes and positive energy to get through it all. Cheers Tony
@@maletenance Many thanks, brother!
@@Un-Woke You are so welcome. Cheers, and wishing you great health. Tony
Hi Tony, today I met Albert here in Malta and he told me about you.
I only had the catheter one day and the removal of it was so very very painful! Tony told me he felt nothing like I did on the removal.
I don’t know if you know about why it could be so painful?
It looks like your help with the longer term coping tips with the catheter helps a lot of people.
Much gratitude!
Hi! Having a catheter for one day or months like I did can be painful and the pain threshold varies from person to person based on so many things from the size of the urethral opening, to trauma having it put in or taken out. Plus with all the nerve endings down there can all add up to being painful or for the few lucky ones no pain at all. But think they might be lying. It is after all giant straw being shoved in our willies after all. LOL!
It was a pleasure to speak with Albert and I have my fingers crossed for him that everything will work out in a very positive way. My goal is to help more people who find themselves having to deal with a catheter and be peer support when there is limited information provided. Thank you for reaching out and it's good to hear that your catheter experience was not long. Wishing you continued health. Cheers Tony
This is spot on. I'm in hospital with one now. God awful feeling when sitting be it the toilet or upright for food
Hey Roger, Sorry for my delayed response....took some time off to celebrate my mom's 87th bday.
How are you doing? How's your health? Are you still dealing with the catheter? Yeah, urinary catheters are miserable. I never ever want another.....I definitely have PTSD. Why did you need one in the first place if you don't mind me asking?
Hope to hear from you.
Wishing you great health.
Tony
@@maletenance sorry Tony, this didn't come up.on my feed. Happy belated to your mother. I lost mine at 59 so I'm glad your mum has managed to see 20+ more years bro!
I had an operation that didn't go well. They then did a re-correction but this has led to an embarrassing condition which ended up in burst stitches so the catheter (which is still in and causing me a lot of irritation) has been put in to stop me from reinfecting the area.
@@rogermajor1490 no apology's needed. Especially with all that's going on with you. OMG Roger!!! WTF man! I'm so sorry to hear what's going on. What operation? What burst? Damn! Where are you now? Hey, listen I'd like to hear more if you wanna talk. Spoken to a lot of guys who I met here and it's been good to talk to someone who's gone through some similar shit. It helps cause other people don't get it. tony.alcindor@maletenance.com
Totally get it if you don't either..that's cool too.
What are the next steps for you?
Hi I have been wearing a cathetar for about 9 months now....My urologist recomended a flip flo to preserve bladder function which is basically a littlt tap instead of a bag...wearing the bag can impaire bladder function over time I Have been told....Also in the UK I have a hydrogel coated silicon cathetar which to be honest I do not even know it is there..I get it changed every 3 months..by a nurse...There is also a medical study which showed that 8 days of water fasting reduced prostate size by 30 %..This is my next project to see if I can go without an operation...☺
Hi, Thank you for sharing. You've figured some things out that are working for you which is great! I have spoken to many people and the flip flo valve catheter works great for them. Others not so much, they got the worst bladder spasms. Although many of us share the same diagnosis our anatomy, physiology, overall health play a major factor in which catheter systems works best and thank God theres options.
If you can please forward me the link to the study. I'm curious about it and it's success rate. I know, when I got my BPH diagnosis, I desperately tried several medications but the size and irregular shape of my prostate was too far gone. I think my doctor was just pacifying me, when he already knew the outcome. I hope you find the success I didn't.
Cheers. Tony
Thanks so much I think I might have to go through this an scared 😢thanks again
Hi, I am so sorry for the delayed response to your kind words. I've just learned how to respond to comments on the back end of my site. I hope the message finds you healthy and well. Cheers, and wishing you all the best. Tony
This suggestion works for me sitting on the couch. BUT I have to sit at a desk using the computer for several hours a day. Any suggestions for sitting in a desk chair?
@mikeroads1529 Hi Mike, I'm sorry that the travel pillow is not doing the trick. It saved me because like you, I had to sit at my desk while I had my catheter. The only other thing that someone mentioned was a hemorrhoid pillow. Other than that I'm so sorry I don't have anything else to suggest. If you figure something out please share it as it will help others who visit here. Hang in there.
hi there tony. just had a catheter yesterday coz i was diagnosed with urine retention. after attaching it after just 2-3 hrs it keeps getting full. sometime there is blood. is it normal?
Hi there, I'm sorry you have to deal with a catheter. It can be quite daunting with limited if any information provided on how to live with the dan thing. However, I will be happy to help in any way I can. Firstly - You no longer pee the way you used to....the urine just kind of leaks/dribbles out all the time. So you could look down and see the bag is full and not even realize it. The second thing is the urine bag you have may be too small. You may need to get a larger daytime bag. You should also get the large night bag which usually comes with a longer tube so it can hang off the bed.
Regarding finding blood in the urine - if it's not accompanied by pain beyond the pain of having the catheter, there is no fever, and the blood is not excessive, it's completely normal. The tip of the catheter rubs the delicate inner lining of the bladder causing minor trauma, hence the blood and sometimes blood clots. I did a whole video about it called 50 Shades of Pee. Here's the link.
th-cam.com/video/dYbSGa4ouYo/w-d-xo.html
Let me know if you have any other questions and feel free to email me at Tony.Alcindor@Maletenance.com. Hang in there. Tony
I believe pereneum is the nice word for taint
It certainly is, and it's spelled perineum. Regardless, I hope you find some applicable information here that will make your time with a catheter exponentially better.
Cheers, and wishing you great health.
For some reason, I don't mind sitting on my loveseat, and I'm even able to sleep on it. But an office chair or a wooden chair? Not happening.
Right! Office and desk chairs were the worst! Glad you found a comfortable place to sit and sleep.
I've been wearing a urinary catheter for 3 months and don't know when I'll have it removed. I have the same problem as you do. You have to figure out how to live with it.
You'll find way to get through it. You've already come such a long way. I had mine for a little over 3 months pre-surgery. May I ask what led you to catheter use and why you don't know yet when you'll have it removed?
Great video - Thank you!
Really glad it helped. ☺
did you deal with bladder spasms the entire time you had your catheter or at all??
Fortunately not really. How're you doing?
@@user-ny1rh3br5j I was recently reading about the Duette two-balloon catheter and it's advantages.
@@user-ny1rh3br5j I was wondering if you'd mind telling me more about your experience with double balloon catheter and your HoLEO procedure? I could maybe make a video to help others who come here looking for help and support on how to deal with bladder spasms. By the way how are you doing since you had your procedure? You're welcome to email me at tony.alcindor@maletenance.com if you decide too.
Hey Tony, just another grateful stranger here wanting to say thank you so much for these videos. They have been absolutely invaluable in helping me through this traumatic experience.
I'm a 36 year old guy from Scotland. Ended up in the emergency room after several months of issues (potential chronic prostatitis, still on waiting list for urology specialis). The staff nurse put the catheter in and i screamed at the top of my lungs, but over 1 litre ended up coming out. The whole night was a blur, i was on such strong painkillers too. The nurse barely gave me any information on how to manage the catheter and seemed annoyed when i asked about sitting on the toilet or to explain twice how the night bag worked (my set up has a day bag at all times and you attach the night bag to the bottom of it). She also said it shouldn't be hurting as much as i was saying, insinuating i was exaggerating. Not a nice experience!
I got given a single sheet of paper with some very basic info and told I'll be contacted by the urology clinic in about 2 weeks.
I don't need to tell you how i felt or what I've been going through, I'm on day 4 with it in now. Finding your videos were a godsend, all the things i wanted to know were there. Another man openly talking about feelings of embarrassment (and for myself even shame being 36, I've not told anyone at work except my boss so i could get time off). I'm just so grateful this resource was there, you have no idea how much it's lowered my anxiety and made a stressful situation that much easier to cope with.
I know you've probably had endless comments like this, but even if you dont see it, i still just want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Hi hi hi! I am so glad you found the channel and sorry you are going through a very difficult time. Thank you for the kind words and I am so pleased that the videos are helping.
Your journey sounds familiar to mine, and the hundreds of other men who visited the channel seeking any information. I had my first catheter in the ER. The nurses tried six excruciating times, poking and jabbing before the on-call urologist finally got it in. I have never felt such blinding pain. I was discharged with not one bit of information on how to live with the damn thing. It is a real shame that no information is supplied on how to live with the archaic torture device. I mean what in the actual #$%&!!!! Even once I got a urologist who would take my insurance (don't even get me started on the state of insurance in the US) I still got no practical info. If you haven't had a catheter, what can you possibly offer on how to live with the damn thing day in and day out. Oh and forget about anyone talking about the mental and emotional toll! That is one of the reasons why I had to make the videos. Men were suffering in silence. You're unfortunately part of a club that you didn't want to be in and I gotta help the members out.
I feel your pain, I know what you're going through. It is so unfair, painful, traumatizing, and anxiety-inducing. I've said it before and I'll say it again, it's the definition of adding insult to injury!
I also very much understand your not wanting to share what's going on with anyone. I felt broken and embarrassed. It's a mind f@ck that requires some serious mental gymnastics to get through it all and no one can help you with the mental toll unless they've been there. I get it, I really do.
However, understand that you are not alone; thousands of us have been through it and you will get through it.
Regarding your comment - I answer all the comments/messages left here and answer every single one of them. When I read these comments it breaks my heart to hear someone suffering and if I can offer some peer support I will.
I have even gone a step further and offer to speak to anyone who needs me. I have spoken to people from around the world - Malta, Thailand, England, Singapore, and all over the USA - offering peer support and it has helped. There's nothing like talking to someone who knows what you're going through. Bonus, I've made some new friends.
I used to charge because it takes time but I'm getting rid of that and people can offer something or not. I just have to help and it feels good to know I helped even a little bit.
If you have any questions or just need to shoot the shit and vent, feel free to reach out to me at tony.alcindor@Maletenance.com and we'll set up a time to talk.
In the meantime, I hope you're doing ok and getting through it all. Hang in there.
Cheers, and all my best. Tony
Ah yes.The wonderful National Health Service. A waiting list for a Urology Specialist?
While we have to pay or have insurance here in the US the person we would go to first would be the Urology Specialist not some General Medicine doctor for the referral.
I would fight tooth and nail against any plan to adopt such stupidity.
I have haemorrhoids as well so its not pleasant at all so so for for TMI
Never TMI. I hope you're doing well.
Downside about the neck pillow and flattens too fast not thick or solid enough. Add more sponges to it
Great idea! I had a couple on rotation. Cheers and wishing you great health. T
How long have you had the catheter how often do you get your catheter changed
I had my catheter for just over three and a half months and had it changed every 3-4 weeks. I've been catheter free since June after my prostatectomy.
The change of the cathater depends how the cathater is made. It can be 30 days or 90 days.
@@maletenanceTony, when you say change your Catheter, do you mean the catheter pipe of the catheter bags? my dr said I have to change my leg bag once a week
Came across this video doing research for my husband.took him to er as he could not pee.had uti so they gave him antibiotics to take for 10 days and put catheter in. We have no idea if his pain is normal, how long it will last, how often he has to change out bag.i read he should be emptying when only half full but they didnt even tell us that. Thankyou so much for sharing your experiencr
Hi Rebecca, I'm so glad you found the videos helpful. When it happened to me....also in the er.....I was so confused. I had no idea what to do with this archaic device and I was just sent home with no information on how to live with it. It was physically trying and a mental %$#!
If you have any questions that I did not cover in the videos please feel free to ask and I'll do my best to answer them.
Cheers, and wishing you both great health.
Tony
ps. I hope they gave you supplies, especially the night bag which is much larger.
So kind of you Tony. I am doing my best to keep his spirits up as he is a little discouraged.im no dr but am thinking this may be related to his newly diagnosed diverticulitis and abcess.its all so closely related.its encouraging to see someone like yourself on the other side of this nightmare
@@rebeccamacandrew5595 Oh I know that feeling of a little discouraged well. For me, it was not only the physical but the mental and emotional that was tough that I never shared. People would ask me how I was doing and I would say fine but internally I was struggling. I felt at times broken or shame or less than or some other crap that was running around in my head. All this attention was being placed around my privates and it was exhausting and embarrassing at times. I just wanted everyone to go away and for things to go back to normal. It required some serious mental gymnastics to get through it all. I had to have a real "come to Jesus" about it and know that I was on the road to a better place of health than the one I was in.
Anyhow, I'm happy to report I'm healthy today.....body, mind, and spirit.
Sorry, I'm blabbing......I wish you both strength....hang in there.
Tony
2 weeks ago I was your husband, I drove to the er, and I'm doing the research. This guy was some help But if your me, him trying to be cute was annoying. The 1st cathy I got in er was far more tolerable, soft rubbery than this 2nd one the urologist put in during my kidney stone removal. OMG this new one is made of a hard hose, I feeel it right now as I m trying to type. If hubby needs a replacement ask for the soft tubing, the one I have OMG, hurts at the opening also
Guess I won’t be riding my bicycle any time soon.
Probably best. I'm actually in the final stages of receiving my patent for an improved catheter design that will allow range of motion. You'd be able to ride a bike. It's been almost a three year process but I could not be more proud knowing that when it finally gets to market it will help so many have some semblance of normalcy
Cheers and wishing you great health.
Thanks for the great tips. Wondering how you afix the tubing? I've learned that having slack in looping the foley gets rid of my pain issues. The gizmos that swivel the foley seem to make things much worse (In my experience) Also I understand why its important to not have the foley yanked out but that is pretty hard to imagine if the ballon is in inflated. Whats of more concern to me is any lateral motion of the foley that can cause pain to the end of the urethera. Hate to say how little info I was given after my prestectomy. Nothing about cleaning and the crust? Ouch ouch ouch. soap and water several times a day is the other way I've learned how to make my foley pain free.
Jay, we are members of a club we never wanted to be in. Man, so much of what you say I went through too. No info on living with a catheter was what prompted me to start this channel. My urologist and nurses were the best but had no info on living with it, moving around, and cleaning.....oh the crust was terrible......fuckn sandpaper.
I'm so sorry you have to deal with all this.....it's a lot and if your heads not on right you could lose your shit! Mental gymnastics all day.
So here's what I did with the lil swivel thingy, I found if I moved it more toward the inside of my thigh it really helped.
Since I had it in for so many months it actually made me think there has to be a better way. So I come up with an improved catheter (final utility patent pending) for those who are mobile allowing range of motion to accomplish activities of daily living. I'd say it will reduce the pain by 80% This as you know makes a world of difference in navigating life with this archaic device.
Anyhow, you hang in there, and wishing you great health.
Cheers Tony
ps. May I ask what your diagnosis was and how old you are.....it'll help with my advocacy plans for earlier screening.
Just praying your device comes to market soon. This field needs more help, especially for men given the dynamics and bladder spasms.
@@rmgpdoc Everything with the final approval got backed up due to Covid. However, I hope to hear from the USPTO in the first quarter of 2023 that its received final approval, which I believe it will. Then I can figure out the next steps to get it to market. I wish I could tell you how it works cause I'm so excited and it was so simple I couldn't believe it. It will help so many.
@@rmgpdoc As the saying goes "From your mouth to God's ear". It will allow so many to have more painless mobility and carry on with a somewhat normal routine especially since we are seeing a rise in prostate issues (I can only speak to this area of catheter use) causing incontinence in those much younger than in previous years. I'm certain it will help with bladder spasms however clinical tests will be needed to provide accurate data.
I have a 14 hour flight coming up soon and going to need a catheter. Not looking forward to a foley catheter.
Oh wow! That could be a lot to deal with. Are you able to use an intermittent catheter as an option? If not you'll need an aisle seat for sure closest to the restroom. Wonder if there's a way to hide the bigger overnight urinary bag discreetly once you're on board. Like once you're seated go to the bathroom with a blanket or something, pretend your cold, switch bags, and hide it on the way back to your seat. I dunno man, just a suggestion so you're not getting up all the time to drain the bag.
Lemmie know what. you end up doing so I can share it here who may have to take a long flight also.
Cheers T
@@maletenance Flight is tomorrow. going to go to the hospital today and ask them about my options. I am thinking i want to try just bringing regular cathaters with me and using them if i have to.
@@maletenance Went to hospital earlier and they put foley catheter in. When they put air in the balloon it hurt more than when they put the catheter in and then no urine came out. I also had a stinging like pain while it was already in. So they deflated the balloon and took catheter out and said they were going to put it back in but this time use local anesthesia. I asked the doctor what are the chances of me dieing if i cannot urinate during the entire 14 hour flight and she said you will be fine and told me she went 24 hours without peeing one time. So 730pm september 25th in the Philippines right now. My flight is the 26th at 6 pm back to NY one 10 hour and one 14 hour flight.
@@JJason406 How's it going with the second catheter? I can see it's been about 4 hours. Is the catheter working? I'm sure this is nerve-wracking and stressful. I got my fingers crossed for you.
@@maletenance Doctor in Qatar refused to give me a catheter. I missed my first flight in qatar to usa because i was afraid about going on the plane. Leading up to boarding i had to urinate but couldnt. So if i had the urge to urinate before a 14 hour flight i knew i wouldnt make it. I went to the medical clinic in qatar airport and they gave me a flight the next day. Long story short when i went on that flight i could not urinate the whole time. I got back to america a couple days ago. Now after being here my urinary retention is even worse. Sit on the toilet for 10 minutes and urine just dribbles out. I dont have a problem with my prostate so its not like they can remove my prostate and solve the problem. I might go to the hospital and refuse to leave until they do something to help me. I dont know what to do. I a losing my ability to urinate and running out of time.
Dont want to lean over on your bladder either. I hate this suction part that has on it. jerking at you getting ready to finish up on the tube. Acts like a sink plunger very painful. Only problem is is bad on your back. If you have a bad back. Or can weaken your back.
Man, it's not easy and no one tells you anything. You gotta figure it out all by yourself. That's why I started the channel. I was a mess and in pain physically, mentally, and emotionally. No one to talk to or too much-unwarranted attention on my privates. I had to deep and do a lot of mental gymnastics to get through. I am glad that you found the videos and I hope they help a lil bit.
2 weeks ago I drove to the er, and I'm doing the research. This guy was some help But if your me, him trying to be cute was annoying. The 1st cathy I got in er was far more tolerable, soft rubbery than this 2nd one the urologist put in during my kidney stone removal. OMG this new one is made of a hard hose, I feeel it right now as I m trying to type., next replacement ask for the soft tubing, the one I have OMG, hurts at the opening also, it is to short to where it connects with bag tubing, all up by my junk. omg
I'm glad you got something out of the videos, like the tens of thousands that did and will continue to. I may not be your cup of tea but I'm doing my best to contribute something constructive on a subject that no one was talking about based on my personal experience. I also did something productive to help the hundreds of thousands of people that will have no other option to void urine than to use a urinary catheter.....I invented a new one that will ease the pain by allowing range of motion so you can continue the activities of daily living. The final patent will be approved in 2023 and if you still have to use one you'll benefit from this annoying guy who's just trying to help.
In the meantime, wishing you great health.
I've had a foley catheter for almost two years now. To make it more comfortable, you could ask the urologist to put in a smaller one. I use a 16 fr. size (orange) which is more comfortable for me than and 18 or 20. Also you can put a little KY jelly or other water based lube on the opening to your penis and a little on the tube, which will cut down on the friction there. You will probably have to do this a few times a day because it dries quite fast. I use a hemmoroid cushion to sit on, but I'm not too bothered by a regular cushioned chair.
@patrickbrouty9072 Thanks for sharing the great tips. Any and all information is always welcome.
May I ask what was your diagnosis that lead to catheter use and is it going to be permanent? The reason I ask is, I've recently been awarded a patent for an improved indwelling catheter that reduces the friction at the penis opening caused by movement. It substantially reduces the chaffing so the user can lead a more normal life. I wonder if this is something you would benefit from and what would you be willing to pay?
I'm working to get it to market and your answer would be helpful.
If you prefer to answer privately you can email at Tony.alcindor@Maletenance.com
If you'd prefer not to answer I completely understand and wish you all the best.
Cheers, Tony
@@maletenance I have an enlarged prostate (BPH), which led to urine retention and kidney damage. I've been on prostate medicine to reduce the size of the prostate but have not been able to urinate without a catheter after trying two times. I get the catheter changed every month at a clinic here in Romania. They always ask what size I want and I have the best results with the 16 fr. This is covered by my insurance. I also change the bag with tube every 3 days. I've went for a TURP surgery but it was canceled due to slow blood coagulation. Other procedures are not possible now due to the kidney insufficiency. So, for now, I am stuck with the catheter.
It's great your working on a new design. I would be interested in how it works. I'm not greatly bothered by soreness. But I'm sure many would benefit from this new design.
Thanks for sharing. I had BPH also and was on medications which unfortunately did not work. It was always a lil heart breaking every time I tired to urinate on my own and it didn't work. I did not have kidney damage and ended up having a prostatectomy.
I'm sorry that you don't have a solution yet and having a catheter is not easy but you seem to have a positive attitude which is important. Also, sounds like you have great health insurance....it's very different here in the US.
As for the improved catheter, it works pretty much the same way a car suspension works by absorbing movement. Pretty simple design actually and the technology was already proven. Now just to get it to market.
What is the best way to take a bath whilst wearing a urine bag?
Hi, I never took a bath while I had my catheter. I was advised against it as there is a higher risk of infection. The likelihood of getting a UTI is already super high as it is just from catheter use. Stick to showering and watch the video about how I did it.
According to the instruction booklet that came with my 'Colorplast' urine bags, it says to take a regular bath or shower. I prefer a long soak in a bath, but couldn't work out the best way of doing it.
@@Phaedrax2 I'm surprised that coloplast would advise a bath?! Just a suggestion ask your urologist before you submerge any part of the catheter in bathwater. Lemmie know how it works out. Cheers
@@user-ny1rh3br5j This is amazing! I would like it if we can speak sometimes. I only know what I know and am trying to offer support. You would offer another catheter experience that can help so many when limited information is provided. I've talked to many people who are at a loss on how to navigate living with a catheter. From the pain, to the emotional and mental toll. If not I understand and thanks for commenting.
You are so right that the hospital does not tell you how uncomfortable it is. Sitting in a half-reclined position was so much more comfy.