Thank you for your videos and for being so open and honest. I hate when doctors and nurses play down how much a procedure will hurt. Thanks to your honesty I will know how to handle it if I ever have to.
Hi Michael, I really appreciate your kind words of support. There is a common theme I've noticed over the years when someone gets a urinary catheter: no information is provided on how to navigate this new reality. To me, this is the ultimate definition of adding insult to injury. I may not have all the answers but it's a good starting point which is better than nothing and to your point....it's never just "a pinch". I needed to share what I went through so that others would hopefully benefit and I am proud and humbled it has done exactly that. Anyhow, I hope that you will not have to experience using a catheter to urinate. I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy. Cheers, and wishing you and your loved ones great health. Tony
Hi Joe, No i didn't know about a belly bag. What's that? It'll help others who come here for tips. I am happy to report that I am no longer using a catheter and urinating great on my own, however, I also no longer have a prostate. How are you doing? how'd you find the vids and what led to catheter use?
@@maletenance The belly bag allows you to sling the collection bag around the waist rather that having to wear it on leg. I have rather big and meaty thighs and the straps were just not long enough to be comfortable. The belly bag is more comfortable for me. Again one can't wear tight pants or jeans.....it is the expansion of the collection bag has to go somewhere. Current fashion of joggers really make dressing so much fashionable. I have benign prostate swelling and have been using a Cath for too long to think about.
@@joerobinson6737 Thanks for sharing the info. Yeah, joggers are in style so that's a plus. I'm actually doing something about the leg straps for the reason you say....not long enough and also they slide down when full. Hope to have some samples soon, then be able to sell them. Regarding the length of time you've been using a catheter (sorry to bring it up) - is this the final solution or is there a surgical or medical procedure in your future?
@@maletenance Since there is no indication of cancer, and that I have gained so much weight with depression (yes - it does affect a guy) this is a permanent things - for now.......I have gotten used to it. I want to avoid surgery if anything can be done instead (any where on the body)
@joerobinson6737 Hi Joe, please excuse my delayed response. I am happy to hear that there is no cancer. They didn't find any with me either. I know all about the depression that can be consuming and debilitating....especially when it comes to our privates. Men are certainly not immune from it.....we just don't talk about it, which is unfortunate. We suffer in silence. I know when all of this happened to me I had to have a serious and honest talk with myself. I had some decisions to make that would impact the quality of my life. I had to take back control where ever I could find it so I wouldn't feel like life was just shitting on me. I stopped asking "why me" and instead accepted that it was just my turn. I'm not special, why should I be immune from sickness. Once I released that I was able to make and take small steps to change. I knew that having a catheter I would be stuck not moving as much and I would add insult to injury by gaining weight, then myself loathing would happen and my confidence would go, so I watched what I ate. Everyday I patted myself on the back to say "Good job...you're trying". I dug deep and fond a reservoir of strength that I didn't even know existed. All this to say it allowed me to take the steps I needed to make the decisions needed to improve my life. I'm not always consistent but I don't beat myself up when I mess up, I just get back up, brush myself off and keep it moving. I decided to have the surgery because for me the removal of my prostate was a small price to pay to be able to move freely, pee normally and lead a normal life. I have so much I still want to do and turning 60 I better get a move on. But thats just me. I'm just sharing my experience that is not in the videos. Neither is there video's of me eating a pint of ice cream, or laying on the bathroom floor bawling my eyes out. Sorry, I'm blabbing! Too much coffee. Wishing you all the best. Cheers Tony
Ooooofff one of the most uncomfortable experiences I've ever had. Barely let the numbing gel work then took 5 attempts!! Ended up having to use a wire guide. Awful. Am very apprehensive about getting my current one changed.
I could not agree with you more. It took them 6 tries in the ER before they called the on-call urologist who finally got it in. I definitely have PTSD from that ordeal. I had a total, if memory serves, of 12 throughout my experience. I hated it every time, however, I learned to breathe, I had the stress balls and went to my secret place in my mind where everything was perfect.....it helped. If you tense up it's worse. I know, I know easier said than done but worth trying. If you have any questions I'd be happy to help. I've spoken to a ton of guys. I gotta support my mates. You can also email me at tony.alcindor@Maltenance.com. Also how'd you end up with a catheter? I had severe BPH. Cheers Tony
@@maletenance Been having retention issues for 18 months. Had a TURP a year ago as my left ureter was a bit blocked and they tried putting in a stent. Was unsuccessful. They did however find some cancer in my prostate. Since then my urethra slowly restricted to the point where I couldn't pee again so thats when I got the catheter again. First time was in Feb 2022 and they put me on Doxasozin which relaxes the prostate but somethings going in there that we've yet to diagnose. Possibly the cancer is causing a stricture.Urology seem rather lax in investigating. Have an appointment on the 15th with them. I'm going to push for answers!
If you need numbing cream they arent doing it right. It may be uncomfortable but it shouldn't hurt. I put my husbands in all the time and we dont use lidocaine andnhe says i do good but he does say there are people that are rough.
I'm really so sorry, thank God I haven't been through it but I had problems with anxiety and I felt horrible taking one day at a time even an hour at a time was horribly exhausting I felt so tired and sad and many times desperate for him end of anxiety and many times people did not understand me they even tried to make me look exaggerated, I know that there are things that must be done to improve and many times they are not pleasant but I have a question that I really need to ask, doctors are human Also, they should feel empathy for their patient's pain, even though it's an emergency and their job because they don't try to help the patient with pain, I mean most nurses don't even use anesthetic gel well and in your case it was Obviously you would have unimaginable pain, why didn't they give you another anesthetic to help you bear the pain? many times I feel that science "advances" but more and more doctors lose empathy with their patients to the point of not caring if they feel pain or not
Even though it was difficult and painful and maybe at times. like in the ER, it felt like they didn't care, they saved me. Would I want to do it again..... absolutely not! Cheers, and wishing you great health....physical and mental.☺
I think the thought of it i far worse than getting it done....The discomfort of urine retention is far worsr than the procedure itself so I suppose it is all relative...I am one of the rare people where it really is no issue..except when the prostate actually stop it from going in...The problem is some nurses are not very good at it....A competent nurse or doctor makes a massive difference...but the first time is a serious stress....just the thought of it
Some people have an easier time than others...they are lucky....the majority of people, well lets just say they wouldn't wish it on their worst enemy. I agree 100% that it's all about the experience of the nurse or doctor. I suffered in the ER the first time. They tried 6 times, jamming it in there and it wouldn't go in. I was screaming bloody murder. Then the on-call urologist got there and got it in on his first try. I think I still have PTSD from the ordeal. I hope never to have one again. Cheers, Tony
Thank you for your videos and for being so open and honest. I hate when doctors and nurses play down how much a procedure will hurt. Thanks to your honesty I will know how to handle it if I ever have to.
Hi Michael, I really appreciate your kind words of support.
There is a common theme I've noticed over the years when someone gets a urinary catheter: no information is provided on how to navigate this new reality. To me, this is the ultimate definition of adding insult to injury.
I may not have all the answers but it's a good starting point which is better than nothing and to your point....it's never just "a pinch".
I needed to share what I went through so that others would hopefully benefit and I am proud and humbled it has done exactly that.
Anyhow, I hope that you will not have to experience using a catheter to urinate. I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy.
Cheers, and wishing you and your loved ones great health. Tony
I had topical lidocaine 5% for my back pain. It did help with the pain in the tip of my glans.
Did you scream during it? My nurse said most men kick and squirm but I managed to stay still during it but yeah, I think the entire ER heard me.
I screamed bloody murder! It took SEVEN excruciating times before they could finally get it in. Hell on earth for me.
Mine was put in by nurse who just drove it in on count of 3. Was my first time.
Damn!!! That's enough to give anyone PTSD.
Tony, had you checked out a belly bag?
Hi Joe, No i didn't know about a belly bag. What's that? It'll help others who come here for tips. I am happy to report that I am no longer using a catheter and urinating great on my own, however, I also no longer have a prostate. How are you doing? how'd you find the vids and what led to catheter use?
@@maletenance The belly bag allows you to sling the collection bag around the waist rather that having to wear it on leg. I have rather big and meaty thighs and the straps were just not long enough to be comfortable. The belly bag is more comfortable for me. Again one can't wear tight pants or jeans.....it is the expansion of the collection bag has to go somewhere. Current fashion of joggers really make dressing so much fashionable. I have benign prostate swelling and have been using a Cath for too long to think about.
@@joerobinson6737 Thanks for sharing the info. Yeah, joggers are in style so that's a plus. I'm actually doing something about the leg straps for the reason you say....not long enough and also they slide down when full. Hope to have some samples soon, then be able to sell them. Regarding the length of time you've been using a catheter (sorry to bring it up) - is this the final solution or is there a surgical or medical procedure in your future?
@@maletenance Since there is no indication of cancer, and that I have gained so much weight with depression (yes - it does affect a guy) this is a permanent things - for now.......I have gotten used to it. I want to avoid surgery if anything can be done instead (any where on the body)
@joerobinson6737 Hi Joe, please excuse my delayed response. I am happy to hear that there is no cancer. They didn't find any with me either. I know all about the depression that can be consuming and debilitating....especially when it comes to our privates. Men are certainly not immune from it.....we just don't talk about it, which is unfortunate. We suffer in silence.
I know when all of this happened to me I had to have a serious and honest talk with myself. I had some decisions to make that would impact the quality of my life. I had to take back control where ever I could find it so I wouldn't feel like life was just shitting on me. I stopped asking "why me" and instead accepted that it was just my turn. I'm not special, why should I be immune from sickness. Once I released that I was able to make and take small steps to change. I knew that having a catheter I would be stuck not moving as much and I would add insult to injury by gaining weight, then myself loathing would happen and my confidence would go, so I watched what I ate. Everyday I patted myself on the back to say "Good job...you're trying". I dug deep and fond a reservoir of strength that I didn't even know existed. All this to say it allowed me to take the steps I needed to make the decisions needed to improve my life.
I'm not always consistent but I don't beat myself up when I mess up, I just get back up, brush myself off and keep it moving. I decided to have the surgery because for me the removal of my prostate was a small price to pay to be able to move freely, pee normally and lead a normal life. I have so much I still want to do and turning 60 I better get a move on. But thats just me.
I'm just sharing my experience that is not in the videos. Neither is there video's of me eating a pint of ice cream, or laying on the bathroom floor bawling my eyes out. Sorry, I'm blabbing! Too much coffee.
Wishing you all the best. Cheers Tony
Ooooofff one of the most uncomfortable experiences I've ever had. Barely let the numbing gel work then took 5 attempts!! Ended up having to use a wire guide. Awful. Am very apprehensive about getting my current one changed.
I could not agree with you more. It took them 6 tries in the ER before they called the on-call urologist who finally got it in. I definitely have PTSD from that ordeal. I had a total, if memory serves, of 12 throughout my experience. I hated it every time, however, I learned to breathe, I had the stress balls and went to my secret place in my mind where everything was perfect.....it helped. If you tense up it's worse. I know, I know easier said than done but worth trying.
If you have any questions I'd be happy to help. I've spoken to a ton of guys. I gotta support my mates. You can also email me at tony.alcindor@Maltenance.com.
Also how'd you end up with a catheter? I had severe BPH.
Cheers Tony
@@maletenance Been having retention issues for 18 months. Had a TURP a year ago as my left ureter was a bit blocked and they tried putting in a stent. Was unsuccessful. They did however find some cancer in my prostate. Since then my urethra slowly restricted to the point where I couldn't pee again so thats when I got the catheter again. First time was in Feb 2022 and they put me on Doxasozin which relaxes the prostate but somethings going in there that we've yet to diagnose. Possibly the cancer is causing a stricture.Urology seem rather lax in investigating. Have an appointment on the 15th with them. I'm going to push for answers!
I had my wife with me and it was a big help though I bruised her arm pretty good. She was ok with it though ;)
You owe your wife a present😆
If you need numbing cream they arent doing it right. It may be uncomfortable but it shouldn't hurt. I put my husbands in all the time and we dont use lidocaine andnhe says i do good but he does say there are people that are rough.
I'm glad it's working out for you and your husband. Unfortunately many don't have the same experience. Cheers, and wishing you both great health.
I'm really so sorry, thank God I haven't been through it but I had problems with anxiety and I felt horrible taking one day at a time even an hour at a time was horribly exhausting I felt so tired and sad and many times desperate for him end of anxiety and many times people did not understand me they even tried to make me look exaggerated, I know that there are things that must be done to improve and many times they are not pleasant but I have a question that I really need to ask, doctors are human Also, they should feel empathy for their patient's pain, even though it's an emergency and their job because they don't try to help the patient with pain, I mean most nurses don't even use anesthetic gel well and in your case it was Obviously you would have unimaginable pain, why didn't they give you another anesthetic to help you bear the pain? many times I feel that science "advances" but more and more doctors lose empathy with their patients to the point of not caring if they feel pain or not
Even though it was difficult and painful and maybe at times. like in the ER, it felt like they didn't care, they saved me. Would I want to do it again..... absolutely not! Cheers, and wishing you great health....physical and mental.☺
I think the thought of it i far worse than getting it done....The discomfort of urine retention is far worsr than the procedure itself so I suppose it is all relative...I am one of the rare people where it really is no issue..except when the prostate actually stop it from going in...The problem is some nurses are not very good at it....A competent nurse or doctor makes a massive difference...but the first time is a serious stress....just the thought of it
Some people have an easier time than others...they are lucky....the majority of people, well lets just say they wouldn't wish it on their worst enemy. I agree 100% that it's all about the experience of the nurse or doctor. I suffered in the ER the first time. They tried 6 times, jamming it in there and it wouldn't go in. I was screaming bloody murder. Then the on-call urologist got there and got it in on his first try. I think I still have PTSD from the ordeal. I hope never to have one again. Cheers, Tony