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Hi Gale,
I have some peeling especially in the summer, we normally just wash it good
and use corn starch if needed. I also wear underwear, I do have some sensation
so it just feels more comfortable. I use a strap that goes around my thigh
that they call a "catheter tube holder" to hold the tube going down my
leg.
If you get any good information about a colostomy let me know, I have
also been considering this.
Below is my experience with a Suprapubic Catheter.
I am a C5 and I spent three months at Craig Hospital for rehab. During this time they have videos and information on all kinds of bladder management. After reviewing the information two UTI's in two months with an indwelling catheter, I decided the Suprapubic Catheter was right for me. After my decision was made the procedure was done. Procedure: (Warning may contain details of an inappropriate or gross nature). I was put on a table the indwelling catheter was removed. A scope was inserted and the doctor pushed down from outside and looked inside to determine the best location. He then marked the outside and removed the scope. He then inserted another device that pushed up from the inside, he lined this up with the mark on the outside then made a small incision with a scalpel for the device to protrude through. He then inserted the end of a Catheter into the device and pulled it into the bladder. The balloon on the catheter was filled, the device was removed, a gauze bandage applied and leg bag was attached. The doctor said no shower for several days and no swimming for several weeks. I went back upstairs and continued with my rehab just like any other day. Note: I was not given any pain medication or anesthesia before, during, or after this procedure. I could feel everything that was being done, much of it was very uncomfortable but not painful. Care: I think everyone does things a little different but I try to do the things that I learned during rehab at Craig Hospital. Morning and night the site is washed with a wet cloth with a little liquid soap, then wiped with a wet cloth to remove soap. On occasion at night an ointment (prescription) is applied if it is red, irritated or there is excessive discharge (once or twice a week at most). I use labac and this movement doesn't seem to cause any problems. I have my catheter changed every month. I have the catheter changed in the morning then I use gauze or bandage because it is usually a little messy, after it is washed that night it is not bandaged until the next change. My attendants change the catheter, it is fairly easy and only takes about ten minutes. Note: Don't remove catheter and leave open for any length of time or use smaller catheter unless this is what you want, because the hole will begin closing. If you want to reverse this procedure just remove catheter and cover with bandage (I would check with doctor before doing this). I take Ditropan twice a day to control bladder spasticity. My attendants use gloves and povidone iodine prep pads are use on fittings when bags are changed. My leg bag is alternated from left to right leg which was recommended by urologist to prevent irritating one spot. It was also recommended to twist the catheter every day to keep it from sticking to the hole. I have on occasion had the catheter pulled when it was caught in clothing but it has never caused any major problems only a little blood in urine. I am able to wear any type of clothing I have tried with no problems. I use a clean bag every day and night. The bags are rinsed after being emptied, then once a week my attendants clean the bags. The bags are filled with a Clorox solution and soaked for 20 minutes, then bags are emptied and air dried until they are used. I think most people do something different from what I have seen on the Quad-List. I don't think it is for everyone but it is easily reversed if it doesn't work for you. Discuss this with your urologist before you make a final decision. Todd
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