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Hi Todd,
Thank you so much for your input. I am going to see your urologist on
Wednesday, November 17. I have already seen a surgeon regarding getting a
colostomy my family doctor and the surgeon have agreed that this is probably the
best route for me, as I sometimes sit on the commode chair for 2 to 3 hours
having a bowel routine. Sometimes I go six days without having any
movement other times my bowel slip 6 to 10 times a day I am just waiting now for
a call to the hospital. The surgeon figures I will be in there set the
most 4 days. I am trying to correlate it so I can get the suprapubic done
logging the hospital having a colostomy bag put in. I will post on the
quad site my experiences after everything is done.
Have a great day,
Gale :-)
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Wednesday, November 10, 2004 4:54
PM
Subject: Re: [QUAD-L] Re: Scrotum
Questions for the Guys!
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 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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