See below. :) Hope this helps, and best of luck!
On Oct 31, 2012, at 12:22 PM, Don Price <[email protected]> wrote:
> HAPPY HALLOWEEN, ALL!
>
> I know there's been lots of discussion here regarding suprapubics, but when
> something doesn't pertain to me it's my tendency to scan and delete. I
> apologize for the redundant question/topic.
>
> So, after 30 years of my neurogenic bladder emptying faithfully on its own
> (condom cath and legbag system), it has recently started to fail me. Tests
> show my bladder is stretched and retaining too much urine before emptying,
> which allows UTIs to form and also is not good for my bladder and kidneys.
>
> I see my urologist tomorrow and I would bet my last dollar he is going to
> recommend I go with the suprapubic catheter. Obviously, I'll do what's best
> for my long-term health, but I do have concerns about adding another hole to
> my body, so to speak.
>
> For those of you that have suprapubic caths, any of the following info would
> be appreciated:
> 1. what questions I should have for my urologist (alternatives? procedure?)?
Make sure he is equipped to handle an AD situation- BP monitored
throughout and have available nitro paste or something to lower your BP
quickly. When I had this procedure they had to allow my bladder to fill and had
my body tilted so my head was lower than my feet. This in combination with the
procedure itself made my BP go to 210/110 within 3-4 minutes. I don't know if
this is normal or I just lucked out. ;)
> 2. what do you wish someone had told you before getting your suprapubic (good
> or bad)?
I just wish there had been another option. I'm so susceptible to AD
that having a suprapubic catheter has caused additional problems where a foley
might not have.
> 3. what system has worked best for you regarding urine collection (legbag?
> night bag? other?)
I use a night bag only at night. Leg bag during the day. Watch the leg
bag closely throughout the day and be sure you are getting the expected output.
My catheter sometimes kinks beneath my clothes, or pulls if it gets caught on
something.
> 4. does your suprapube affect your sexual relations (good or bad)?
No idea, but at Craig they say it's easier to maneuver around.
> 5. what to expect from the surgery and recovery period.
My surgery experience is above under the first question. :/ Once that
was over, it was clear sailing from there. I had some leaking of urine and
blood at the stoma for 48 hours, then some urine leaking for another 1-2 weeks.
My doc increased the Ditropan and it stopped.
> 6. any other tips, warnings,. thoughts?
>
> Thank you in advance for your words of advice and experience. I truly
> appreciate it!
>
> Don.
> c5-6, 1982 diving accident
> Tempe, AZ
>
