Dave ,I did ask for my first SPC catheter change to be done in the urology department following an issue with the previous change.
I have had my SPC for nearly 7 years I always have mine done by the district nurse but in our area health centre. My view is that if something goes wrong I won't be going anywhere until they have arranged a solution. It is also easier for the change to be done on a treatment table rather than my bed.
Given that we are told there is only a very short window to replace the catheter,I do wonder what would happen if the catheter came out. Your experience is proof that the advice from urology isn't shared by other medical departments. I was told the hole can close up within 30 minutes, a couple of hours at most.
My DNs usually do the swap within a few seconds, only one nurse had a different technique that took a couple of minutes and the reinsertion was always difficult and uncomfortable, fortunately she has left the NHS.
I always drink plenty before my change, I usually squirt some gel into the hole and take a couple of painkillers before the appointment. Turing the catheter is sometimes recommended.I do other things that I get a slapped wrist for, but I only do them just before the change is due.
I always make sure I am relaxed before the appointment and I make sure the district nurse is relaxed, especially if they are running late.
My first spec was fitted in the theatre recovery room with a shot of morphine.
Hope you get sorted. Is it worth speaking to urology about the problems encountered by the DN. My consultant did tell the urology ward to admit me if I ever went into retention.
Thanks Chris
Edited by member 26 Dec 2023 at 15:37
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