Catheter discomfort

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User

Posted 04 Oct 2024 at 17:03

After having HDR Brachytherapy, as a result of not emptying my bladder, I was fitted with a catheter with a flip valve, and a night bag, 1 week ago, prior to being able to commence external beam radiotherapy. Initially I used a leg strap to hold the tube in place, which I found uncomfortable when sitting, due to pulling on the tube. My urology nurse suggested trying doing away with the strap and simply curling the tube in my underpants. This generally feels quite comfortable when standing and walking, but after being seated for a little while, the tip of the penis begins to feel very sore. Has anybody got any help or advice in this regard?

User

Posted 04 Oct 2024 at 22:09

Instillagel.

I don't have any direct experience of this product, but I have heard it mentioned in the context of catheter insertion. It may work in your situation.

Dave

User

Posted 04 Oct 2024 at 22:10

Try to get hold of some Instillagel for the discomfort at your penis tip. It is a three-in-one antiseptic, anaesthetic and lubricant gel. If you are active it's inevitable it will get sore. I found the gel certainly helped.

User

Posted 04 Oct 2024 at 23:11

Paul, as advised get some instilagel. There are two other brands of a very similar gel, hydrocaine and optilube. They are all available without prescription at most pharmacies, Boots seem to require a prescription but the small pharmacists generally don't require a prescription.

The cost is between £2-3 per tube /syringe, they have a plastic tip not a needle. It comes in 6 or 11ml tubes. You will probably only need half a tube per application.

The gels are designed for catheter insertion and maintenance so I personally would not use any other products.

In hospital the nurse would insert the tip of the syringe into the eye of the penis and squirt some gel in. When I first started using it I would push the penis down on the catheter to expose about an inch if the catheter, apply some gel ,then let the catheter go back over the catheter. Do not pull on the catheter.

Thanks Chris

Edited by member 04 Oct 2024 at 23:12 | Reason: Not specified

User

Posted 05 Oct 2024 at 19:45

My catheter pack had a sticky pad with a clip on in it. I was initially advised to use microporous tape to stick the tube to my thigh to find where its comfortable and the tube doesn't pull. Then once I was happy with the position swap it for the sticky pad and the clip for the tube. The pad would stay on for a week even when showering. It may be worth asking for some if they aren't in your pack.

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