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Self-cathetering Pros and Cons?

User
Posted 17 Jul 2026 at 11:18

Hi Guys,

My Prostate cancer isn't currently a problem, last invasive treatment was 2015 and I have been knocking along just fine on intermittent hormone therapy.  BUT scan picked up a large kidney stone, doctors pestered me to treat it with laser passed up through the penis and bladder a simple day procedure they said.  It didn't go to plan scar tissue in the urethra got in the way, they had to put in stents etc, and I spent a few weeks in and out of hospital in 2025.  So I have spent the last 12 months getting along just fine, continent enough to get along without pads, and capable when necessary to do a 2 hour car journey without a comfort break.  But outpatients kept pestering me to self catheter, a program of 12, 14 and 16mm catheters, once a day for weeks ahead.  It seems they are worried about a stricture on my bulbar closing up? I am currently on day three and already I am dribbling at the least sound of water.  My temptation is to cease the treatment on the basis that if it ain't broke don't fix it, but I would love to hear the experience of others with a similar predicament. 

User
Posted 17 Jul 2026 at 19:02

Dave , knowing how to self catheter is a great benefit just in case you do go into retention. I had lots of dilatation and did lots of self catheterization but I didn't provide a permanent solution.  Other issues meant urethral reconstruction wasn't an option for me.

Thanks Chris 

 

User
Posted 19 Jul 2026 at 09:57
Thanks Chris,

I am now on day 5 and yesterday was much better, so fingers crossed I will get through this.

 
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