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    Heavy sediment issue

    I have an issue and I couldn't find another place on MS world that I can ask about it.
    I lost my mobility in September 2010 and have been using a catheter since that time. Since losing my mobility, we have to use a hoya lift to relocate me. (To the bed, to the toilet, to the shower chair, to my power chair) my husband is still working, and as my primary caregiver the catheter became necessary for when he's not home.

    Some time ago, I had to start visiting a urologist because my Catheter kept becoming blocked and it caused many bladder spasms. He had me take a regiment of several low dosage antibiotics continually because the sediment became so happy it would block the catheter. When it would block the catheter it was almost like a cement.
    I did that for about 6 months, but there was no change to my situation. I went back and forth to the urologist, but he finally washed his hands of me. It wasn't a terse situation, he just didn't have any other solutions. I have been tested for both diabetes and cancer and am clear of either of these. (Both can be the cause of this type of sediment) both my bladder and kidneys are also very healthy.
    I'm wondering if anyone has any comments that may help me. I would welcome any help that can aid in a solution to the situation.

    #2
    That is OUTRAGEOUS!!!!

    Sorry, have no help to offer, but had to respond.

    Grrr......He "washed his hands of you" - how do doctors get away with this?! Had had my GP use those exact words when he got stumped about something a couple years ago.

    I know, your urologist probably didn't say those words, but still......aren't they supposed to keep looking for a solution instead of just quitting? Especially for something so vital like this?

    More growls. But sending you Hugs and good luck vibes. Really hope you get help very soon!

    Comment


      #3
      I take it that the urologist tested the sediment to see what it is made up of. and after antibiotics a urine Culture was done to see that an infection was cleared up as those of us with MS are prone to infections and with a foley catheter in you are even more prone to infection and you might have to be on a low dose antibiotic on a steady basis. Drink lots and lots of fluids if you do not have heart problems or something that limits your fluid intake. Those are what cured my sediment problems.
      Do you change the foley every month?
      But mine was never so thick it clogged the catheter so I can not address your issue directly.

      Another thing is find another Dr that is terrible that he dismisses you without an answer what are they expecting you to do. And hopefully a new Dr would want to find a answer to your problem some just refuse to give up without a answer or can refer you to someone who can help you.

      Comment


        #4
        one thing is that with a permanent catheter, if they test your urine at just about any time they will grow bacteria- but the usual attitude is that unless you are symptomatic of an infection such as psuedo falre type problems eg increased symptoms such as fatigue eetc, or if you have usual infection symptoms such as pain, infection offensive smell- don't bother with antibiotics just keep your fluids up, there are products like hipprex that help too by altering the pH of the urine but the concern of using antibiotics if you are not symptomatic is that antibiotic resistance is more likely and as we have these catheters for life that is something to consider- some other chose to use low dose continuous antibiotics

        when it comes to the sediment, basically the catheter is an irritant and some of produce more of that sediment that others! you are correct that it can set like cement. In the UK there are some products that can be used either as a preventative - its a regular flush to change the pH of the bladder and flush out the debris, then there is a stronger version that is used to dissolve block if they occur. they are not approved here in Australia and i do not think they are in the US. when ihad a urethral catheter did block off and i had to have a cystoscopy and they found i had formed bladder stones which was just this sediment set in little stones but that was a 14g cath. i was switched to a 26g SP and i have not had any more blocks. An Sp can be left longer before changing some peole leave them up to 12 weeks- i can go to 8 weeks but as time goes one the sediment builds so if it looks more than usual i will get it changed sooner so sometimes i c\get it changed at 5 weeks but never go longer than 8

        you are right that sediment can be related to bladder cancer but so can long term catherters in some- its just that irritation factor again- imagine if when i formed those stones they had not been found on cystoscopy and they did not cause symptoms, the long term irritiation can be a contributing factor - but thats why a urologist will occasionally do a cystoscopy to make sure every thing is ok and give everything a good flush out

        as for the urologist wiping his hands, he may have done you a favor as he does not sound like someone i would like to depend on! I only see y urologis perhaps once a yr or if are problems the rest of the time my catheters get changed by a wonderful continence nurse- these are very experienced specialized RN's who deal with baldder and bowel problems and unlike you urologist, they wold not panic if they can't just give you a prescription and send you on your way- they have the practical skills of how o deal with life with a catheter and will certainly send you back to a urologist if there are concerns that need to be looked at. I assume you have these specialist RN's/CN's in the states- perhaps the MS socieety can point you in the right direction

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