Catheter Size and "Stinging"

[Canary54]

I was instructed on self-cathing yesterday (due to urinary retention), and have manged to cath myself twice after leaving the doctor's office. The process was not difficult, and the tech doing the instructing was very discrete. I expected too be embarrassed, but was not.

I was given samples of 14FR catherters, and told this is the size most people use. The nurse asked, and I did tell her, the catheter was a little "stingy" coming out, but she insisted a 14FR would be the size I need to use.

Both times I cathed, I got approximatley 1.5 - 2 cups of post void residural urine. The bladder relief is TREMENDOUS....but I'm still feeling some uretheral "stinging." Is this "stinging" normal, or might I perhaps need a smaller size catheter? If the stinging is normal, does it get better over time?

I appreciate the expert advice from veteran self-cathers. I'm using a mirror for the process right now, but hoping I'll be able to cath without the mirror soon. Not having to figure out where to put the mirror would make the process so much easier!!

[owlnona]

Due to a "neurogenic" bladder I've been self cathing for about 7yrs now. I use 14fr. & some times I have a little "pull-out" sting,I just make sure I use lots of lubricant. After a few weeks you get used to it & it should be O.K.
I don't use a mirror anymore,it just takes pratice like anything else.
God Bless,keep us posted,owlnona

[22cyclist]

I have been self-cathing for a little over one year. I use a 12-F. It still burns a little when coming out but I twist it some, not much, and it takes it away. I like the 12s better than the 14s.

Good luck
Lisa
Moderation Team

[kebsa]

i was going to say say more lube may be the answer for you, its true that as an rn, when i was catherizing a female 14g is the size i would usually use unless the lady was a smaller build than average. Don't forget that it is sensitive tissue so not so surprissing it complains a bit by giving you the stingy feeling.

you will possible find that as you become more adept over time that the sensation will get less as you are not causing as much irritation- but more lube will help- if it a major issue and does not improve, it may be worth asking about lube that has some lignocaine(local) in but not sure what the thoughts are on using that for intermitent catherisation, whether there would be concerns about the amount of lignocaine over time, don't think it should be an issue.

I have a supra pubic catheter now an change were very painful as it would trigger really severe spasms so my continence nurse specialist uses lube with lignocaine and it reallt does help but that is only once every 6 weeks



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