Posted by Andrew on 4/3/2009, 8:35 am, in reply to "Re: backflow to kidneys?"

Hi Bea From Carol you can get detailed instructions how to insert a catheter (I have a copy and can email it to you, if you email me at the address at the top of this page). I say this because it may be that the continence nurse has never actually used one herself and so lacks that extra little bit of advice. Obviously inserting at even a slight angle could push the tip against the wall of the urethra and so hurt. More likely is that your sphinctre is clamped shut, and so pushing through it is hurting. Learning to relax mentally and physically may help; for this, Kegel exercises can be useful i.e by learning what action closes and relaxes the external sphnctre may help you to relax it enough. Gentle tickling of a nerve at the base of your spine, just where the cheeks separate, is reportedly useful in stimulating a flow in women. I hear that you have built up a strong aversion to using a catheter for good reason; is there any chance you could reframe your thinking to associate the procedute with inserting a tampon i.e. it is a similar procedure; the one is acceptable (?) and the other at present is not; by aligning your view of these two concepts, you may ease it a bit. best wishes Andrew

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