Posted by Andrew on 25/6/2009, 8:18 am, in reply to "I have had enough of this."

Hi Emily Firstly please do not feel the need to apologise; this is what this forum is for: to unload to an understanding and supportive group of like people. A quick answer: you go to your GP and ask to be shown how to do ISC (intermitent self-catheterisation) and why. The reaction can be varied, from OK lets do it, to NO that is not the solution, and that infection is an issue. If the GP says it is not the solution, you will have to be assertive and challenge them as to what you are supposed to do. There is no answer to that. As for infection; yes the infection rate is higher for women for obvious reasons, but again is it the lesser of two evils? BTW the caths are disposable use-once items obtainable on prescription. You are right when you say that it would give you a plan B. Furthermore, people often find that having a plan B removes so much anxiety that they do not need to use the cath; e.g. "If I don't pee now, I will have to wait for long amount of hours" would no longer apply, allowing you to work through the other negative thoughts. Finally do consider coming on a workshop; that will give you the chance to practice in a self-controlled way, and to pick up a lot of helful tricks and techniques. And.. do post again and never mind the length OK :-) Andrew

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