Posted by Mark L on 27/11/2011, 8:44 pm, in reply to "Re: 23 and bladder shy"

Hi Kevin, Most people cringe at the thought of a catheter so dont worry! I was worried about a stag night and a flight to america, so I went to my GP to ask about self catheterisation. He agreed that it was a good idea, but most GPs will advice against it and say theres risk of infection etc etc..... They will go down the counciling route. But its your choice and you must insist it is the best option. Point them to this site if need be (Andrew can send you some literature). I was refered to the GP to check nothing was wrong, and to make sure he was happy to let me use them. He then referred me to a nurse a couple of weeks later, who showed me how to use them. They are small, fold up and you can carry 3 or 4 in each pocket if you want to. You must clean your hands (although admitidly I never have (naughty I know!)) You basically push the tube up and all the way into the bladder, then the urine magically flows out! It takes getting used to. Its a very unpleasent feeling when you first do it, it kinda hurts as its going in, then its ok when urine flows. When its pulled back out, again its quite unpleasant. To be honest, you get used to it and I will happily use one if I ever need to, id much rather be able to go than have the thought of being caught short, in agony etc etc. The pain is bareable, its just uncomfortable more than anything but its a bery small price to pay. I got a perscription for them, so have a big box full! As you said, carrying one in your pocket reduces anxiety enough to not actually need to use it (most the time). Its such a great feeling that you have a 100% GARUNTEED means of going. Let me know if you need any more info.. Mark

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