Just wondering how many of you self-cath? I was instructed today, and just did it for the first time solo here at home.....it really wasn't as hard as I expected.
I tried to pee first and only got out about 15ml....then I cathed and got 300ml; so I am definitely retaining urine.
I hope this isn't something I have to do forever! Anyone start and then was able to stop??

I've never self cathed, Daisy. When I went to the hospital they cathed me once and never again in the 12 days I was there. When I asked if I was retaining a lot, they said "a little, but they don't like to cath too often, as you become dependent on it.

And dats all I know.

I empty by squeesing my bladder till empty. I have to go potty every 4 hrs though, so I must retain some...and I drink during the night too..

Daisy,

I know some one that had to self cath for years and improved overall and doesn't need to cath now. There is that hope.

ANN

Daisy,
I cathed off and on for years and it becomes second nature when you need to do it. But I also have not had the need to cath now in at least the past 5 years. So...a little encouragement offered that this might not be an activity for life. Wishing you the best in this new venture.

To those of you that cathed...did anything like this every happen to you?

I think I am having bladder spasms!! I felt really full and like I needed to pee. I sat on the toilet and nothing, then I straight cathed and nothing!! Yes, I was in my bladder. It was really weird, It felt like my uretha tighten around the catheter and wouldn't let the urine come out. So, I removed it, waited a few minutes, got a new catheter and 300cc of urine came out

I know everyone says it doesn't hurt, and actually doing it doesn't...but after, I feel sore down there and my bladder is tender. Not sure that will make sense to you.

Any help or suggestions are greatly appreciated!!

We just had "that" talk at my PC's office last week. Did you or do you have pains in your back or sides when you retain fluid? I don't want to start unless there's no other explanation for it (even though she says that's what it is). Please & thank you.