Super Supra Pubic Catheters

1,776 thoughts on “Super Supra Pubic Catheters”

1. Why would someone need a super pubic catheter? And how long would they have it in? I’m a nursing student trying to figure things out. Your site was helpful. Thank you.

2. Is having the Super Pubic Tube painful or uncomfortable on a daily basis? My friend has MS and she has had a Foley Catheter for a long time. She recently developed a stone that was removed by her urologist. The doctor also saw inflammation and is suggesting the use of the Super Pubic Tube. She is freaking out about the need for this procedure.

   I am a non-medical person so I am asking what is maybe a very naive question. If she decides she doesn’t want the Super Pubic Tube or the Foley Catheter, is it an option to go without anything and wear a super-absorbent diaper with rubber pants instead?

3. thank you so much for this article. I had four perennial surgeries, the last ending in a hole in the bladder. I have to use super Tena with a super pad inside. it is uncomfortable and smelly. I will ask my Dr. about this. It sounds good, thanks.

4. K.T: Anyone with a long term or permanent condition which renders them unable to void (urinate) voluntarily or self catheterize. Such as those with Quadriplegia, Paraplegia, Acquired Brain Injury, Multiple Sclerosis, Motor Neuron Disease, etc. In general those with weak bladder control, poor mobility, loss of function or further complications often benefit from a Supra Pubic Catheter. It is a life long permanent method of bladder management for most, or at least until the condition requiring an SPC is alleviated.

   Maureen: For some yes, not usually painful but if you have full sensation just like a pebble in your shoe long term it can become annoying. A simple numbing agent like a babies teething gel can ease irritation.

   Having a Supra Pubic Catheter (Tube) won’t stop stones though it will avoid the inflammation indwelling catheters cause. I have a quadriplegic friend who sat in his wheelchair and watched his doctor perform the procedure under a local anesthetic. I’m not suggesting this for your friend but there’s no need to be freaking, that’s how simple it can be. And, it’s reversible as described in the article.

   Going without anything isn’t a good idea, reflux of the kidneys leading to renal failure can cause death. To put it simply, your kidneys do not like drowning in their own urine. Personally I find adult diapers humiliating. And don’t ever try to pull a bib over my head. If you can’t feed me without spilling food all down my front I simply won’t eat.

   While at different rates for different people Multiple Sclerosis is a progressive condition. A Supra Pubic Catheter will be an increasingly viable option for your friend. It’s not something she has to decide overnight. Have another talk with the urologist about the pro’s and con’s. Meanwhile moderate inflammation isn’t a good enough reason to stop using an indwelling catheter.

5. Your comments are very helpful. However, it appears they are female situations. Do males have similar results or do men occur other problems? I am a 78 year old male, active & in good health. I underwent TURP, 11/2003, for persistent urinary retention. Since the TURP, I have not voided. I, CIC 5 times daily. My urologist has suggested Super Pubic Catheter. Any suggestions & or comments would be appreciated.

6. Hi Ronald, Both males and females can benefit equally from a Super Pubic Catheter. TURP (Transurethral Resection of The Prostrate) surgery allows for the continual flow of urine. People who have this procedure often have to wear a urine collection device.

   CIC (Clean Intermittent Catheterization) is a good means of bladder management for those who are able to do so as it’s more the normal pattern of filling and emptying. The bladder retains some tone etc. As your urologist has suggested a Super Pubic Catheter you need to weigh the advantages of each method of bladder management. And which best suits your lifestyle.

   Some advantages – It’s away from the genital area and less prone to infection. Less embarrassing, no need to find an accessible toilet and/or toilet 5 times a day. Decreased risk of UTI (Urinary Tract Infection) common with self-catherization. Freedom of sexual activity.

   Some disadvantages – Catheter must remain in place or the opening may close over. Urine may still leak via the urethra especially if catheter is blocked or the drainage tube kinked. Any tube going into the bladder can provide an entry for infection. Some are not comfortable with the thought of a tube going into their abdomen. You must wear a collection device.

7. I have had my spc for three years now,it has caused no trouble and I have it changed every nine weeks.It is nothing to be scared of and with a flip flow valve you dispense with the bag altogether.

8. I have just been told to consider an SPC. Can I go about my life without a bag on?

9. Mrs C Jones: Yes you can but most use a bag, with a Super Pubic Catheter it is recommended that you drink at least three liters of water/fluid a day. Not everybody finds they need to but most do to prevent the catheter eyelets clogging up with sediment. The average adult bladder can hold half a liter so if you use a valve or tap you will have to empty your bladder quite frequently.

   I output on average 1.5 liters overnight so would have to wake at least once in the middle of the night to empty. A disposable overnight drain bag could solve that though. Over-distending your bladder can cause problems. The catheter balloon gets forced against the bladder wall and can irritate or cause bleeding. You may also bypass – urine gets forced out past the catheter or via the penis/vagina and frequent excessive urine retention is not good for your kidney’s. So while entirely possible not to, most wear some kind of collection device.

10. Hello, I have a SPC but a little different situation. I catherize through my naval with a 14 French catheter tube that I keep with me daily in my pocket. I simply keep the tube in a plastic snack bag and then enter it through my naval and into my bladder and then urinate. I have been doing this for eight years now. The downside to this is when my bladder is too full at times I can have a wet shirt. It can be embarrassing but it has not happened too many times and no one could ever figure it out anyway. Could be a plus for traveling ???? Does anyone else have a naval SPC ????

11. Graham thanks for the great info. I’m a paraplegic and my nurse keeps pushing SPC. I could find nothing on web md. Unfortunately my sex is over, removing 1 reason for SPC. Especially thanks for Hiprex as sediment is a real Foley problem for me. I will ask my urologist about it knock on wood, I’ve never had a UTI. just a note: I’m told cranberry juice is not as much help as once thought. I’m not convinced. I’m told beer is much better. I’m not a beer lover, but I’m learning. if it works good i may try it for irrigating. anyway, bottoms up. Tom

12. Hey Tom, that is mostly true. I know many paraplegics and quadriplegics, on average I’d say 60% notice a reduction in bladder sediment when drinking a substantial amount (1.5+ litres/day) of cranberry juice. However the same 60% can be said for 1.5+ litres/day of beer, especially naturally brewed beer as it seems to be the yeast + hops which reduces sediment. I drink a few naturally brewed beers everyday and for quite some time haven’t needed any other method to reduce urine sediment. I am certainly not advocating or condoning beer as a good sediment control choice. Long term the side effects of consuming 1.5 litres/day can make beer more harmful than good. Sclerosis of the liver, dehydration, alcoholism, legal consumption age etc are not associated with cranberry juice. So again it’s a “whatever works best for you” thing, which is in most cases a balance.

13. Since being fitted for a suprapubic catheter I have continue to have the feelings that I am about to urinate normally. I have been told these are bladder spasms. Is there anything I can do to reduce this sensation, or must I just learn to live with it?

14. Hi Paul, I have heard of this a couple of times from people with supra pubic catheter’s and imagine it would be quite an annoying sensation. I’ve mentioned the antispasmodic drug Ditropan here a few times, there can be side effects, my skin gets very dry. Ask your doctor about it. Ditropan (Oxybutynin chloride) relaxes bladder smooth muscle. In patients with conditions characterized by involuntary bladder contractions, cystometric studies have demonstrated that oxybutynin chloride increases bladder (vesical) capacity, diminishes the frequency of uninhibited contractions of the detrusor muscle, and delays the initial desire to void. Oxybutynin chloride thus decreases urgency and the frequency of both incontinent episodes and voluntary urination. Here is an excellent article on Ditropan.

15. My dad is 82 with cancer. Before being diagnosed though, he struggled with an enlarged prostate and was on Flomax and Avodart. Neither really worked for him. For the last several months, he sets the alarm each hour to wake up and go to the bathroom because he doesn’t feel the urge until too late and he moves too slowly to get to the urinal and won’t purposely go in the adult diaper. Believe it or not, the incontinence was more of a misery to him then his terminal cancer.

    A nurse suggest the supra catheter and we asked my dad’s urologist who performed the operation today. We are keeping our fingers crossed and hope he’ll get a good night’s sleep (he won’t have to set the alarm anymore)so that his last remaining time isn’t spent fussing with incontinence. Any helpful hints for these first few weeks?

    He was saying shortly after coming home from the hospital that his belly felt like a burning sensation inside, if that makes sense. My mom will call the doctor tomorrow but was wondering if you ever heard of that? any input would be appreciated.

16. Hi Kim, My sympathies for your fathers terminal diagnosis. The burning sensation is common. Ask his doctor about Xylocaine or Lignocaine (Lidocaine) based gels. While often used when inserting catheters, you can continue to apply them topically to ease discomfort. Use sparingly, at full strength these numbing agents are quite powerful anesthetics and can have severe side effects, irregular heart beat, seizures, liver damage, slowed or stopped breathing.

    Given your fathers age and condition I suggest you try a weaker strength product like Orajel (teething gel), Topicane, Emulgel or Ametop (be aware these may sting broken skin). First ask your Pharmacist.

    Keep the supra pubic catheter site clean and as sterile as possible in the early stages. Reduced activity will assist healing and ease irritation. Keep the fluid intake up to avoid any blockage type problems. Best wishes to you, your father and family.

17. How would you pass a kidney stone with a SPC? I was wondering because I get them alot. Also I heard that SPC causes a tumor after 10 years is this true?

18. Hi Thracia, kidney stones are treated a little different in Super Pubic Tube users. Often the stones are not able to be laser blasted into small enough fragments to pass via the catheter, as the catheter eyelets are very small. A larger size catheter/eyelets may be used for awhile or another means of providing a large enough passage to expel the stones. If that is not possible the stones are surgically removed.

    As you are prone to kidney stones prevention is better than cure. While yes studies show long term supra pubic catheters increase the incidence of bladder cancer, it is in general less than one percent. A 1991 study of 2900 spinal cord injury survivors found eight cases, (less than 1%) of bladder cancer. In the Craig study of 2660 indwelling catheter users showed a 3.8% increase of cancer incidence in the first 10 years. By 30 years, in a group that was relatively small in size, the risk of bladder cancer had risen to 9% for indwelling catheter users.

    It is clear the largest cause of bladder cancer amongst Supra Pubic Catheter users is irritation. Tumors have been found inside the bladder where the catheter rubs, and in the path where the catheter lays. Also urinary tract infections, smoking, and kidney stones increase the risk. This is a good article: CraigHospital.org

19. My wife can’t walk anymore or get to the bathroom so I’m interested in this surgery for her.

20. I’ve just had surpra pubic catheter after a year of urethal one. I’m so scared of having it changed I’ve been told its really painful is it?

21. Hi Sheridan, I don’t know if you are hyper-sensitive in that region or not but even then, no. It should not be painful. As I suggested for Kim (see above) numbing gels can be applied prior and post changing catheters to ease discomfort. Most, like myself, just feel a little bit flat afterwards. Try not to stress. It is a simple procedure that must take place. I am very keen to hear from you again to learn of your experience.

22. Hi, Just wondering if anyone has some thoughts or suggestions. My daughters had a spc, but she goes through her navel, and some times she does end up with wet shorts or shirt. She’s had the spc since she was 2 years old, and now will be heading to middle school soon. I cant stress it enough to her to be more aware of being wet because kids will and have made fun of her because it smells when she’s wet. What else can we do to help with that, or is this a normal for kids this age to be so involved with other things they don’t take the proper time while at school, she’s fine at home, on vacations, weekends. I do remind her alot more at home. I feel so bad and want to help, because kids now days are so mean to each other.. Thank you.

23. Hi Terry, yes it’s normal for children to be so involved they neglect their health just as many adults do. She may be able to use a larger gauge silicone Foley catheter to prevent bi-passing or leaking, consult your doctor. If it’s possible for her to wear a collection device such as a leg bag it will extend the window of time needed between draining. Her teacher may hold a few spare sets of clothes for when she does become wet. Every child has incontinence problems, only the duration varies. Education is key to good management. And you are teaching her well, stick at it. I’m sure she will conquer this before to long.

24. I’m a nurse taking care of a patient with spc. I don’t understand why it keeps falling out. The Foley is able to slide out easily up to the opening. Could it be that the entrance of the bladder has enlarged somehow? thank you

25. Yo no escribo ingles. Me disculpan. Mi eposo Jeffrey sufrio un accidente 8 meses atras. El tiene brain and spinal cord injury, es paraplegico, su njurt fue en la T-12. El esta usando foley por atraves del pene. El va a tener la sirugia pronto para ponerle el supra pubic cath. Ustedes piensan que en su condicion es lo mejor? Muchas Gracias.

26. i am a nurse also who is taking care of a patient with a supra-pubic she often complains of leakage subsequently, her urologist has ordered irrigation’s with 100-200cc’s twice a day I was under the impression that opening a closed system so often would increase the chance of UTI’s very interested to read what you think thanks

27. My husband is writing this because I am paralyzed. I also can not verbally communicate. I have had a Foley Catheter for 8 years. It is hard for me to tell my husband or others that the catheter is caught on some thing and then gets pulled out. This usually happens during transfer into the shower, hot tub or bed. I am going to get a SPC to eliminate this. Our theory is that the SPC will be higher and will not get caught. Any comments before we have it installed?

28. have you any information re albumen build up in super pubic catheters?

29. please notify me of any new information on the SPC, Thank You

30. I will attest to the benefits of Ditropan (oxybutynin chloride) as a relaxant for the bladder. I have had an IDC for 26 years but the only time I started bypassing with an IDC in, I had accidentally not taken the Ditropan when I had a mild UTI. I got advice from the spinal unit and took a Ditropan and within 15 to 20 minutes, the problem stopped.

    I did have a suprapubic catheter put in last year. The surgery etc when fine. The first catheter change did not. The first catheter change is done by a professional nurse but she had not put the catheter in far enough which resulted in me going dysreflexic and bypassing the catheter completely. Because I was at home and had no choice nor any idea what to do, I got my support worker to remove the SPC and replace it with an IDC. I was desperate and knew that the IDC would at least work.

    This is not meant to be a negative towards a suprapubic catheter but just a suggestion that when you have your first catheter change, stick around the hospital all be able to get to a professional nurse to check the situation WHEN you have your first catheter change. Take note of what Graham said about checking the distance that the catheter goes in. Once you have the correct distance, keep a note of it so that you do not have any problems with catheter changes in the future.

    Colleen, have you tried using micropore to tape the end of the catheter directly to your skin? It is something I would recommend whether you stay with an IDC or use a suprapubic catheter. Hopefully the latter will lead keep the catheter out of the road a bit. The surgery is quite simple — but you do go under a general anesthetic.

31. I’ve been on holiday, thanks for helping out Vicki :)

    B: It sounds as if the bladder opening has been stretched. This happens more frequently in elderly patients. I use a 16 gauge silicone Foley catheter which recommends 5cc. I put 10cc of sterile water in and sometimes after 4 weeks it’s down to 3-4cc again, so check the balloon size every 4 weeks. Push the catheter in gently until you feel it touching the bladder wall then tape the catheter in place so it can’t slide back out. In time the stretched bladder opening should shrink back down. You really should consult a urologist and have an ultrasound to see exactly what’s going on.

    Jackie: S’ un supra cat’ter p’bico convendr’ Jeffrey bien. Es una T-12 e’l puede tener alguna sensaci’n all’ tan el bajar ellos pueden hacer incisi’n el mejor. Muchos con el hallazgo de la sensaci’n que lo irritando. Si eso le sucede siempre puede reasumir apenas su m’todo actual.

    Deborah: I haven’t had to irrigate my bladder for years. And yes any time the catheter is open infection can get in. I prefer to find a way to reduce sediment and do away with the need for irrigation. I’m surprised your urologist didn’t suggest reducing sediment with Hiprex or Ural etc, ask your pharmacist. If then you notice reduced sediment cut back the irrigation. Meanwhile I hope you are using plain clean sterile water not saltwater.

    Collen: As Vicki said taping the catheter down will help. Being more visible an SPC will likely be better. Pulling a catheter out is not only painful it damages the pathway. Your carers need to pay more attention to where the catheter and tubing is. Prevention is far better than cure.

    Chris: You mean albumin? Albumen is egg whites. If you are getting a build up of the protein albumin you need to see a doctor and I advise you to quickly. If it is just sediment look where we’ve mentioned Hiprex here and ask your doctor about it also.

    Vicki: Hi! Hope you are well :) We once inflated my Super Pubic Catheter balloon when it wasn’t in far enough. I bled straight away from the site so we knew and repositioned it. It’s unfortunate it didn’t work out for you. I imagine sitting on an indwelling catheter all day long would become quite annoying but suppose that depends on the amount of sensation you have in that area.

32. So happy I found you!!!!! Just because I’m an RN doesn’t mean I’ve had mega experience with SP-Tubes!!!! My male friend with MS and a neurogenic bladder had one put in about yr. ago, after continued problems. We STILL have UTI’s, but sediment is the biggest problem. Our Urologists’ never suggested Hiprex, is it easy to get?

    I’ve been discouraging his overuse of ABT’s, and have opted to make him have more cranberry juice & water saccharine mixture, the only way he will take it. One of his Urologist’s also took him OFF Ditropan, stating it was only for people who need help in actually urinating in the normal way. He did however make a good suggestion in upping the cath. size to 20 from 16 but the sediment continues; at times causing great discomfort until it is irrigated away.

    He had a Psudomonas UTI about 2 months. ago that sent him to the hospital. I have NOT been impressed by either Urologist we’ve had in comparison to his Neurologist and PCMD who have been outstanding. My question now is: Does the amount of fluid in the balloon matter if it’s 10, 15 or 20 cc’s with a 20 cc balloon? (all have been used). Sometimes I swear the catheter bubble leans against his bladder wall, as it seems to be positional at times, causing more uncomfortable “clogging”. He’s also on monthly steroid IV’s that also aren’t helping. The Uros have offered no additional help, other than “bandaid” when we are STILL having problems.

    Also, please tell me if it’s OK to pull back on the irrigation syringe when I have to? I try to do it gently, the Uro’s have been vague about all these things!!!!! There is actually more to the Pseudomonas story, which I will explain to you upon request… but enough for now. I’M SO HAPPY TO HAVE FOUND YOU!!!!!!

33. Hi Anne, UTI – I’m sure you’re aware they’re difficult to control anytime you have a foreign object piercing the skin as you are open to infection. So the ‘prevention better than cure’ grass roots approach is usually best. Good hygiene in cleaning around the Supra Pubic Catheter site with an alcohol based wipe regularly, sterility changing the catheter, healthy diet, and at least 3 litres of water a day.

    Sediment – Hiprex (Hexamine) is readily available and assists in reducing sediment though is primarily administered to kill bacteria (as does Nitrofurantoin, Nalidixic acid, Trimethoprim), there are many similar effective options in many forms, capsule, tablet, powder, drinks. I suggest you ask your local Pharmacist and consult your doctor. I am not one for pills, I took myself off Ditropan. 6 months later we found replacing/positioning correctly a new catheter near impossible. An ultrasound showed my bladder had shrunk to the size of a golf ball only returning to a manageable size after 2 months back on Ditropan. Keep the drainage devices well below the Supra Pubic Catheter site to prevent build up. Frequent drinking and moderate activity helps.

    Balloon – The sealed packet your catheter comes in has a maximum recommended balloon size on it. While I do often exceed it, know there’s a greater risk of rupturing. Let alone getting a replacement in quickly, you do not want fragments of balloon in your bladder. Size matters, take one of your catheters an old used one even. Inflate it slowly and watch, often when there is not enough or too much fluid in the balloon you will see it bulge on one side. This can press the catheter eyelet’s against the bladder wall blocking them. Some suggest inflating to test prior to installing. While good advice I remind my carers, “A quick change is a good change.”

    Overall Anne, 20cc is near golf ball size already so keep a regular ultrasound eye on bladder size if you discontinue Ditropan. Check the balloon size every 2 weeks. Encourage your friend to drink fluids regularly, perhaps even a few naturally brewed beers nightly. Not all people in wheelchairs require a dead flat floor. Something as simple as a thick rug might be annoying to have to bump over several times a day but jiggling will help prevent sediment building up in the bladder. So grab some beers put your favorite music on and wriggle what you can for medicinal purposes.

34. Thanks SO much for your suggestions. As stated, I am in search of another Urologist who will work with us better. The present one seems to poo-poo everything, unless he thought of it, otherwise he or his Medical Assistants get my questions/info’ wrong. Glad to find this fabulous resource site! Sincerely, Anne. PS: RE: balloon size, the catheters they’re now sending him are #20’s with a 20cc balloon. Do you think 20cc is too much, and could interfere? I will try to check balloon prior to using, but must also keep equipment sterile as possible, as you know. TX again, A2

35. Hi Anne, I want to be very clear, I am not a Doctor nor a Urologist. The information contained on this website is purely personal experience’s. Can you please check on the packaging of the “#20’s” and confirm it is a Silicone Foley 20fr catheter ((fr is the French unit of gauge. Foley (or Foy) is the name given to all balloon in-dwelling catheters))?

    These catheters typically have a 5cc(ml) balloon for children, 10cc adults, 30cc post-operatively for haemostasis or where the neck of the bladder is torn/stretched too large to hold a 10cc balloon. For an MS patient in general, long term 20cc sounds excessive.

    That said I cannot, will not, go against any doctors advice. Any changes to daily practices should be monitored closely. You should just move in with this guy or adopt him. Your tremendous compassion evident, care giver’s like yourself are rare and much appreciated. Need a side job? We are looking for article writers.

36. It is an insurance supplied Bardex #20fr. w/a 20cc Ribbed Balloon, the packaging recommends a 25cc “installation.” I don’t use that much, but the MD’s in the hospital did. (Sorry about the 30 vs 20cc balloon size error). I am QUITE interested in what YOU have to say; MD or not, because you’ve made more sense than them already. It makes sense to ME about bladder changes without a medicine like Ditropan. Perhaps that is what I’m dealing with.

    Anyhoo… with the stinky Urologists we’ve had who haven’t even helped, or listened as well as you. I’m presently better off without them until I find a good one. Not to worry, I know where the MD/experienced Pt.line should be drawn. In the future, when I have more time, let me know how my writing can help!

    Bill is on Baclofen 20 mg. bid….(My assistant has been pre-filling his medications, so it slipped my mind). It’s also known as a muscle relaxant but do you think it’s as good for SPT use as Ditropan? I also could call the Pharmacist, but thought you might know. Many people must be very grateful for the fabulous work you do. Your site (alone) is one of a kind! Sincerely, Anne

37. Oh my goodness! This is such a great site! This is the first time I have ever blogged anything. I have a 22 size French suprapubic catheter for the last seven years. I have dealt off and on with sediment and I am very encouraged about what I have read to remedy that.

    I recently had a foul smelling coming from the suprapubic site at and I have some bad luck with urologists as of late, actually since I moved from Minnesota to Arizona. Good health care is precious. I am assuming after I get my husband to change my catheter tonight I will use alcohol wipes on a daily basis and hope that clears up my problem. Thank you so much

38. Hi Anne: Baclofen is a good muscle relaxant. A quadriplegic friend of mine takes 20mg 4x daily. Needless to say he has very few spasms. I found it destroyed my memory, that is to valuable to me so I won’t take it. Ditropan makes my skin very dry but have to take 5mg x2 daily. While Baclofen is beneficial, Ditropan actually targets the bladder specifically.

    Hi Dorothy: Yes use an alcohol wipe before a catheter change. Start at the catheter site and wipe in increasingly larger circles until you have a 6 inch sterile area around the site. Repeat after your catheter change and then daily. It sounds like you have a “site infection” Your doctor can take a swab and confirm, they usually prescribe antibiotics in that case. Exposing the site to sunlight and/or saltwater is good. The ocean is a little far from Arizona lol, but a saltwater pool/bath even a glass pressed to your tummy will help.

39. I am fairly new to all of this. I have had Foley (14) for 5 weeks, prior to that I had a 24 Foley with a 30cc balloon for 2 weeks that was agony no matter how many antispasmodic medications I took. My bladder was cut along with my right urethra during a hysterectomy at the end of Dec. I need more reconstruction and in the mean time my urologist wants to put in a supra-pubic. Where does the bag go? Do you always have to use one? I need more info, not enough space.

40. Hello Kim: Most people do use some kind of bag or collection device. Wheelchair users can hook a 1000/2000cc bag onto their chair, many also use what’s called a leg bag 500/750cc which velcro’s to your thigh or calf. It’s recommended you drink at least 3 litre’s(3000cc)/day to prevent the catheter from blocking with sediment. On average a female will need to urinate 6 times daily, a male 5. If you have enough function, mobility you can use a tap (eg: flip flow valve) directly on the end of the catheter as martyn suggests above. p.s. You can keep typing once you use up the white space the box will expand.

41. I want to thank you for this. My son is 21 years old and is thinking seriously about getting the SPC. I was very skeptical until I read this information. I can understand now why he is wanting to do this and I am all for it. Thank you very much on behalf of my son and myself. My son’s name is Denver Champion.

42. In my experience, the Supra Pubic Tube beats the Indwelling Catheter by a mile, or many meters!!!!! The IDC has lots more area (length) of irritant, and ie, more avenues for increased irritation/potential infection, by it’s (longer) length itself. Graham has mentioned that anything unfamiliar, (particularly a tube to your bladder) introduced into your body…. wants to object to it in every way it can, but, despite the problems, the Foley presented FAR more serious ones than the SPT thus far (about a yr. with SPT). I’m hopefully learning all the time to make it better still. My Pt. favors it much more as well! Sincerely, Anne, Nurse/Caregiver/Friend.

43. Does it hurt to have it removed or changed? I recently had a Jackson-Pratt (wound) drain removed and could not believe how painful it was. I’m putting off the Super Pubic Tube because of the huge fear it will be like that wound drain. Someone let me know, I have yet another surgery on Monday and my urologist is really pushing for the SPT.

44. Hi Kim: As a quadriplegic I have limited sensation in that area so it’s hard for me to say. I can feel it’s there but it doesn’t hurt. Most who have full sensation complain of irritation more than pain as evident on this page. Sure it will sting for about 2 weeks after the initial operation, once that settles any irritation can be eased by using a numbing gel like Xylocaine or Lidocaine on the Super Pubic Tube Catheter site. I use these when changing the catheter and it doesn’t hurt. I’d say go for it, if it doesn’t work out for you or you no longer require an SPC resume your old method and it will just heal over.

45. Hi I’m a t3 t4 can I use spc if my sphincter was cut? I use a 20fr 5cc it leaks all the time.

46. This message is to Kim, but also to anyone/everyone to clarify my 2/15 entry a bit. The same length/type Foley is used for an IDC as for a SPT. In the case of my male Patient. he is tall, & has a long torso so when he had the Foley catheter in as an IDC, it almost went up as far as the junction where the balloon port is; ie using a lot more “length” than he needs for his SPC which has several more inches of the Foley out of his abdomen, not touching his urinary urethra (penis to bladder “tube”) which saves a lot of the afore-mentioned irritating “rubbing against”, which increase the chances of UTI even more.

    He had AWFUL UTI’s with the IDC. We’re still working on the SPC, with Graham’s help but it definitely beats the IDC for us!!! Graham, I admire how you explain some of these details .much easier to state than write, I’m finding out. Anyhoo.. back to Kim, as I think I can help here. My Pt. Bill has MS, and MOST of his sensation. He hardly feels it when it’s changed, as the “balloon” is completely deflated, so it comes out easily.

    As far as his initial surgery to have it put in; that was a rather simple day surgery procedure, which required routine MD ordered Dressing changes, seemed for less than a week it was healing well. MD did 1st & 2nd Catheter change 4 wks after initially, then about 5 wks after that. I was then taught the simple procedure to change it, as outlined by Graham above.

    About a year later, our biggest problem now is the sediment build-up, causing more frequent changes than there should be. Graham has given me some great suggestions I’m trying to incorporate into Bill’s PT care, just need more help from my *&%^&%$#@ urologist with some order changes. Bill seems to be a heavy sediment “producer”, and I’m not sure the MD thinks it’s a problem, but a catheter. change every 1-21/2 weeks, in MY estimation as an RN. IS!!! He will hear from me when he gets back Mon.

    NOTE TO GRAHAM: Yes, I had to change his catheter. again this morning 1 week since last change. He was in severe pain, and the irrigation was NOT cutting it. Same type of blockage as last week. He drinks LOTS of fluids, and pivots to and from W/C. Going to PT again next wk for strengthening, etc. As I mentioned, some of his allotted supplies are inferior. I’ll work on THAT as well. Bet on it! Until later, Anne/Nurse/caregiver/friend.

47. Randy: Yes you can use a Supra Pubic Catheter. Unfortunately having a sphincterotomy (external sphincter cut) means you will always have leakage. Your external sphincter is controlled by the pudendal nerve and voluntary nervous system. Meaning it’s under your control, you decide when to let it open. As a T5 you cannot, so they cut it, this is common up to T12. I believe it is possible to have the external sphincter or internal (called a Feneley Procedure) sphincter sewn closed again. In that event yes you could use a Supra Pubic Catheter no problem.

    Sewing either sphincter closed can have serious repercussions. You must consult a urologist. Anne: I should point out that hexamine hippurate (Hiprex) is a pro-drug absorbed from the gut passing into the urine where it’s hydrolysed to formaldehyde. Formaldehyde causes the breakdown of proteins/sediment essential to bacteria. However this only occurs if urinary pH is less than 5.5 acidic.

    Proteus and some Pseudomonas bacteria increase urinary pH inhibiting the production of formaldehyde so Hiprex and many antibiotics will not prevent infections due to such organisms. Ural will also raise urinary pH and render Hiprex ineffective. Ascorbic acid (4g) daily may lower urinary pH enough to allow conversion of Hiprex to formaldehyde but it can be difficult to consume that much ascorbic acid. So if you try them don’t use Hiprex and Ural together.

48. Hello Anne, I am also an RN, however, I worked in a nursing home and did not encounter any Super Pubic Catheter’s. I saw one in clinical and that was it. Anyway, I had another surgery yesterday and opted to not have the SPC mostly because of fear of pain. I have another new Foley 14F which I plan to change in about 4 weeks. If I weren’t able to irrigate and change this catheter I would have gone with the SPC.

    My situation is different from what I’ve been reading. I had a total abdominal hysterectomy in Dec. that resulted in a severed urethra and an significant injury to the bladder itself. There have been several complications since then so now I wait. Of this entire experience the wound drains have been by far the worst, that and not being able to work. I have another procedure in two weeks, it’s possible that by then I will have had enough of the catheter.

49. I have Multiple Sclerosis & have been having trouble with terrible painful spasms. I was leaking @ they inflated the balloon to 15 & it stopped. But the bladder spasms continue & my Urologist does not even bother to see me. He refers me to his assistant. Not right. Need a little advice on what my problem is.. I would appreciate any help at all. Thank you.

50. Hi Mary: Hope I can help, along with Graham. Need to know 1st if your catheter is an indwelling, or a Suprapubic one. (I, also have had trouble with Urologists in general. My friend has MS, and I am his RN caregiver). Please give us more info on your catheter size, and where it’s placed. Thanks, Anne

    To Graham: Hooray, I finally got a script for Mandelamine 1 Gm. qd, but my Pt’s insurance has yet to approve it, so we pd.cash. Would you believe the MD. After all this time with such a sediment problem agreed it would be a good idea to try….after 3X/in a row weekly cath. changes. He recommended it w/500mg of Vitamin C. Any other helpful hints greatly appreciated.. best time of day to take it, etc. Thank you again for your specialized help! I’ll keep you informed. Anne

51. Hi Anne: I’m so glad you’re finally being heard and hope Mandelamine proves beneficial to your patient’s sediment problems. Mandelamine (Hiprex) 1 mg is usually taken twice a day, try to keep it regular but it’s no big deal if a dose or two is missed occasionally. Long before cranberry juice vitamin C has been suggested as a sediment preventative. I tend to group them together, both proven somewhat effective in the majority of quadriplegic and paraplegic supra pubic catheter users. It’s important to listen to the person in the chair.

    Vitamin C (half an orange – even post injury) makes my cheeks sweaty as the body can only store so much vitamin C expelling the surplus. Half an orange these days makes me sweat across the back of my shoulders. Quadriplegia is like taking an electrical cable carrying 50 billion messages/sec slicing it clean through with a samurai, turn 90? and press together again, let’s see what works.

52. I can’t imagine what that must feel like. I’m so glad your environment and care seem great! I don’t wish MS on anyone, but I wish you could help with that, as well as the SPC. Bill has some other very strange Sx. at times and I can’t figure out if they’re from the MS or WHAT, because they could affect any part of his body at any time, and are for varying lengths of times. He looks to me for the answers. I certainly don’t have them lots of times but I’m happy to have found this terrific site to solve SOME of the mystery’s/problems!!! Thanks again, Graham for starting this site! Anne

53. Hi, I have just found this site and read some very interesting things about super pubic catheters. I am a 48 female with a spc of 3 years now due to a narrowing of the urethra and urine retention. I the last three months I have had an infection I just cant get rid of i have been on loads of antibiotics, and I take cranberry tablets has anyone else had an infection for this long if so what help to clear it up. It is really getting me down now some days I have a job to walk when I’ve been to wee as the pain is so bad do you no why this is? I have a flip flow on my spc any comments and advice would be great. sharon

54. Hi Sharon: This will be brief, as it’s a political day here in the US of A. I’m helping out. I would strongly suggest you read all of Graham’s tips located throughout the site. As an RN, I don’t believe in the overuse of antibiotics, as we are becoming immune to certain strains that are “mutating.” UTI’s, as you will read above, are VERY common with indwelling, as well as SPT’s .reasons also listed above. Plenty of fluids, Cranberry juice and excellent, sterile as possible care of your SPT also helps. Recently, My Pt. with M.S. has been put on Hiprex, along with Vitamin C. as suggested by Graham (Thanks again to him) which is starting to REALLY make a difference. I’m also starting to use more expensive Teflon, or other coated caths, so the sediment “slides” off easier; ie helping it not to collect around the catheter part that’s in your bladder as easily. His urine has been wonderfully clear, as of late! For anything further, I would directly ask Graham. who is quite knowledgeable in this area! Hope I’ve helped! Anne

55. I’ve had an indwelling catheter for 3+ years and after a recent infection the urologist suggested a spc (my home health nurse had mentioned it too) and I found lots of helpful info on your site. FYI I had a very good experience w/ the urologist. I also have a sediment problem and cranberry juice sounded hopeful, but I’m on Warfarin and the instructions say to avoid cranberry juice or cranberry products. Any suggestions?

56. Sharon: In my experience women suffer more adverse reactions to a urinary tract infection than men in general. As Anne said drink alot to flush it through and empty twice as frequently than you usually do. The longer urine stays in your bladder the more bacteria grows. Switching to a collection device for awhile like a leg bag with anti-backflow valve will help to keep your bladder empty. Ask your Doctor or Pharmacist about Hippurate (Hiprex or Ural) or similar as they kill most bacteria in urine. Patricia: I’m also on Warfarin at the moment due to my second DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) I’ve also had a PE (Pulmonary Embolism). You can take cranberry products in moderation just keep it regular. If/when it alters your INR levels they will change the Warfarin dose to suit. I’m sure you’re aware alcohol raises INR greatly. I still have several beers everyday (keyword everyday) and take 3mg Warfarin daily to stay between 2-3 INR. I hit 7 once, 10 is death. I spoke to a Warfarin rep recently who confirmed it’s ok to take Hiprex with Warfarin. That will help reduce urinary sediment as well

57. I know about alcohol and INR so avoid drinking except for a sip of cognac last New Years Eve and “might” have something on St. Patrick’s – I’m Irish after all! I’ll try some moderate use of cranberry juice and Hiprex sounds very helpful because sediment is a real problem. Would like to continue to keep my INR between 2-3 because it’s been constant for a long time and that means fewer blood tests. I’m still learning more about the spc but it’s probably the way to go. I’m completely bedridden so anything that makes life better and w/ fewer complications is welcomed.

58. I am a T10 paraplegic. I am 43 years old and have been in the chair for 25 years. I have had the Supra Pubic Catheter for most of the 25 years. I saw a urologist yesterday and he says the bladder looks good but really thinks I should get rid of the SPC. He believes the SPC is a huge health risk. He put the SPC in for me so he is willing to do it but does not recommend it. I can void through the penis if I plug the SPC and the bladder fills up. I plugged the SPC yesterday while I was in their office and put on an external catheter. I have tried twice to leave the SPC and go to the external collector but have quickly gone back to the SPC. The externals blow up, fall off, etc. etc. I also have a lot of spasms when the bladder voids on its own so that is uncomfortable for me however it does let me know I am voiding so I can help keep the external on. I have a good friend that has been in the chair as long as I have and has had a Supra Pubic Catheter as long as I have and he is now dying of cancer. He was diagnosed with Bladder Cancer, that cancer has spread and he has very little time left to live. They have removed his bladder and part of his colon but it is too late. I have not read the Craig article yet but wanted to ask your thoughts about my SPC since I have had it so long. I am very concerned about my SPC and cancer but absolutely hate the external collector. I also worry about back pressure on the kidneys since there is so much spasm while I void. Do I just suck it up and take the external along with all the problems or would you say there is such a small percentage with problems that I should be OK? Eddy

59. Hi Eddy: Yes it is a very small percentage especially when compared to the general population. Studies do show a slightly increased incidence rate of cancer tumors in Supra Pubic Catheter patients. This rate increases the longer you have used an SPC or IDC. They believe rubbing a cause, although simply the older you are the higher the rate of tumors in anybody. At 25 years you should be having annual ultrasounds and abdominal x-rays to look for tumors amongst other things. Early detection is key. I’m sorry to hear about your friend. I had my annual checkup this week. They found a cyst on my right kidney, they believe it’s benign but will keep an eye on it. I encourage you to go for tests Eddy to ease your mind. External catheters are a pain and if you’re spasming. Well look at it this way, after 30 yrs with an Supra Pubic Tube you have a %9 chance of bladder cancer, if detected early the mortality rate is less than %1. Of all wheelchair bound people today about %15 die of renal complications and %20 to Cardio Vascular Disease. However respiratory illness is the number one cause of death among people with Spinal Cord Injury.

60. I am a caregiver to my mother, she is 86 years old and bed fast. Her catheter keeps leaking and I am thinking of having a super pubic cath put in her at this time. The urine is breaking down her skin and we are unable to keep her totally dry all the time as we did before. She has had a regular cath in her for 2 years now. The thing I am wondering about is what you said about “the Balder being the size of a grape,” would that be a problem?

61. Thommy: No I wouldn’t think so. A shrunken bladder can make replacing any catheter difficult. However as you are currently able to get the indwelling catheter in place without to many problems it would be the same for a Super Pubic Catheter. It’s really just another entry point to the bladder. See Kim’s post 13 Nov 07, her father’s experience my be of benefit should you go for the Suprapubic. In either case I would ask your Mother’s Doctor about Oxybutynin (Ditropan or Urotrol). It assists the muscles that control the sphincter, or valve, that stops urine leaking from the bladder.

62. I just received my Supra Pubic Catheter 3 days ago and was wondering how gentle do we need to be with the tube? I have the tube going to the right toward my hip area and then down on the outside of my right leg. Is it OK for the tube to be going directly to the side (horizontally)? How long do we need to keep the incision site bandaged and after surgery should I have been taking antibiotics to prevent infection? Also, I have bleeding out of my urethra — is that normal? Thank you for this web site — I have learned a lot as their is no other information that I have been able to find.

63. Kidd: Yes be gentle and restrict activity for the first 2-3 weeks at least to assist the healing process. What I do is make a palm sized loop with the catheter where it comes out. So it points straight out, curves to the left then passes back under itself and off to the right. Doing this also allows some slack in the event the catheter or tubing is pulled on. Keep the site clean, sterile and covered for as long as you like, in general until it looks pretty much healed, 2-3 weeks. If the skin around the site becomes quite red and warmer than normal to the touch you might have a site infection and require antibiotics otherwise no. Slight bleeding via urethra and tube is common. If it’s bleeding heavily or doesn’t settle within a week see your doctor.

64. This is Eddy again.. I talked a couple weeks ago about my buddy getting bladder cancer and was passing away. He passed away last Thursday night and we buried him yesterday. A sad time for sure… I also have the SPC, had it 24 years When all this happened to my buddy I went in and had my bladder scoped, then had the bladder, kidneys and all scanned. They called me an hour ago to let me know that everything looks clear on me. What a Relief. I just thought I would add this to put minds a little more at ease. The Supra Pubic Catheter is a superior system compared to all others I have tried, just get your check ups and do the maintenance to keep you and your supplies clean. My Dr. has recommended me going in every 6 months for a scope now since I am 43 and have had the SPC a long time.

65. I’m sorry for your loss, my condolences Eddy. I’m glad you got the all clear and thank-you for the update.

66. Thanks for your reply could you tell me what hiprex is and what its for. I’ve had an infection on and of now for about 6 months now I’ve been on all sorts of antibiotics as soon as I stop them it comes back, I drink cranberry and take cranberry tablets nothing seems to be doing any good at the moment some days it quite pain full when I walk any advice would be welcome.

67. Sharon: Drink alot of water, most can be flushed out of your system if you drink well in excess of 3 liters (5.5 pints) a day and empty your bladder twice as often as normal. Your infection sounds like a bad one, Hiprex won’t cure all but is worth a shot. I explain it here on my 18 Feb 2008 post. It’s also known as Mandelamine or Urex.

68. What a wonderful site, thank you so much for so much info. I have had a IDC for 1 year, I used to self-cath, but after 18 months. of every hour I asked for the IDC. I have an app. to see the urologist next week re SPC and wanted some info, this site has helped. I now use Vesicare for a bladder relaxant, very new and I have also used Enablex another new one, no side effects, Hiprex and a new tablet with Cranberry & acidophilus Bio Organics. I am free of infections after adding these into my daily life. I have Ural & cranberry, it tastes fine. I haven’t decided on the SPC yet, as I don’t feel the IDC when I am sitting down. I will check this site for more info. Your wonderful.

69. Gail: Thank you that’s very interesting. Ditropan (Oxybutynin) makes my skin very dry and therefore itchy. Vesicare and Enablex also list dry mouth as a side effect same as Ditropan but I’ll ask my doctor about trying them. As things are working well for you I’d be hesitant to make any changes like that to a supra pubic catheter unless it’s for health (tumors etc), comfort (the IDC is very irritating), maintenance (an SPC can be left in for upto 3 months), sexual (you feel the IDC unattractive or it gets in the way during sex) or some other lifestyle reason. Still there are alternate solutions to these problems. As they say, if it ‘aint broke don’t fix it.

70. I need information on pubic catheters for women. one that is put in permanently. can you help? thank you

71. My doctor just put in a super-pubic last Tuesday. I needed this because of so many UTI’s. Fortunately, my wife is an RN and I’m being cared for greatly. Concerning sex, does the suprapubic operation affect erections at first? I’m having a hard time getting an erection since surgery. It’s probably nothing, but any comments?

72. Hi James, No a Supra Pubic Catheter does not usually have any effect on obtaining an erection. Once you become more comfortable and familiar with the SPC your function should return. I don’t like to write it off as a “mental thing” but that is most likely the case. Stressing won’t help so give it few weeks and if you’re still having difficulty certainly, go see your doctor. I once went to my doctor re: a persistent stomach ache. He gave me a whole lot of sample Viagra boxes, two pills per box. I had to laugh, it sure did get my mind off my stomach ache for awhile.

73. So happy to finally find some info from someone who has a SPC. With the privacy thing now ,medical personnel don’t dare give our names of users so we can communicate. My husband is 84 and has recurrent prostate cancer. 2 years ago he had surgery for bladder cancer, which is presently controlled. Approximately a year ago, he began having difficulty emptying his bladder. In Sept we began intermittent caths. I do this procedure. For about 3 months we got by “doing the plumbing” only once daily – at night before bedtime. However, this has accelerated to where it has now taken over our lives – -every 3-4 hours, with occasional 5-6 hour intervals. In spite of the advanced prostate CA & some bone metastasis, John has no pain(which puzzles the Docs). We feel we’d like to be using these good times to enjoy life which is becoming increasingly difficult with the need for such frequent caths. Our urologist has made us aware of SPC but seems reluctant to perform this because he feels John may dislike that more than the present situation. We question this & feel the freedom the control of an SPC would offer outweighs the negatives. We know his whole situation is not ideal but feel SPC would improve our quality of life & at this stage isn’t that what it should be all about! Incidentally, John is an excellent patient – tolerant & cooperative & sharp enough to care for the SPC himself( he cannot manage self caths). The info we found on your site has been so needed % appreciated. Thanks!!! Would enjoy hearing your thoughts about this choice for us.

74. First of all, before I shed some light on John E. Gerholdt’s situation, I’d like to say thank you very much to Graham for replying about my erections after the procedure. My urologist said the very same things you told me, and my erections are starting to come back… THANK YOU Graham! Your words helped. Dear John, and John’s wife, I was in the same situation with my own wife concerning daily intermittent caths every 3 to 4 hours, because of bladder infections caused by not emptying my bladder (it’s a life consuming process for both of you). But since my procedure, I’ve been emptying out my bladder (because of the SPC) without the life altering intermittent daily process. I can’t say for sure how it will work for you, because It’s been since April 15, 2008 when the procedure was done on me. But so far, its been great.

75. You’re welcome James, I’m glad to hear you’re getting back on track. I too agree with your wife John. Age 84 poses a unique situation. There are bladder relaxing drugs mentioned above, Ditropan, Vesicare, Enablex which may help you reduce the frequency of emptying. These are not often prescribed for older patients due to stress on the heart, reduced mental alertness, etc. But certainly whether you IDC or SPC they are worth looking into. I’m not a Urologist but feel the benefits of a Supra Pubic Catheter for John would outweigh the negatives. You could connect a collection device when sleeping and use a flip flow valve when you go out. Some of the valves don’t require alot of hand strength or dexterity to operate giving you back some independence. There is a risk of bladder cancer with any permanent catheter in place 10 years plus. But as stated, quality of life for you right now is what’s important. If in the eventuality the Supra Pubic Catheter doesn’t prove beneficial you can always just resume your current method. In you’re case I feel you have nothing to lose by trying the SPC method.

76. I catheterize myself 3 times daily and have infections thus far continuously. I only been doing this 3-4 months. My diceticulus sack is 1/1/2 the size of my bladder and will always retain 300 to 500 cc after catherization. my Dr. now recommends the super pubic catheter targeting the extra sack in my bladder PLEASE ADVICE

77. What a relief to find your page. A horse fell on me, ruptured my bladder and destroyed my pelvis. After several surgeries my urethra was sealed and a SPC inserted in my right side. I experience sever bladder spasms (taking Detrol LA)and have wound up in the ER often. I did not know I could go swimming? I am glad to have the “support cyber-group” here, as I have felt very isolated living alone. When I have my tube change usually it is VERY painful and it is ripped out. I am getting uptight when it is time to go have it changed. Putting it in is painful also. Any suggestions? Also, I sleep with a leg bag on – is this o.k.? God bless you for helping Supra Pubic Catheters wearers.

78. Hi. I like to be known as Chris. I’ve had surgery 3 times this year. I’ve had a catheter for 10 months. It’s been out for 3 months and I’ve been to hospital today. I’m in a lot of pain not passing urine as I should. I keep going into spasm. I’ve been self cathetering for 3 months and things are the same. I feel like I’m in hell at times and I’m very depressed. I’m not feeling any better one year on. I’ve been told today to consider an spc. Thank goodness for all your articles I’ve read today. I need it done soon so I can get on with a better quality of life and get back to my job as a nurse. thank you all so much.

79. I had a super pubic put in, the pain after surgery was terrible, with none stop infections afterwards until the first charge done by the doctor and nurse at the hospital. They never warmed me on the pain, and because it was stuck, they end up ripping it out as hard as they could to remove it. I was on endone for the pain for every since as the bleeding never stops and the changes are like the first one over and over again. I have a weak immune system and bleed from the the bladder a lot. I need the Catheter to be changed every 6 weeks, but they have had to change it 6 times in 5 months, and once had the catheter pushed right through the other other end. I only get it done through the hospital and my local doctor. Would never recommend it to any one. As I do not go through a single day with total pain caused by the super pubic catheter site and it never stops bleeding. Yes the balloon have a habit of deflating if and the Catheter will fall out as we found out. The hospital left me waiting 6 hours before replacing it and end up using a wire to rupture my bladder wall to feed the catheter back through. Try that without pain killers. I don’t use a leg bag at all for ladies they have a habit of causing urine infections too often if you aren’t on your feet a lot and I am in a wheel chair.

80. I have had my ilestomy for three years now, and have just come to terms with it. now I have been told I need a super pubic line as I’m not able to empty the bladder leaving about 60%, and due to a para stoma hernia, I have to catheter 6-8-a day. or bear down and this can cause the hernia to increase in size. The hernia can be fixed and the bag moved again but with the urine problem I think this will come back (so please help me super public line or not. is there anyone with the same history out there.

81. I’ve been wearing a Foley catheter for almost a year – my urologist told me with continued use of it my penis would be reduced to half its size – he’s pushing me for a spc or a urostomy. Is he giving me a true fact?

82. Leroy: I’m not an M.D. but that sounds like it would work fine. I would go with your doctors recommendation, a Supra Pubic Catheter should reduce the risk of infection and it’s reversible should it not work out for you. Tobie: Yes you can go swimming no problem as I described in the article. Being a quadriplegic I often use a car tyre innertube, sit my butt in it and paddle around. To ease the discomfort when changing your Super Pubic Catheter try using Xylocaine or Lignocaine, these are numbing gels. If they’re hard to get use a baby’s teething gel or similar. We coated a mates leg in Xylocaine once then woke him up, was hilarious watching him try to walk. Sleeping with a leg bag on is fine but I would suggest keeping any collection device lower than your bladder as back-flow increases risk of infection. Liz: I’m sorry to hear that you’re having so much trouble. If you rotate the catheter say twice daily it might prevent sticking. Just twirl it around a few times at the catheter site. Some cheap catheters do stick easily so make sure they are using a Silicone Foley Catheter or I’ve heard of a silver coated catheter which also prevents sticking. Endone is an addictive heavy duty drug, basically a tablet form of Pethadine/Morphine (I take it when my shoulder dislocates) so I understand your reluctance to take it. As in Tobie’s case above a numbing gel applied topicly might aid in reducing the pain you’re experiencing. Rita: You can have an Ileostomy and a Supra Pubic Catheter, many do. You will need to keep the SPC entry point away from the Parasatomal Hernia bulge as generally Parastomal Hernias increase in size over time. With small Hernias wearing a wide, firm Colostomy/Ileostomy belt can help otherwise you may require an operation to repair it. The SPC drains your bladder constantly, you won’t need to bare down or self-cath anymore. That should reduce your other problems, so I would say yes, try an SPC. Josh: No, that is not true. An indwelling catheter does not reduce the size of your penis.

83. My mom has MS and has had a SPC for years now. For the past couple of years she has been very miserable. She constantly gets UTIs which in turn requires her to take antibiotics, which we know is not a good this. With or without infections, she leaks constantly through the catheter opening and vaginal area becoming completely soaked with urine. She has gone to a couple urologists and they don’t have answer or solution for her. She has also visited an infectious disease doctor. She is at the point of complete frustration and there are no answers for her. Also, she is really good about drinking plenty of water. Her quality of life in diminishing. Do you have any suggestions or resources we can explore?

84. thank-you Graham, my hernia is the size of a large orange on the right, to mend it the bag will have to be moved just below the breastbone the 3rd move. yes spc is the best way to go i will let you know how it goes, THANK-YOU

85. I had my super pubic catheter put in 4 day ago and I’m in excruciating pain still.

86. Hi! i’m 17 and have had a foley in for about a month. My dr. is putting a spc in on friday. he’s doing this because the foley causes so much pain when i walk. i’ve also had a severe uti with the foley. i’m a little nervous about the surgery. can you explain what it will be like the days following the surgery? will i be able to swim in chlorine or is that bad for the tube? will write back after surgery.

87. hey gippy im 16 and I had my spc put in nearly 2 weeks ago its very painful process but cant tell u much more. l good luck

88. This was the most informative article I’ve found anywhere. Can’t thank you enough for writing it. I’ve had my prostate removed because of prostate cancer and have had nothing but trouble with bladder leakage ever since. So far I’ve had four holmium laser surgeries for bladder neck contracture (bladder neck scars over and heals shut)to open my bladder. I have to self cath 2x daily to keep it open a little hassle but not too bad. Have to wear male guards constantly (more hassle). My Dr. wants me to consider Supra Pubic Catheterazation but I’m extremely leary. Don’t want to get into something deeper than what I am now. I would like your input on this if possible. It’s not something I have to do so I want all the info I can get. Thank you so much for your time and info.

89. I have to change my Super Pubic Catheter every 2 weeks because there is a lot of sediment which causes the catheter’s to clog up. I flush my cath once a day, but still have problems with sediment. Does Hiprex really cut down on sediment? I asked my doctor about Hiprex he didn’t think it would help, but he is not familiar with quads. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Excellent site great info.

90. Had my spc installed yesterday(7 July) and the home health care RN is coming this afternoon to change the dressing and show my daughter/caregiver how to keep the site, etc. The MD will change the spc in about 5-6 weeks and then home health care will take over. My indwelling cath went down the left side but the new spc goes down the right so I’ll have to think before I move something, etc. So far so good except for some bruises from the IVs.
    The MD said that the urethra was starting to show some deterioration ( after 3+ years) so I’m glad to have made the decision to change. Thanks for your good work and info.

91. Hey Guys, I’ve been on holiday, let me try to offer some answers. Again I remind you I’m not a Doctor nor Urologist, simply an experienced Supra Pubic Catheter user. HW: Has your Mum tried incontinence medications and/or a larger gauge catheter to rectify the leaking? As you have already consulted several Urologists these avenues have probably been explored to no avail due to the muscle debilitating MS. In that case unfortunately all your Mum can do is undergo further surgery to tighten the sphincter muscles and catheter site or use pads, adult diapers etc. It’s not common and certainly should not be necessary however how about trying two catheters? One Super Pubic Catheter and one Indwelling at the same time to be sure the bladder is emptying fully. Lynda: Try a numbing gel like Oragel, Lignocaine or Xylocaine. Gippy: Avoid swimming in anything for two weeks post surgery as you risk infection. Restrict activity of any kind to give the new site it’s best chance of healing. As Lynda said a new catheter can hurt, chlorine will only irritate it more. After two weeks or so you should be able to swim in chlorine no problem. Michael Vibbert: Your Urologist would know better than me, still I would be leery too! You might want to continue to self cath 2x daily for sometime after the SupraPubic Cath just to keep the neck open. Should an SPC not suit you and you wish to resume your current method you will want to be able to. Keeping it open will also serve as a safety release valve should your SPC catheter block. Jeff: Hiprex helped reduce my sediment. If you read all the comments you’ll see many suggestions from cranberry products and vitamin C to beer. Patricia: Although a Supra Pubic Catheter may exit to one side or the other usually you can pass it down which ever side you like no problem. I’m glad to hear things went well for you. I wish you all good health and happiness.

92. I have had a Supra Pubic catheter for 2 years. I used to be able to go 1 month before a change, now slug build up is making it need a change every two wks. My nurse is afraid of too much trauma. I use an 18 ch/fr 5/10 ml/cc latex (siliconized) catheter. I have a latex allergy. I am on a blood thinner. My site still doesn’t seem totally healed. I do take Hiprex twice a day. Do you have any suggestions for my slug problem and my site taking so long to heal. I would love to have it last 4 wks. again before a changing is needed (or longer). I would love waiting 12 wks. like you! Thanks, Robin. P.S. I also take Detrol LA.

93. Hi Robin, Sediment build up is a common problem with any catheter. Additionally for most the catheter site never totally heals. There are many suggestions above to reduce sediment as I just said to Jeff like cranberry products, drinking at least 3 litres/day etc, read through the comments here for more suggestions. With your catheter site, exposure to sunlight, keeping it dry, cleaning around it with sterile saltwater or an alcohol wipe once or twice daily and use a true Silicone Foley Catheter. Usually blue or green in color and a bit more expensive, about $100 USD/dozen but these are more effective in reducing sediment sticking and cause less irritation at the site.

94. Thanks Graham!

95. with a spc, can u clamp the tubing? If so is there an advantage to doing so? I heard it can improve bladder strength.

96. Hi Josh, yes you can clamp the tubing off. I use a small plastic G clamp and/or a stint (cone shaped stopper pressed into the end of the catheter) when I go swimming. Nurses also often clamp it for five minutes to build up enough urine to take a sample when testing for urinary tract infections. Just be sure to unclamp it. Backing up your bladder is fine but backing up or stopping urine flow from your kidneys is very dangerous. To put it simply, your kidneys do not like drowning in their own urine, it can lead to renal failure (kidneys shutdown). Backing up your bladder doesn’t improve strength, it does however help keep your bladder stretched and therefore able to hold more. As I say in the article, your bladder is a muscle and like any muscle if not stretched and exercised it will contract (shrink). Drugs such as Ditropan, Vesicare and Enablex can also prevent your bladder from contracting.

97. Graham, Does Detrol LA also work like Ditropan to keep the bladder from contracting?

98. Yes Robin, it will avoid contracting. Detrol LA or Detrusitol XL, Ditropan, Vesicare and Enablex are all prescribed for an overactive bladder and are essentially the same drug with the same effects and side effects.

99. Thanks again Graham!

100. Can you cut the end off the cath to help the flow and to prevent clogging? Also, do you think it would help to drink purified water instead of soft water? We use a water softener so didn’t know if anyone has had same problem? Thanks for all your help…Just trying to help this sediment problem because my spasms get bad and can’t lay still…