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Interstim use to aid emptying of bladder in MS NE1??

It seems intermittent catheterization is now going to become a part of my life, as I am certain the majority of you here are already too familiar with.  My issue is that my bladder fills up to 1,000-1,200 cc urine and I carry it regularly.  I void every hour or so and it seems like a lot, but alas, it's probably 50 cc at most.  I have started on catheters.  I was started with a straight 16F and found nothing but pain and blood and followup painful attempts at urination.  I tried a BARD brand soft very pliable in a 14 with a coude tip.  I felt a ton of pressure, but I was able to get it into my bladder and void with discomfort, but no genuine pain.  First, is there a catheter type (hydrophillic?) and or manufacturer that seems to supply a catheter that indeed makes it into a very fast, simple and painless in and out?  The second part of this very long story and questions is has anyone every had my problem and then tried a triel of the sacral stimulator by Medtronics?  Did it work?, etc.  Thank you so much in advance of any and all responses.
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Avatar universal
Being a physician too, actually makes this far harder for me than it would otherwise be.  "I know too much for my own good".  Of course I do know the importance of draining the bladder, avoiding UTIs and most importantly, protecting the kidneys.  Still, it's a new way to look at the rest of my life and it is frankly depressing.  Just knowing you and everyone else are 'swimming along with me', and being a good source to speak to and here from, is a great blessing.

Thank you ALL.
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Avatar universal
Thank you for the support Candy.  I am so squeamish but have at least gotten over most of it (I hope) for now.  I am using a Bard rubber catheter which bends very easily, almost too easily to cleanly insert (guys do have a different thing there...) but once in, I can cath with very little 'pressure' feeling and not much more.  

Everyone is so nice telling their individual issues and how they got around them.  I have looked at the hydrophillics and I was sent a dozen coloplast ones, which appear to come already swimming in saline.  I have not to this point gotten up the nerve to try this one.  It is firmer (clear) plastic and I have had a few too many pain incidents with blood in the islet with them.  

I just wish there were an inserter to help get the sift rubber ones started going into the urethra.
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572651 tn?1530999357
Now for Part 2 - Interstim by Medtronic has a program where they can do the surgery and try a temporary use of this device to control the impulses to the bladder. They place wires on the spine nerves.  If it works for the patient,after about two weeks, the pack is then surgically implanted under the skin.  I understand the unit is about the size of a matchbox.  It works for some people but not all of them.  My neurologist vetoed my trying the interstem for now, because it being implanted would take out the option of my having MRIs in the future.   Someone here, but I don't remember who, had this implant done and was very happy with the results.  

Once it is implanted, youcan adjust the timing for the impulses to be sent to stimulate the bladder, spincter, and all the other things that are need to urinate one a particular schedule.  

I know this is a simplistic explanation, but that's the best i can offer.  Welcome again - I hope you find being here useful.
best, Laura
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572651 tn?1530999357
Hi, Matt. I don't think we have yet officially met - let me welcome ou to the forum here. I hope you will stick around and share your experience and expertise.

To answer your question, I first have to say from your profile and name, I am assuming you are a man.  That involves a whole different set of plumbing with lots of twists for catherization than for us women who have a pretty straight shot.

I have used intermittent self-catherizaiton for a few years and have experiemented through a number of different manufactuers.  I have finally settled on one that is easy to use, It is made by Rochester medical, Magic 3.  It is a silicone catheter that is extremely soft and pliable with very little irritatation.  It is a hydrophilic cath (there is a small packet of water packaged inside the packaging that you twist to break open before opening the larger package) and has an antibiotic coating to cut down on infection. It is the best product I have found to date.

You already know the importance of getting a complete void of the bladder to reduce UTIs and even the possibility of damaging the kidneys.

I can tell you that getting this technique down and using IS-C regularly is very liberating.  It will allow you the freedom to be away from restrooms for more than 60 minutes at a time.  

Good luck with finding the right one that works for you - they are right your durable goodssupplier will send you samples.  Rochester medical has a sample offer on their website -

http://www.rocm.com/index.php/products/details/magic_3

  
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Avatar universal
HI Matt it gets quiet around here on the weekends so dont give up if you dont see any responces.

I do self cath too but on a needed basis. When I first started a few months ago I didnt like the caths they sent I have no feelings in both hands so the bendy tubes werent a right fit but I called the supplier and they had several choices and sent me samplex in which I found the speedy cath to work best for me. I havent heard of the stimulator will bring it up on next uro appointment my doc suggested botox injections into the bladder still debating it. So call your supplier and ask for different caths you have to be comfortable.

Bestof luck

Kat
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1168718 tn?1464983535
Hi, I don't think we have met yet.  

I just started the self-cathing on the Tues. after easter, it has been ok, and it takes some getting used to.  As my friends on here sid, once you get over the "ICK" factor, it does go much smoother.

Good luck with that, and let me know if I can help.

Welcome.
Candy
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