Hi Tim.... When I first got my suprapubic in '97 I took the morning off from work. The whole procedure was done without anesthesia but they kept careful watch on my BP... I did get a little AD as a "over-filled" my bladder to begin the procedure.
I went home with a 12fr foley and went to work that afternoon. That first month was a little difficult as I did leak around the stoma at times and granules would build up and clog the narrow 12fr. About one month later I graduated to a 14fr, and then 16fr, and finally settled into using an 18f foley catheter ever since. It works well for me but I do still occasionally get crystallization and granules in the catheter. That's when I know it's certainly time to change it... usually every 4 to 6 weeks. As for cleaning, each day I use a small amount of Neosporin cream and sprinkle a bit of Tinactin (yep, the foot powder) around it to keep it dry. I cover it with a 2" x 2" square of gauze drain sponge cut in such a way that the catheter comes out the middle (kind of a "T" shaped cut into the center). Works well for me. I have friends who went to get a SP and there was no graduating from smaller to larger diameters. They came home with the 24fr. To me, it looks like a garden hose! On the other hand, they rarely get clogged. So I guess it's 6 of one, half a dozen of the other. However you do it, I wish you the best. I've had wonderful success with mine and had far fewer "serious" infections and urethral irritations ever since. I'm sure you'll at least have that to look forward to. (Not to mention the "Free Willie Factor") Best of luck! --Tod > ----- Original Message ---- > From: Tim Syfert <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > To: quad-list@eskimo.com > Sent: Saturday, April 12, 2008 9:36:38 PM > Subject: [QUAD-L] Getting Supra Pubic in 3 weeks > > After 35 years of using external caths, I'll be getting a supra pubic in 3 weeks because my bladder just hasn't been draining well in awhile now. Those > of you with SP's, do you have any advice, tips, input, etc. for this soon to > be SP rookie? > > Thanks, > > Tim > http://THEQUADLINK.COM
