I have a super pubic catheter. Recently I’ve had the catheter changed and within a week the little bit where the leg bags are attached to, turned purple. My urine was normal colour. Since the. The purple colouring has darkened and I can smell urine more. I called my district nurse out and she had never seen this before. She took a urine sample and said I’d hear within a few days if there was anything amiss, that was over a week ago and so I’m assuming there’s nothing wrong. Has anyone else had this? Also has anyone else experience serve itchy skin that is red, sorry and very itchy especially around the groin and catheter areas?
Hi Anon.
I’ve never heard of the purple coloration either, I’d ring the nurse and remind her, especially if you can smell urine, it’s easily changed. You could well have a fungal infection (like thrush, not to panic about) in your groins and around site, you need to wash them with a mild sensitive soap, keep them dry, if you’re sat down you may want to put some soft gauze in to stop you from sweating which will make it worse and go to the chemist for an anti fungal cream. It’s very common but very unpleasant, and hopefully that’ll work. It’s not because you’re unclean as many think, in fact it’s usually because the natural bugs your body has have been killed off, especially if you’ve had antibiotics. Unfortunately you may just be prone to it so keep it in mind and treat early. Pm me if you want!
Cath xx
I’ve never heard of this but maybe, if you’re worried ,you should call your nurse to find out about the results. I only have experience of intermittent catheters and since starting LDN I no longer need them. I do hope someone will be on the forum later who can be of more help. Best wishes, Nina
I have had redness where the tube goes in and cleared it up with antibiotic cream and I sometime get a different redness which is lower down and sweet related and have a different creamm for that but not had purple and I dont get a urine smell. Don.
PS get onto the nurse asap or doctor coz it dont sound right to me
My husband has had this. It’s called PUBS - Purple Urinary Bag Syndrome (try to google it). The leg bags go blue or purple in response to the bugs in the urine. It’s a sign of a urine infection. Apparently it’s been documented in nursing homes and is often associated with constipation. A course of antibiotics should help and the bag will stay clear/white.