My bladder problems which are the full monty of urge, frequency and hesitation are really getting me down. Not getting any decent sleep because I’m up 3 or 4 times during the night and haven’t been out socially for a couple of years because of the fatigue it’s causing and the dread of ‘accidents’. Worst of all is that my long term relationship has broken down because of these factors and now we have drifted apart, which I know is mainly my fault because I have continually pushed him away, both emotionally and physically. I’ve tried medications, Vesicare and Oxybutynin, neither of which worked but just gave me chronic indigestion and made me feel like carp generally. Botox worked the first time for about 10 months but didn’t work at all the second time probably because I may have been relapsing at the time but didn’t say anything because I didn’t want to have to cancel the procedure. Anyway after a long wait again to see a consultant lady urogyno I have been referred to a continence nurse to be taught isc. My appointment is on Thursday and I’m feeling very daunted by the prospect even though I think it’s the way to go now. Please can you tell me how it was for you the first time? Were you allowed to try different size/types of catheter? Was it very uncomfortable? Did it take long to master and get used to doing it? Sorry for all these questions but I need some advice from people who have actually gone down this path, my MS nurse says it’s a life changer and I really hope it will be for me. All comments, good or bad, will be gratefully received. Many thanks. x
Ooh err sorry for the duplicate posts! I was going to go anon but then thought why be embarrassed so tried to change it but it obviously didn’t work lol.
Hello, I do ISC and it’s both a life saver for me and easy. Don’t worry about it, the continence nurse will explain it all to you and she came to my house and observed me doing it and my layout in the bathroom etc… and provided me prior to that visit with a book, DVD and mirror which I find a must. I’ve been doing it since March. With me it’s the signals for the sensation of needing a wee that are wonky, I can be sure that I need to go but don’t actually need and visa versa, so ISC periodically during the day and esspecially at night. I still unfortunatley do get up at night often several times but it’s this sensation signals problem and I often don’t actually need, but need to try for fear of watting the bed if I did actually need. Don’t be worried, for me the benefits well, well outweighted the effort, which once you get into a system, it’s fine. Jools X
Hi, I have done ISC for many years. It was the best thing I did, I took back control of my bladder, not my bladder running my life. I did it 4/5 times daily, once through the night. I learnt really quickly with the help from a great continence nurse, a mirror, a bucket and a sense of humor . It isn’t painful and there are loads of different types. I used one by Coloplast which is ridged and easier to start with. Things have changed for me, I now have a SPC and Botox. Again this has changed my life for the better. I wish you all the best for a really positive appointment next week… Sara P.s drink plenty and take something like cranberry or dmanose as us SPC people are always harping on about as it really helps cut down infection risks.
Hi there, please try not to worry about this. ISC is a lot easier than it sounds and once you have done it a few times, will become part of your daily routine, just like brushing your teeth. I know others have said to use a mirror, but i would first see if you can do it without, as i personally found a mirror to be much more of a hinderence. We are all different though. As to your question about different types of catheters, no, they will send you away with the cheapest brand/ the one they use in your area. When you get home, research online the different brands, and ask to be sent some samples, so you can find the one that works best for you. If you need any more info/advice, please PM me, love Bex xxx
Hi Jools, Sara and Bex! Many thanks for your positive advice, I have to say I’m half scared but also half positive and looking forward to having at least some control over this damn MS. I’m not sure about the mirror thing as I do think it may get in the way but I’ll see how I get on without one on the day. Trouble is I can’t see past my big boobs very well so I hope I can rely on feel and I have to admit I know that area pretty well lol.
ISC fantastic. Changed my life from consantly having to search for the loo. A tiny bit tricky to master but now it’s just so easy. Always ISC before I go out so empty bladder and can last a lot longer before a trip to the loo. I also had to get up during the night to wee on average 3 times. But now I take a magic bladder tablet called desmopressin ad hardly ever have to get up. It is in the NICE guidelines for MS so ask for it if you think it might help you too. Good luck and hugs Min xx
Hi Jools, Sara, Bex and Min! Many thanks for your positive advice, I have to say I’m half scared but now half positive and looking forward to having at least some control over this damn MS. I’m not sure about the mirror thing as I think it may get in the way but I’ll see how I get on with one on the day. Trouble is I can’t see past my big boobs very well so I hope I can rely on feel alone and I have to admit I know that area pretty well lol.
Hi Jools, Sara, Bex and Min! Many thanks for your positive advice, I have to say I’m half scared but now half positive and looking forward to having at least some control over this damn MS. I’m not sure about the mirror thing as I think it may get in the way but I’ll see how I get on with one on the day. Trouble is I can’t see past my big boobs very well so I hope I can rely on feel alone and I have to admit I know that area pretty well lol.
Hi Jools, Sara, Bex and Min! Many thanks for your positive advice, I have to say I’m half scared but now half positive and looking forward to having at least some control over this damn MS. I’m not sure about the mirror thing as I think it may get in the way but I’ll see how I get on with one on the day. Trouble is I can’t see past my big boobs very well so I hope I can rely on feel alone and I have to admit I know that area pretty well lol.