I’m new to the spc only had mine in a month and hate it I can’t get comfortable with the fitting of bags I’m on my 3rd lot already it was ok wen attached to my thigh but now it’s down my leg and find it very uncomfortable iv had 2 infections already and that’s showering twice a day has I’m so self conscious Iv not left my house in 4wks got no confidence and I dnt intend to leave either I didn’t get no help how to change on leaving the hospital had no district nurse come to see me had 1phone call and that was to order my supply’s that it my daughter had to learn how to do it all for me I used to self Catherine 3/4 times a day but cos I’m disabled it was gettin very hard for me with my hands id rather go back to showering up to 3 times a day again and wer incontinence pants it’s put a big strain on my MH also I can’t wear none of my clothes I used to wear wen I go for my checkup in July I’m asking fr it to be removed I want normality back in my life but I mite just be that one it dnt agree with hun you do wot u think is best for you
Hello Nicnac
Welcome to the forum. You perhaps didn’t realise that the original post started in Summer last year, so the original poster will by now have made her mind up about an SPC.
Meanwhile, if you’ve read through all the replies on this thread, you’ll see that i posted my experience with SPC. Like you, I hated it. I also had a nightmare collection of allergic reactions to the dressings (resolved through an extra sensitive type), loads of UTIs and a nasty wound infection.
I was so pleased to get rid of the thing. I then had to reconsider having one, I’m so glad I didn’t have another one put in.
If you are determined to get shot of the SPC, you should perhaps just make the decision. Contact your urologist (phone his/her secretary), tell them you want to get rid of it and arrange for a district/community nurse to take it out.
You could try again with a variety of ISC catheters. My hands are fairly useless, but there are some catheters that I find easier to use. For example, Lofric has a long-ish handle, Speedicath Compact and Compact Eve can also be more user friendly. I even considered retrying Actreen Lite Mini. These are precoated with lubricant rather than being hydrophilic (special material that reacts with water to make them easier to use). They are small and quite rigid so it’s easy to scratch yourself, but they are very simple to use and for iffy hands they might be easier (writing this makes me think I will get a sample and give them another go!).
I am currently using Speedicath Compact Eve. They’re working quite well just now. I switch back and forth all the time between them, Compact Plus and Lofric.
My mobility is pretty dreadful so I do tend to launch myself from wheelchair to the loo. I’ve broken quite a few loo seats!
If you are experiencing bladder spasms, you could ask your urologist for bladder botox (I’m hoping eventually when Covid allows to have botox). That might help with incontinence. Or you could start a drug to prevent spasms. I was on Trospium but have recently stopped as the dry mouth and eyes were driving me nuts. Many people use Betmiga, unfortunately I couldn’t take that one due to side effects. But there are others.
Best of luck
Sue
Hi, I have a spc fitted,my nurse told me about belly bags which I use, as the name suggests it’s worn around the tummy,I have it changed ever 8-10 was, but it is very painful and I take morphine, that’s the down side of it.
There are mores pros than cons, I was getting very incontinent, I still have the odd accident and bladder spasms which I take propiverine for,I have had Botox as well which was very painful and I wouldn’t have it again.
I often consider having it removed, especially when it comes to the change but in all honesty I’m glad I have it.
Best wishes Sue.
Here I am in 2022 and I have only just had a date through to have the SPC surgery,(thanks pandemic) it has been really helpful to read everyones replies again. I have read about some people being offered botox injections to stop bypassing and wondered if anyone has done this?
Many thanks Twist x
Hi Twist, I have had Botox (3 times) to try to stop bypassing unfortunately it had little effect on me , but give it a try and hopefully it works for you
Hope you get spc done soon and it solves your problems.
Best wishes
Sue.
Thank you for your help. x