New catheter means Ian can enjoy life again

A town councillor is able to enjoy more time with his grandchildren again thanks to a new type of catheter.

Ian is one of the first patients in east Kent to use a more flexible temporary device which allows him to control when he needs to empty his bladder

Previously he was fitted with what is known as an indwelling catheter, where a tube is permanently in place and attached to a bag on his leg.

He said: “Although the indwelling catheter saved me thinking about when to empty my bladder, as it was in place all the time, I did have to be cautious around the grandchildren, doing any exercise, or even doing some jobs in the house or garden.

“Boisterous grandchildren are great fun, they keep you alert, are exhausting, and you want to be as free to play with them as you can.

“It meant that, for example, when I was playing with them I had to think about protecting it because I didn’t want the bag to rupture. I was a lot more cautious as a result.

“Now with this new device I don’t have to worry about that as it isn’t attached all the time. I just need to remember to empty my bladder at suitable intervals into a toilet….that is a lot more convenient, and allows me to do many more things without any worries. I can set a reminder alarm on my phone if I want to.”

Ian is awaiting surgery for an enlarged prostate which was affecting his ability to pass urine. He first had treatment seven years ago, and used a different type of self-catheterisation, but he developed a painful urinary tract infection and it was agreed to stop catheterising and let nature work by itself.

So, wary of a second infection this time, he initially opted for the indwelling device. He is very glad he changed to the new intermittent self-catheterisation.

The former university manager said: “Men of my generation seem remarkably reluctant to talk about issues when things go wrong with their health.

“But I think it is important, particularly if the alternative is to get sicker and sicker.

“I was unhappy about the thought of using the old device again, but this new one is very easy and effective: someone has really thought about what is needed.

“It is not painful, it is mildly uncomfortable as the tube passes into the bladder, but you very quickly get used to it.

“I have no hesitation in going out and living life; I just make sure I always have spare catheters in the car, and can just pop one into my pocket when I go into a venue. I have used supermarket and restaurant toilets to self-catheterise – anywhere is suitable as long as it is clean and has a suitable cubicle.”

The catheter is flexible and disposable, and comes in a small pouch. After use, it can be coiled up, placed back in the pouch and sealed closed. It easily fits in a pocket and can be taken home and disposed of normally.

Ian also shared his experiences at the Association for Continence Professionals conference in Edinburgh, in a video as part of a presentation by Erick Entrata, East Kent Hospitals’ urology suite manager.

Erick said: “The new device gives people far more comfort, dignity, and independence than the traditional indwelling catheter, and reduces the risk of urinary tract infections.

“I’m very grateful to Ian for sharing his story, which could encourage other people to consider trialling it.

“It is a decision that could change the trajectory of their daily life.”