I spent just 4-5 days with Da Bag after returning home, so it was no big
deal -- infinitely less bother than the catheter. I just carried the dang
thing around in a bucket with a handle. Extremely simple, 24/7. Then once Da
Bag was history, Da Bucket also had a lid which kept the diaper smell
confined. I used an oval bucket with pivot lid and a handle, from Walmart at
about $4. Next to the tear-off pants, that was the best tip I got. The
"butterfly-tape" Velcro catheter anchor I came home with on my thigh did its
job flawlessly and never budged until I pulled it off after I threw Da Bag
away. The few times I actually WORE Da Bag were no big deal; it did its job
pretty transparently as long as I emptied it often, and emptying it is
simpler than the way I emptied my own bag the PREVIOUS 200,000 times.

I.P.

"Ron B" <Gimel@webtv.net> wrote >

.

Ron, I wore the catheter and bag for three weeks.  There really wasn't
anything to it, except when sleeping.  I found I had to sleep only on
one side, with the bag on the floor and the tube taped to the bed.
I'm a tosser & turner, so it cramped my style for a couple of nights.
But I learned.  (Don't we all?)  

It's been a long time (almost 9 years), but I seem to remember special
tape supplied by the hospital.  I do remember that I had no problems
with the bag connected to my leg, no smell, no leakage, and it was
pretty well hidden.  It was no problem getting around.

I don't know if anyone else experienced this:  when it came time to
take the catheter out, the doc snipped the part that released the
water in the balloon inside the bladder (terminology all wrong, but
bear with me) and then instructed me to pull it out.  I told him I
didn't know what to do it, and he replied, "Pull it out."  Well, I
pulled and let me tell ya, it was a wonderful feeling - almost sexual.
He saw it in my eyes and gave me a big smile and pat on the back.
Then he directed me to pee in the toilet.  I did and he said, "Stop!"
I stopped, but had a little bit of a dribble, and he said, "Work on
that."  d;o)

Don't be afraid of the catheter.  The Ace bandage should work, but I
think it's overkill.  Do whatever your doc advises.  You've trusted
him up until this point.  You have prepared yourself very well, Ron.
You'll be fine.

Dave

I found the straps that came with the bag adequate for holding it on my
thigh.  But I was careful about taping the tube to my body, since I
wanted to be sure the catheter wouldn't be pulled out.   I put a layer
of tape on my upper thigh, and then taped the catheter tube to that,
leaving some play to avoid pulling on the tube where it came out of my
penis.   Periodically I would remove the base tape and replace it.
Some people dislike pulling tape from their skin, but I found if I gave
it a quick tug, it wasn't much of a problem.

Two suggestions for the leg bag:

The plastic bag was uncomfortable against my leg.  I solved the problem but
putting some cloth under the bag.  I just tucked an old hankie under the strap
and let it dangle down the back of the bag.

The rubber straps did not prevent the bag from sliding down my leg unless they
were unacceptably over tightened.  I solved this problem by leaving the straps
fairly loose, but taping the outboard side of the upper strap to my leg to
prevent it from sliding down.

These worked fine for my  ~three weeks with the bag.

The Velcro strap held the catheter at night.  If I recall, it wasn't needed in
the day.

Al

I wore the Foley for three weeks and bought one of the velcro strap gizmos
that are made especially for the catheter tubing.   I was afraid of getting
the tubing caught on something and causing damage to my internal organs.
Perhaps an irrational fear, but that is why I felt more secure with the
velcro device.  It worked fine for me and cost about $12.00 or so.  The
thing they sent me home with lasted a little less than a week before
showering caused it to be useless.  It seems that they are keeping the
catheter in for a lot less time now, so if you are only going to have it for
a week I would not worry.  Just use the ace bandage or the tape.  If you use
the tape be sure to shave the area first.  There are different kinds of
tape, and some of it will be easier than others to remove.

Good luck to you!

Ron, several people mentioned tape and that is my recommendation. The
peace of mind that having the catheter firmly in place gives is worth
the momentary shock of pulling off the tape. I am looking at the very
tape I used - 2" wide 3M Durapore, scarfed from the hospital (although
I'm sure it was well paid for). This stuff really sticks, and you can
shower w/ it. If I had to do it all over I would shave a band around my
thigh (on the side you "dress"). Also, you might shave a wrist for the
IV and your upper arms. Shoot, I even shaved my abdomen and groin
beforehand - I bet that surprised the nurse!

Bill Denton
RP 2/12/02
Memphis