Foley catheter misery

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jon.endres@gmail.com - 04 Nov 2005 22:08 GMT

About 5 years ago, my dad had prostate cancer, and received externally
applied radiation to destroy it. This apparently was successful, but
the side-affects have in his opinion ruined his life. Between the
rectal bleeding from radiation colitis and the difficulty urinating due
to scar tissue, he's a miserable dude.

A few months ago, his urologist operated to ease the blockage, but was
unable to do much, because he said there was so much tissue damage from
the radiation. Dad was unable to cahteterize himself satisfactorilly
(to him, anyway), and was placed back on the Foley.

However, the Foley isn't working well for him either. Every few days,
he suffers episodes of blocked flow, pressure, pain, and as a result,
great psychological distress. These episodes last anywhere from a few
hours to a day. They are somewhat relieved by ditropan (which he takes
daily), adjustment of the catheter by a nurse/doc, or temporarilly
"fixed" by changing the catheter completely. When uncomfortable, he
fidgets with it frequently, which probably makes things worse. He also
has blood in his urine for days at a time, which is treated with days
of irrigation, which he hates immensely.

There are psychological (and other physical) issues accompanying all of
this, so it's difficult to know whether his catheter problem is really
intolerable, the focus of his emotional difficulties, or some
combination of the two.

And all _this_ is with him in the hospital! I have no idea how we're
to cope once he's not in the hands of skilled care 24X7, when his
release occurs in about a week.

I'd like the advice of anyone who has suggestions that a layperson can
apply to helping urine flow with a Foley, or coping strategies if the
discomfort is simply unavaoidable.

Thanks,
Jon

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billnjackie - 06 Nov 2005 21:15 GMT

Hi Jon,
How old is your father and what is his current PSA?
I had EBRT and IMRT 2 years ago and had the same SE's the 2nd year.
The URO tried everything he could think of before suggesting a
cystoscopy. That was performed under anesthesia. That opened the
ureter enough to have real relief. Then the flow began to diminish.
He then did the cath thing and again it was great relief. Once again
the flow began to diminish. He suggested self catherization. Just as
a measure to keep the ureter open. Was it easy? Was it a pleasant way
to use 15 minutes? Or add anything else you'd rather be doing. Of
course not. Is it worth the relief? Did it finally work? Yes. If I
feel things are becoming blocked it's back to the cath. It's not a
Foley, but just putting it in and opening things up. I haven't had to
do that for about 8 months now.
About the rectal bleeding. I too had severe bleeding. The bowl
would be red. It was back to the URO. He made an appointment for a
colonoscopy to make sure there wasn't any suspicious thing lurking in
there. That doctor did a procedure to cauterize it using something
like laser but better controlled than laser. He said it might take 2-5
times to stop it completely. I've only had it done once and I still
have sessions of bleeding, although nothing like before. I do have
anemia because of it.
What exactly does the doctor suggest for your father's relief?
Is your father kinking the tubing for the Foley? That is NOT nice.
That will back flow it and make one miserable.
When your father is released, who will be at home? Does he have
grandchildren? A hobby? He is still here and has a lot to offer those
who love him and care about him. Please let him know he has lots of
company in this area of discomfort.
Best wishes to you and your father,
Bill
dx April 2002 PSA 45.6 Gleason 9
Sept 2002 Casodex for 3 months
Oct 2002-Oct 2003 on Zolodex
Jan-Mar 2003 42 days EBRT & IMRT
1st PSA after rad .48
Current PSA as of OCt 2005 2.18

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