"Managing " continence, pads, pull ups, catheters and catheter bags.

Thank you Elainel that is something nobody had told us. Very useful.

For retraining MawBroon you can get valves instead of a leg bag. They attach to the end of the catheter and you then open the valve (into bucket or toilet) every 2 to 4 hours depending on how far in the retraining you are. They allow the bladder muscle to become stronger and not lose it's tone. Some people choose them from the start. The district nurse or continence nurse should be able to order them.

If you use an 'overnight' catheter bag...the best advice we were given was to make sure you put it in a bucket! Hopefully you will have been given a night stand, bung all of it in some kind of container because one day the bag will leak! You will soon get the hang of all the kerfuffle and it will be second nature. Fingers crossed for success with retraining. The very best of luck.

Yes the District Nurse is a great source of help and information , we have a Continence Nurse who calls as soon as we ask

Another thing I have just thought of is to just be aware that there shouldn't be any leakage from where the tube goes in. So, if you feel any wet patch it would be wise to call the district nurse. A tiny bit can sometimes sort itself out, but more than that could be a sign that its not working properly. Its not a real emergency, but does need seeing to.

That was her story and she was sticking to it

Yep. You have to wrap both arms around and cuddle them!

Today's carer commented that you can get very friendly with patients/clients trying to fix the belt bit of a Tena Flex

It really isn't a big deal, maw, once you're used to it. I wouldn't be surprised if Phillip uses one. You can get sheath catheters, that go on like a condom - needs nice warm hands around it to stick it in place though!

missAdventure
Predictive text is the devil isn't it?I find it hard to follow its logic!
I suppose I just want reassurance that it is really no big deal and that some people cope and you'd never guess!
(Do you reckon the D of E has one at long engagements? For instance that ghastly water pageant a couple of years ago? )

MissAdventure - very witty - hanging around....

I cannot advise Maw but wish you well with this new challenge and hope that there will be lots of helpful advice forthcoming for you both.

One thing to remember is not to stretch the tube which goes down the leg: its tempting to try and secure it in a place that looks neat or comfortable. Do remember what it is attached to! I've seen one stretched down to tuck into one poor mans sock!

I only had to empty the bag at night before I went to bed , as he "saves" pee for nights ! It was easy enough to drain inti the bucket , but the trick was remembering to close the tap or ........ He had an external catheter but had to give up on that and now it is full pads which the girl/carers change . Sorry not to be of more help

You'll be able to do it, maw. I have dealt with a lot of catheter care, having worked as a carer for years. Is there anything particular which is worrying you?
By the way, my predictive text wrote that I had worked as a 'scarf' for years. Not a bad job, but a lot of hanging around..

I have nothing, except admiration to your diligence and hope to retraining.

Oh well, trying again.