My husband had a suprapubic catheter installed (ha, I don't know how else to put that) in August. He is probably end stage Alzheimers and doesn't talk or communicate his pain or discomfort. I know when he is in pain only by the expression on his face and how he holds himself very stiff. He is in the nursing home in the dementia unit where they are trained to deal with these types of issues, I would imagine. He seems to be in some pain today and they changed the catheter the 29th. I asked for pain medication and he has an as needed tylenol on his chart which they gave him. Does anyone have experience with this? Could it be a bladder infection or pain from changing the tubing? I live two hours away but instructed them to call tomorrow and let me know how he is and if I need to I will drive back in a heartbeat to try and remedy his discomfort. I hate to think of him in pain. Any input will be appreciated.
jules, my only experience with this is that I had a suprapubic catheter myself once for two weeks after surgery. Totally different circumstances, I know, but it caused me no pain or discomfort at all. I know how hard it is when we can't tell if our LO is in pain. Joni
I have read of others whose loved one had irritation from when it was inserted. Sometimes it might not be sitting right in the bladder. You just never know but need to keep an eye on it for pain and/or infection.
Charlotte, I wondered if the balloon might not be sitting right. I wonder how we would go about checking that? Would they have to redo with a new catheter? I would guess so if they are going to keep things sterile. I wondered if it shouldn't be standard procedure to check for uti when they change that thing as it would be the perfect time to get a good clean sample. Joni, did the spot heal up on it's own once the catheter was removed?
jules, the spot did heal up on its own. I didn't believe it would, but it did. I agree they should check for UTI when they change it. They won't want to, but they should if you insist. Why take the chance of having an untreated infection? I hope they check for you. Joni
Update: The doctor called and made orders for the catheter to be redone. The nurse said the change was almost immediate that he started doing better. So we would assume the balloon was causing discomfort and was probably seated right at the opening.