Check out Colin’s question to Aaron Baker, our Spinal Cord Injury Lifestyle Specialist, about soreness with an intermittent catheter, after removal:
Hi Aaron,
Why am I always sore after removing my intermittent catheter?
Thanks,
Colin
Hi Colin,
Thank you for reaching out with your question. We always recommend seeing a medical professional if you are experiencing any issues with your intermittent catheter. To help in the meantime though, I must clarify that while I am not a doctor, I do have 19 years of personal experience with spinal cord injury and the secondary complications that accompany the condition. I, too, used to experience soreness due to catheter insertion and removal. I attributed this to the fact that I was inserting the catheter hose into very delicate tissue that under normal circumstances would otherwise not be exposed a foreign object, and may therefore be causing micro tears and inflammation.
As my sensation improved over the years, so too did the pain and soreness. To allow my bladder and genitals a reprieve from cathing, I would use a condom catheter and refrain from intermittent catheterization for a short time to allow healing. If a condom cath isn’t an option for you, then maybe try a smaller size catheter, extra lubrication and a gentle hand during insertion. Be sure your catheters are sterile (I use the JAW), as a bladder infection can cause soreness as well.
I hope you find a solution to your soreness. Feel free to check in again and share your unique way of managing your body.
Best in health,
Aaron
Find more articles and videos about catherization:
I have a trip coming up and I am having trouble envisioning how I can safely and hygienically self-catheterize in a typical men’s restroom stall.
Hello,
My sister is a quadriplegic and I am her caregiver. She has had breast cancer and many other health problem but nothing seem to get her down. She is a very special lady. I just wish I could do more for her. I would like to take her out more and just do thing with her that would brighten her day.
I would like to know if you have information that would be useful.
Thank you
Irene M.