Following discharge from hospital with a catheter after retaining 750 mL of urine in A&E, I have spent the last 24 hours trying to practically adapt to the situation.
I was originally advised to attend A&E because my left leg and foot were becoming increasingly numb and there were concerns about possible neurological deterioration given my previous history of Cauda Equina Syndrome.
Whilst in A&E, blood tests also showed that my kidney filtration rate (eGFR) was 29, alongside the discovery that I was retaining a significant amount of urine.
In A&E I was struggling to urinate, so I informed the nurses. A bladder scan showed approximately 750 mL retained in my bladder, after which I was catheterised. Given my previous history of Cauda Equina Syndrome and current neurological symptoms, this was treated seriously and led to MRI investigation.
The MRI did not show recurrent Cauda Equina Syndrome, although there are ongoing spinal and neurological findings which still require orthopaedic follow-up.
Overnight following catheterisation I filled an entire 2 litre drainage bag to the brim. I have since learned this may represent post-obstructive diuresis following bladder decompression, although with my CKD this still needs monitoring.
Today I have adjusted my catheter setup by keeping the 500 mL daytime bag attached and connecting the 2 litre overnight bag onto the end of the system. I have also ordered several 3 litre overnight drainage bags to reduce the risk of overfilling during the night.
I was initially very worried about whether I would have enough catheter supplies to safely manage things at home. However, after contacting an NHS catheter supplier, I now have approximately one month’s worth of catheter equipment arriving via next day delivery. That significantly reduced my anxiety and put my mind at rest.
Emotionally, this has been a strange adjustment. Part of me has been wondering whether I can realistically return to swimming or normal activities whilst catheterised. I even briefly considered entering the swimming pool without a bag attached, although after discussion it became clear this would not be safe or appropriate due to infection risk and hygiene concerns.
I am beginning to realise that the practical management side of this situation may be more manageable than the initial shock suggested, although psychologically it still feels significant and vulnerable.
