How does it feel to have a Foley insertion?

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I've always wondered, but never wondered enough to try it for myself. Lol does it hurt? Is there a stretching, burning or stinging sensation? Ive had a UTI before, so I can only imagine having a foley inserted feels like those last little painful trickles of pee during a UTI. Can someone enlighten me please?

Specializes in LTC, CPR instructor, First aid instructor..

I believe it depends on your medical condition and what you have been through. I have had several of them. Some hurt and some didn't at all.

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Specializes in Hospice.

One thing I learned with males: make sure that bad boy is at a 90 degree angle before you insert the cath.

And, as someone else said, don't stop when you get a return, advance the cath all the way, inflate the balloon, then gently pull back. Inflating the balloon in the urethra hurts. A lot.

Secure the tubing to the leg, don't put traction on it, should be good to go.

I also would have the person breathe in and out through their mouth. I'd make eye contact, breathe with them while I was inserting, and the distraction also helped.

Most said it wasn't as bad as they thought it would be, just some pressure at first. Like I said before, I was good at it. And I was "just" a MedSurg nurse...

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I was very happy for the foley whenever I received one. I always told students to picture a plastic straw and another tube 1/2 the diameter of the straw. Now put the plastic straw inside the other tube and thread it upwards. It always reminded me of scraping the sides of the smaller tube. It hurts, then its uncomfortable. As a woman, you hate moving much as it becomes very apparent its in your bladder! But, all in all, when you really need to pee and you can't, I don't care what it feels like because it can be a lifesaver. Barring any complications of having the foley, once its out you forget about what it felt like going in.

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Specializes in ICU, Research, Corrections.

I have had a few foleys and never had a problem with pain during insertion or removal. It was just minor discomfort. What I did have a problem with is a nurse stepping on my foley tubing and then dragging it a few inches with her shoe. That was excruciating pain!

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Had a Foley in when I came out of surgery, and it wasn't placed right- had the urge to urinate, and no output. They agreed to let me stand and go,was afraid i'd fall. Placement is key.

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Specializes in Hospice, Geriatrics.

I've always been "asleep" when inserted. Coming out??? AHHHH, OOOOWWWWW, EEEEKKKKK, :arghh: So I can just imagine going in!! It burned and stung and my muscles spasmed clamping my urethra shut which made it worse. I have inserted many, many and removed even more. I always try to pre-medicate with MSIR or something. If i happen to have viscous Lidocaine, thats even better. Im also very slow and gentle as I can be and apologetic.

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I have had several cystos so a Foley is no big deal. However I have had several Foleys too. it will be more painful if the person inserting it fails to lube it. What was more uncomfortable than the cath insertion was one a nurse came in on the next tour, saw the Foley bag and asked when I got that. (they do not give report?) Right after that, she threw the sheet and blanket back and stared for what seemed like several moments. I am sure she knew where the tube went so I can only think that since my records revealed that I had an epididymectomy she may have wondered where the incision was and was looking for it.

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I often instill sterile lidocaine jelly (like used for a bronch) into the member for topical anesthesia and lubrication when I place a indwelling foley on a male... such as a nurse could not get the foley and asked for help. Let the lidocaine work for a minute or two then voila! Urologists will do this when they do procedures.

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Specializes in NICU, Trauma, Oncology.

I was blocked when it was inserted but as soon as I "came to" and was in recovery the very first thing I asked was to remove the damn thing because it was awfully uncomfortable

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Specializes in L&D.

Having been on the other end of a Foley I can tell if done right putting it in it's uncomfortable if done wrong it is painful. When in its annoying

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Depends oN the talent of the nurse inserting it. The one time l was awake for it l swear she forgot to use lubricant. I wanted to jump off the bed.

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Burns!! Both coming in and going out. And the first time you urinate once it's out [emoji15]

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