Cycling UK Forum

TonyR wrote:

Phil Fouracre wrote:What on earth is wrong with using perfectly normal biological names. As far as catheters go, I have been using one for paragliding for a while and it works really well. Probably simpler in that I just run the tube down the inside of the leg of my trousers, lift leg out of harness when I need to use it, give it a quick shake and put it back! If you wore leggins, stretchy Lycra you could simply run the tube inside, and it would be held in position. Urologist I spoke to asked if I wanted a bag, no need, at 5000' I wasn't really bothered where it went after it left me!! I would have thought any sort of bag would be a real pain, in more ways than one. Look at Conveen Optima on the net, perfect kit, very. Kind lady even sends samples and a special sausage measuring device!!

Remind me not to look up when you are paragliding overhead!

Ugh likewise that's as bad yellow rain from crane operators!

Just close your eyes and you'll be fine!! Seriously though! Warm water at that height, will have evaporated long before it gets to you

Reviving an old thread.

After a recent bladder infection, I've been diagnosed with an enlarged prostate and am currently on the waiting list for an operation. I've had a catheter with a flip flo valve fitted for 5 weeks and have not ridden during that time. I'm wondering if it is possible to cycle with a catheter fitted. Above posts seems to suggest that it is.

My concern is the vibration caused by road cycling might make it uncomfortable and also what to do with the tube and valve whilst riding.

Any advice or shared experiences welcome.

Blimey! Was it that long ago? Shouldn't be a problem with vibration, I think most important is what you wear, and, how you route the tube to support it and not put any tension on the connections! I'd definitely go for leggings/trousers and terminate the tube at shoe sole level.

Phil Fouracre wrote:Blimey! Was it that long ago? Shouldn't be a problem with vibration, I think most important is what you wear, and, how you route the tube to support it and not put any tension on the connections! I'd definitely go for leggings/trousers and terminate the tube at shoe sole level.

I don't really want a tube running down my leg. I have about 6 inches of tube and then the tap, which is normally strapped to the top of my leg. I can tuck the tube and tap away in my shorts somehow.

I only need to "go" every couple of hours, so no need to go on the move.

With regard to all the problems around using a catheter and bag while cycling.....why not just use "intermittent catherisation". Carry a catheter with you while cycling and every four hours or so find a private spot and use the catheter.
Anti-bacterial wipes and a disposal bag keeps everything hygienic.

As a long-time catheter user I've found that it's best to be aware that the wearing of racing-style Lycra shorts which create a warm, damp atmosphere tend to create conditions very suitable for bacteria to flourish....and it's no fun having a urinary tract infection while cycle-touring and especially if this spreads to the kidneys.

The date for my op came through quite quickly, so I've now had the catheter removed and I'm hoping to get back on the bike soon. Still a bit sore, but I can pee normally now!

I did try riding my tourer with the catheter fitted but I could feel it inside as I was sitting on the saddle, so gave up.

Milfred Cubicle wrote:I've heard of people using a condom during sports, which allows the catheter to be looped back on itself, and held securely against the penis. It also allows a little safety leeway should the tube get caught on anything. I would just be cautious to ensure the loop is not too tight and kinking the tube. Similarly, if you were to try it, I'd keep a close eye out for pressure on the penis itself.

I imagine they'd be lots of nudging and winking in the chemists, when an 82 year old goes in to buy condoms!

mr riff raff wrote:

Milfred Cubicle wrote:I've heard of people using a condom during sports, which allows the catheter to be looped back on itself, and held securely against the penis. It also allows a little safety leeway should the tube get caught on anything. I would just be cautious to ensure the loop is not too tight and kinking the tube. Similarly, if you were to try it, I'd keep a close eye out for pressure on the penis itself.

I imagine they'd be lots of nudging and winking in the chemists, when an 82 year old goes in to buy condoms!

STDs are on the rise faster with pensioners than the kids nowadays.

As velorog said, sitting on a fixed indwelling cath is rather unpleasant. I have recently had a cath fitted due to bladder muscle / retention problems and have been back on the saddle since the first weekend. I ride mtb, mainly enduro/dh and the vibration alone is not an issue. What is problematic is if the catheter is moving inside you as your body moves. This can be easily resolved by a tight fitting underwear. I use a tap and empty my bladder regularly, it is absolutely not noticeable. If you need a bag, I recommend using the Teleflex Bellybag which is strapped around your waist rather than your leg. It looks a bit odd as it fills up but much better than carrying that weight on one of your legs or having an open system. It has a ca 1 liter capacity which is better than a small leg bag - the leg bags are also more visible in my view while the one around your waist is not. Unless you are super skinny, wear very tight fitting clothing and let your bag completely fill up, noone will notice that you are wearing it. If it bothers you, you can also try some colourful clothing that is a perfect camoflage to make it less visible. I found it very surprising that there are almost no catheter and incontinence products on the market for people with more active lifestyles, underwear or bags etc. My doctor encouraged me to do the things I normally do including sports and physical activities but at the same time I have been struggling to find products that are not designed for people with limited mobility...

I'm now fully recovered from my Op, with no further need for a catheter. I started riding again at the beginning of December and was terrible on my first few rides, fitness wise. I had no aerobic fitness at all. I could barely manage 15 miles at 12mph, and the slightest rise would completely wipe me out. However, the fitness soon came back and I'm back to my previous levels now, only 6 months later. I've done 3 70 milers in recent weeks with no ill effects.

crazydave789 wrote:

mr riff raff wrote:

Milfred Cubicle wrote:I've heard of people using a condom during sports, which allows the catheter to be looped back on itself, and held securely against the penis. It also allows a little safety leeway should the tube get caught on anything. I would just be cautious to ensure the loop is not too tight and kinking the tube. Similarly, if you were to try it, I'd keep a close eye out for pressure on the penis itself.

I imagine they'd be lots of nudging and winking in the chemists, when an 82 year old goes in to buy condoms!

STDs are on the rise faster with pensioners than the kids nowadays.

Is that because the kids are all already infected?

[XAP]Bob wrote:

crazydave789 wrote:

mr riff raff wrote:
I imagine they'd be lots of nudging and winking in the chemists, when an 82 year old goes in to buy condoms!

STDs are on the rise faster with pensioners than the kids nowadays.

Is that because the kids are all already infected?

more because of the rise in saga, cruises a more divorced population and the fact they can't get pregnant. the inlaws (in their 70s) were asked if they fancied a threesome by an 80 year old.