Catheters - 30ml balloon discomfort/pain in bladder..

I usually wear a 16 or 18fr with a 5cc balloon inflated to 10cc's -- I got a freebee set of 18fr 30cc 100% silicone lubrisil catheters (working at a medical supply store has it's advantages), so I figured I'd try it..

I inserted it before leaving work, connected to the belly bad I was already wearing, and filled the bag a little bit before clocking out. On my 2 hour drive up the interstate, I started getting a really full feeling that I was not draining, so I wiggle around.. minimal draining.

Has anyone else had such a negative experience with 30cc balloons? by the time I reached my destination I was feeling 'very full', but from the time I got out of the car to the time I got to the bathroom.. 500-600cc's drained into my bag

relief FINALLY! should I just stick with the 5cc balloons or has anyone else had this issue, but just with certain brands?

At that point, I just said hell with it and removed the foley because the ballon size(or maybe the tip?) was just unbearable.

I've never had that problem, but I deal with neuropathy so I might not be aware of it, as hard as that might be to believe. I'm guessing that being in a seated position caused a kink that prohibited drainage. Wish I could help with the discomfort issue, I've just never experienced it, with any cath or balloon size.

A few extra cc's of residual urine with a 30cc balloon is normal because the tip of the catheter sits higher in the bladder, but I agree 100% that anything more, especially 500-600 cc's had to be due to a kink in the catheter or in the anti-reflux valve in the Belly Bag while in the sitting position. This has nothing to do with a 5cc vs 30cc balloon. There was nothing said about blood in the urine (with a possible blood clot causing the obstruction), nor anything said about a large amount of mucous which could also obstruct the catheter.

:-\ I have used both 10cc and 30cc balloons many times. I have actually found that the 10 cc was uncomfortable while the 30cc seated much better inside my bladder. I have used a 30fr with 30cc but did not enjoy it (too big) so I did not inflate the balloon. My favorite is 22 fr, 30cc, fits great and can stay in for hours.

I spent several days in the hospital last month due to internal bleeding and my primary doctor while in requested I have a catheter installed to make sure my bladder empted out throughly. I don't know what size balloon was used to hold the cath in place, but it wasn't all that bad. The cath stayed seated until it was deflated for removal a couple of days later.

I use both15 ml and 30 ml balloon Foleys. I place 5 or 10 ml only in them respectively and its more than adequate for retention and comfort.

I use both 10 and 30cc and havent had any problems with wither, also use a belly bag...maybe it was a problem with the bag adn mentioned by Deke.

I always buy catheters with 30 cc balloons and fill them with 20 cc of saline. they seat much better and cause less discomfort.

I have used both 10 and 30 cc catheters and I can't really tell any difference. To me they don't feel any different and both stay in with no problems. The only difference is the amount of water I use to inflate them.

I've used both 5cc and 30cc balloon caths and I've noticed quite a bit of bladder spasms when I've used the 5cc balloons.. I'm going to test one of my 30cc caths soon and see if i notice any difference

I just realized that I mistyped in my last post. The catheters I have used have been 5 cc and 30 cc.

Just fyi... the 5ml balloon should be inflated with 10ml sterile water, and the 30ml balloon should be inflated with at least 35ml of sterile water. Some 30ml catheters can be inflated with as much as 50ml (such as Rusch catheters), but in all cases, the inflation volume on the package should be followed. The reason the 5ml balloon should be filled with 10ml of water (not saline) per the package instructions is to ensure that the balloon is filled enough so the tip of the catheter remains straight and does not tilt to the side as it will with an under-inflated balloon. This can cause bladder spasms and potentially irritation to the lining of the bladder as the tip digs into the bladder wall.