Hi,

I've had the syndrome since a kid and manage to get around it most of the time. But i have a 10.5 hour flight next week and I usually avoid drinking. I can manage this but having found this site (thank you!) I learned catheter might help. Having read the posts on here it seems that I need to arrange a doctor's / urology expert session and get a prescription.

As there's a short amount of time (It's Friday as I am writing this and my flight on Thursday morning)
(a) If I pay for a private consultation how likely is it that a chemist will have a catheter in stock? (If likely I would go this route)
(b) I could try my doctors but it appears you will be referred to a NHS appoitnment / takes time
(c) is there a quick way of getting a few of these before my flight?

Many thanks, Henry.

Hi Henry

Now that is a new question indeed, in terms of timescale. I think that a private consultation would have catheters available. You can find this out when you phone up.

I agree that the NHS/GP route would not be quick enough. However it is worth trying. If I phone the surgey at 8am, I can get a same day appointment. But a GP is a lottery: some agree to using catheters, others do not.

To get some quickly you could try going to a manufacturer's website; try Coloplast.co.uk

BTW make it clear you are not asking for a permanent catheter but for a one-time use disposable catheter; the method is called Intermittent Self-Catheterisation or ISC.

Finally have a look at our Flying webpage here: www.ukpt.org.uk/living-with-paruresis/paruresis-and-flying

Let us know how it goes.

Cheers

Andrew

Thank you so much Andrew for your quick reply. I wrote a reply on Friday, but I took a while and it timed out / didn’t save!

I’ve called my doctor this morning and managed to get a last minute appointment for today. Not sure what will happen - i assume a referral for the future.

I will also contact the manufacturer now.

I’ve been on many long flights before and dehydrate so may have to put up with that. But I am so pleased to find this forum and I will look to get on the course.

All the best,
Henry

Good oh. Let us know how it goes.
Andrew

Just seen the doctor he immediately prescribed the one time catheter you mentioned, 30 in a pack. Fingers crossed they arrive before the flight.

Thank you for your guidance!

Excellent news. Feel free to email me on andrew@ “our domain name” for support on first using them.
A