About the self cathing business. I was taught to self cath in June last year.
I've only cathed 4 times this year, which is a major improvement on doing it
between 3-7 times a day. Last year, when I couldn't pass any water at all, I
started having Reflexology once a week. Within 4 days of my first session, I
went to the toilet, after 3 months of not going at all.!!
I think that the best way to beat the problem, is to accept it. I accepted
it, and now I don't have so much of a problem. My Mum still activates my
bladder (via my foot) when it's being naughty, but that doesn't happen too
often.
I've also found that some breathing exercises help. Holding your lower
abdomen in and taking a deep breath can sometimes release the tension which
stops it working.
I don't know much about the residual question because my Urologist didn't
bother telling me anything. He simply left me to get on with it. I've had no
infections or irritations in my bladder, so I must've been doing something
right.!!
I hope this has been of some help to you.
Good luck.!!
daze :-)