Teenager, Doctors, Catheters...Oh, My

That is so similar to what I had a few weeks ago its not even funny!.

I thought yeast infection at first, then bladder infection, doc said no bladder infection but we treated that way anyways because the symptoms were soooo similar. i could still force myself to pee, but believe M. it hurt so bad. The antibiotics did help clear it up.

Ask them if he could have developed a posterior urethral valve. It is mostly in young children or in utero but it is where a vavle closes off in the urethra. Its worth a shot. Mine I honestly believe was J. an infection of some sort because we are all good now.

Are these pediatric specialists? If not, find one. My friend's DD needs a catheter often when she gets infections, due to kidney problems. Something is not right. You need to keep pressing for answers. It cannot be fun for him to get cath'd and to be sick.

I am sorry that you are going through this. I don't know what is going on with your son. But I would keep on the doctors and not wait. If they won't help you get another opinion from another urologist or hospital. It seems like if this is so abnormal in a 17 year old they should be more diligent and running more tests or at least keeping a closer eye on him. I don't mean to criticize or scare you but sometimes we have to be persistent. Keep us posted, prayers for a healthy son!!

I'm sorry to hear he is going through that! Perhaps it's a bladder stone? I don't know if they can be seen with a scope, but they can be seen on a CT so hopefully that will tell you.

Good luck!

I'm sorry if this is vague, but there is something I heard of, maybe on this site, where some kind of vein or artery in a boy's penile region, that can become twisted, and cause permanent damage. It seemed like the symptoms were similar to your son's.

I heard of a boy this happened to who was misdiagnosed, and after a couple of days of it not being treated, something terrible happened. I am going to research this, and see if I can update this answer with something more concrete.

I'm thinking twisted ureter, or this: http://www.answers.com/topic/vesicoureteral-reflux

still looking.... and while I'm looking, I want to recommend, due to my not so stellar experience with some doctors, that you push them to give you and your son an answer. Some things shouldn't be left alone, and some doctors don't do their jobs.

Sorry, I can't remember what it was, but all I remember about the story was that this symptom should not be ignored. Make the doctors figure it out, and soon.

Bladder infections are technically supposed to be treated based on symptoms NOT be diagnostics. If he has one (fevers, painful urination, retention, foul smelling urine) it can back up and cause a kidney infection which can have more consequences. Also, indwelling catheters can CAUSE urinary tract infections (especially if they are not properly washed every day - a new tube in a sensitive area for a teenage boy =embarrassment and missed hygiene?). I'd
say call a urologist yourself and get him in ASAP.

Psychological issue possible. J. a thought. It happens more than you would think. As long as he has the catheter in he will be fine. I would J. play it cool, because if you start acting very worried, he will be and you will get into a vicious cycle.