At 180 Medical, we love sharing our customers’ journeys and recognizing their triumphs through difficult diagnoses and challenges. One 180 Medical Community Member, Bobb, is one such customer. He’s been living with multiple sclerosis (MS) for over twenty years now, and he knows firsthand what it’s like navigating the changing symptoms and managing life while using catheters.
It’s taken time and support to adapt to all the changes as his symptoms progress, but he’s found solutions that work for him. That includes his journey of finding the right catheter supplier, 180 Medical, after encountering unreliable service from several other medical supply companies.
Today, he’s sharing his experience in hopes of helping others like him who are new to using catheters or living with multiple sclerosis.
Facing Bladder Issues with Multiple Sclerosis
According to the National MS Society, multiple sclerosis can often start with symptoms like fatigue, vision problems, muscle weakness, and balance or gait issues. Because the symptoms of MS can sometimes mimic other conditions and vary from person to person, it can take months or even years to get a diagnosis.
Bobb’s journey to his own diagnosis began with experiencing symptoms that were out of the ordinary for him. Finally, in 2002, he got the news and the official diagnosis: multiple sclerosis.
For Bobb, the most significant challenge of MS has been the changes in his mobility and hand function. “It started with a little limp, then I needed a cane within six years. By 2018, I was using a walker full-time.”
Issues with his bladder showed up sooner, however. MS can sometimes cause neurogenic bladder, a condition where bladder function is impacted by damage to the nerves that control it. And sure enough, Bobb’s bladder was beginning to retain urine. Even after going to the bathroom, he still felt like he needed to go.
Managing Multiple Sclerosis with Catheters
“By 2004, my urologist said, ‘Well, you need to start using catheters,'” Bobb recalls. “I was petrified at first. I thought I should be able to go to the bathroom like I always have. The whole idea of doing it is scary and frightening.”
Bobb compares the feeling of incomplete bladder emptying to drinking a giant soda at the movie theater. “And you just can’t wait to get out and get to the bathroom,” he says. “I felt like that for two years. I’d be able to go, but never completely empty. So the first time the urologist catheterized me, it was like, ‘Oh my God, this feels great.’ I felt like I was done at the movie theater.”
Of course, the idea of using a catheter on his own was scary at first. “Nobody wants to cath,” he says, “But that feeling of relief was huge.” But soon enough, with a bit of practice, Bobb finally felt comfortable independently cathing.
A Reliable Catheter Company Makes a Difference
Before finding 180 Medical, Bobb had experiences with other catheter supply companies that left him feeling more than frustrated. Catheter supplies are a necessity, and people who depend on them to drain their bladder cannot go without them. However, Bobb kept encountering delays in shipping and reordering in addition to poor customer service. All of it made getting the supplies he needed way too stressful.
With one company, he was down to his last couple of straight catheters. Bobb asked when they could deliver, and they told him not until the following week. He clearly couldn’t wait a week, so he had to drive ten miles to pick his supplies up himself.
“I was not thrilled,” he says. “Finally, my urologist’s assistant said, ‘You should call 180 Medical.’ She told me some great customer service stories. So I gave you a call, and it’s been perfect!”
Finding the Right Catheters with 180 Medical
Over time, Bobb has noticed some decline in his right hand’s dexterity, which has made using catheters more difficult. Last year, he stopped using straight catheters and decided he needed an easier-to-use product.
180 Medical provided free samples from a range of catheter brands and options so Bobb could choose what worked and felt best for him. “You guys have really been great about helping me find the ones that work best. Your customer service is excellent!”
Now, Bobb uses a combination of the Coloplast SpeediCath® Flex Set and Rusch MMG H2O® Closed System Catheters, which both fit his preferences and needs well.
“One works best when I’m in bed, and the other one works best when I’m in my chair,” Bobb says. “The self-contained closed system catheters have been good because I don’t have to stand up and worry about falling every time I need to cath.”
Bobb loves that he can depend on 180 Medical to come through for him every time, through insurance changes and occasional times when he has to use more catheters than normal.
Looking Ahead With a Grateful Heart
Managing multiple sclerosis symptoms and using catheters hasn’t detracted from Bobb’s ability to enjoy the beautiful moments of his life as a father, a husband, and a freelance writer.
While his journey with MS continues to bring new challenges, he remains grateful for the support he’s received from his loved ones and from 180 Medical. Thank you, Bob, for sharing your story with us!
If you or someone you know is facing similar challenges, 180 Medical is here to help with reliable service, helpful resources, and compassionate care. We’ll be there every step of the way, from navigating your insurance coverage to finding a catheter that best fits your unique needs.
Contact us today to learn more about your catheter product options and get the caring support you deserve.
