The original post:
In the mid-1980's, my urologist urged me to use a device for uroflowmetry which looked like a small rectangular plastic fish-tank prior to commencing each office visit. The urine flowed through small "trap doors" which activated at four stages. The urine measured at each stage was compared to a chart that provided a mean-value which was charted for comparison to a base-line obtained soon after each urethral surgery. Eventually, I was prompted to purchase one of these now-extinct "manual urine flow gauges" (which lasted ten years) to track thrice-weekly measurements which really did help by forcing me to go for a dilitation/urethrotomy, or whatever - while the stricture was in a more open state, allowing for a "kinder instrumentation" or easier urethrotomy.
Ask your urologist if he or she feels this type of tracking would be beneficial in your case, there is a device *which is FDA approved, and made in the U.K. known as the Uflow urine meter which is not easily available in North America. With shipping, the cost is around $23.00 U.S. A base-line (in-office) uroflowmetric study will have to be done for comparison to your initial results. The savings in discomfort should be well worth the investment!
*a brief update: While researching for this post, I read documentation stating that the device was FDA (USA) approved. That information was apparently inaccurate, and that documentation has been withdrawn from publication. I have edited the original post to reflect this change. Today, 13 January 2012, I will make an effort to contact the manufacturer of the Uflow urine meter, Medical Devices Technology International, and report my findings as soon a possible. I can tell you that from what I have read, they seem to be very reputable and quality conscious (my opinion). I am told that the device may not require FDA approval.
Status: Will report
* another update 14 January 2012: we have been in contact with MDTI, and they provided a phone number to their product information and engineering department with statement that the gentleman there will answer our questions to the best of his ability. I will procure a VOIP phone on Monday, and proceed with a "thoughtful interrogation. They replied to the email request within an hour of its receipt, that's pretty good in my book!
Status: Will report after our conversation. If possible, I will also inquire into direct sourcing from within the U.S. , and make the case that there's probably a market here for the Uflow Urine Meter.
Per:Moderator Tim
