What can be done to minimize the pain of folley catheter insertion and removal? i recall this experience as the most unbearably painful event.

Folley: I fully understand your concern. A Lidocaine gel can be used during insertion to help minimize the discomfort. Removal is not as painful as insertion is. A pill of Ibuprofen or Naproxen prior to that may help numb up the experience.

Apply lidocaine : Cream to the catheter, take tylenol (acetaminophen) or Motrin prior to insertion and these steps may lessen the pain. Best wishes!