Catheters are used when a person is not able to pass urine on their own. It can be due to many reasons.
. Retention in the bladder.
. After a surgery.
When the bladder/urethra is damaged.
In such cases generally a urologist will attach a catheter to the urethra so that the person can urinate normally.
I have interstitial cystitis also known as painful Bladder syndrome. So recently I went through a bladder procedure after which my bladder went into complete retention . I was sent home with a Foley catheter attached to me for 7 days. I didn’t have much idea how to wear it, how to care for it etc. I asked a lot of friends in my chronic illness community and read over internet.
So these are some tips if you have an indwelling Foley catheter:-
1. First and foremost any medical device that helps you to survive and carry a normal day, isn’t disgusting or a thing to be ashamed of. When it comes to urinary bags, I have seen a lots of stigma attached to it. So be comfortable, wear your bag normally and carry out your day warrior.
2. Always keep your urinary bag lower than the bladder so that the urine doesn’t flow back to Bladder.
3. Wear loose fitting clothes, so you can comfortably strap up the bag to your leg.
4. Maintain a good hygiene. Wash your hands before and after handling the catheter. And wash your genital area twice a day to avoid the risk of infections.
5. Check there aren’t kinks , folds etc in the tube to avoid obstruction.
6. Drink enough fluids. You are more prone to Infections. So try to drink lots of water to flush out the bacteria etc.
7. If you have any burning or pain, use ice pack or lidocaine to numb the area. If it still persists call your doctor.
8. Don’t clench your pelvic floor. It will lead to spasms and pain. You need to keep your pelvic muscles relaxed.
9. Ideally flush out the urine if the bag is half filled, or three quarters. Generally you should clear out the bag every 2-3 hours.
10. If you need to change it often. Remember use sterile supplies only.
I’m sorry to hear about you having a catheter love. My grandfather has had one for years and, as far as I’m aware, they are a lot easier on men than women (due to anatomy, I’m assuming).
I hope this doesn’t become a regular occurrence for you.
– Nyxie
https://nyxiesnook.com/10-ways-to-cope-with-your-siblings-eating-disorder/
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Yeah, I too am wishing that I don’t need this again. It is so painful.
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I’m sorry that has to happened to you. To me this post was very heartfelt since you used your own personal experience. Thank you for sharing I learned something new.
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Thanks for reading.
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I hope you’re on the mend soon and you won’t need to use one any time soon x x
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Thank you.
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I hope you heal soon. I feel your pain. This has to be challenging.
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It is.
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Reminds me of the post delivery days when I had it on for a couple of days. It was painful. Hope you recover soon. Best wishes.
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Thanks. Isn’t it so annoying and irritating?
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The only time I had a catheter was right after my emergency cesarean with my youngest son. I remember they wanted to remove it and I asked not to for a few more hours because I couldn’t think about getting up to use the restroom at that time. I can’t imagine having one for that long, though. As you said, there’s a lot of stigma around it, but anything medical is nothing to be ashamed of!
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Thank you for reading.
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I have only had one once, after I had my son and I did not love it. You seem to have the best attitude.
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Thank you. I try to as there is no another choice.
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I am so sorry to hear that you’re having to use a catheter, i bet it is so annoying! Feel better.
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Thank you. Yes, it certainly is.
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It is surely so annoying to have anything stuck on your body. Especially on that part. So sorry to hear that. I bet it sucks like having a dextrose in your hands.. 😢😭
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Yes, it does.
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I hope that this time goes by quickly for you. I can’t imagine the amount of work involved and inconvenience of this. You’re really a trooper.
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Thank you
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Great post! A few of my patients that I work with in healthcare have catheters. As a matter of fact, I’ve had one before myself! They most certainly aren’t comfortable ☹️ Great tips you’ve shared here though !!! ❤️
https://jessierenea.com/9-ways-to-ensure-that-youre-working-towards-living-the-life-of-your-dreams/
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Thank you. Yes, they are irritating.
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You’re welcome!! 💕
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Get well soon. Interesting to know how catheters work. A few myths put to bed.
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Thank you for the wishes.
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So sorry that must be very uncomforable. Hope you get well soon.
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Thank you for the wishes.
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So sorry to hear but thank you for actually sharing a post. You don’t often see people talk about things like this and it’s always great to hear personal experiences to get some kind of idea. Sending you all the love!
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Thank you. Yes, I wish the stigma lessens.
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I had a catheter a few times but always for a short period of time (everytime right after giving birth) and it was always during hospital stay and never at home. I am sorry you are needing one and I hope you can soon get better and get rid of it.
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Thank you for the wishes.
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I am so sorry to hear that, I had one of those after a car accident, not very comfy; however, you will be fine. Take care
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Thank you.
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Sorry to hear that but you’re a trooper! Thanks for creating awareness about Catheter!
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Thanks, yes more the awareness less the stigma around things.
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Oh no, looks really hard having this. I haven’t experience this before, I am currently pregnant and this would be a great guide for me once I undergo a C section.
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Best wishes to you and your baby.
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I’ve experience having a catheter so many times. It was not that just need a proper movent so you will not feel uncomfortable.
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Trying to.
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I’ll sorry for your illness. I’ve learned all about catheters when I worked in a nursing home. These are great tips and very important.
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Thank you.
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This was some really interesting info. I have never had to have one of these but I know people that have. I am so sorry to hear that you are not feeling the best.
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I am glad that you found it helpful.
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I can only imagine how hard work this is. I hope that you will be feeling much better soon xx
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Thank you, really need the prayers.
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Firstly I hope you feel better and secondly these are some really useful tips. I’ve had one places after surgeries before and wish I had known this
Laura x
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I am glad that you found these tips helpful. I understand, docs should let the patients know the common tips so they can manage well.
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I remember having to have a catheter after I had surgery to remove a kidney stone. It was not fun and definitely not a very pleasant experience. These are such good tips if you have to have one for whatever reason.
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Yeah. Catheters can be so painful.
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I think this is the best advice that you could give to anyone and everyone “First and foremost any medical device that helps you to survive and carry a normal day, isn’t disgusting or a thing to be ashamed of.”
Really impressed with the article and find it inspiring that you have opened up and shared so much to help others!
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Agreed, anything that helps us to survive is nothing to feel ashamed of.
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Good to see giving this type of tips to readers. I have seen some of the hospitals are not good at giving proper advice to patients. Well done Arun !
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Thank you. Yes, many hospitals are very dismissing.
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I’m so sorry to hear about this. I know it’s not easy for your family. My good friend is a nurse and she would tell me stories about this. Great advice for anyone, because you never know when you might need it.
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Yeah, I hope no one has to go through that and at least not with me any info .
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Thank you for talking so openly about having a catheter and how to use it. I had one for 3 weeks in the hospital but the nurses to care of everything. If I had to have one at home there is no one that I know to go to for answers and would also have to turn to the internet.
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That’s why I think Drs should give us at least some basic information.
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I’m so sorry about that girl. I bet that it’s uncomfortable. Thank you for being so brave and sharing with the world your experience. Get well soon<3
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Thank you for the wishes.
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I just diagnosed with interstitial cystitis myself. I really hope the procedure you had done helps with the symptoms! I know how awful they can be. In the past, after surgery, I’ve needed a catheter as well. But I never had to wear it outside of hospital. Your post is very informative if the day ever comes I need to use one outside of hospital. Sending you positive vibes.
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Thank you. I hope Drs find some treatment that helps you. Ic can be tough to live with. I am living with ic from years. Please feel free to message me whenever you need to. I messaged you too. Check your messenger.
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You are right, there is nothing to be ashamed of. Praying you get the treatment you need.
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Thank you so much.
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I am so sorry to hear about what happened. Hoping everything will be alright sooner. Stay strong and just pray.
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Thank you so much.
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I’m having issues with my bladder at the moment which centers around my failed back surgery. It swells so bad in my SI joint that it’s very difficult to go on my own. I’ve been trying to decide if I could manage a catheter before my kidneys are damaged to the point I would have to go to dialysis. Your post makes me realize that it’s possible to have a full life and wear a catheter.
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You should look for self catheterisation option. If you are having constant retention. It can be damaging. Self catheterisation you would need to do once or twice a day for few minutes. I hope they find some treatment for your pain.
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I believe I had a catheter inserted when I was in hospital with appendicitis. Thanks for the tips on using a catheter at home.
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I am so sorry. I know how painful it is.
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You are dealing well with this situation. I have had catheters several times — the last one was with my kidney transplant (that one also included a urethral stent too!). I like your attitude and your tips were very important!
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Thank you.
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After I gave birth to my twins, I had a catheter. It was hard to get used to, this is good information for people to know, I wish I knew more before it happened to me.
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I understand..
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