Living with a Catheter
Over many years, we've supported people transitioning to using intermittent catheters as part of their daily routine. Wherever you are in your journey, here are some considerations to maintain a normal everyday routine.
Establishing a Routine
Healthcare professionals typically recommend catheterising 4-6 times a day or as prescribed. To help you to remember to use your catheter, you could use a chart or set an alarm on your phone.
Failing to catheterise as recommended can lead to several issues:
- Kidney Damage: Increased bladder pressure can cause urine to flow back to the kidneys, risking infection or long-term damage.
- Leakage: This occurs when urine volume exceeds your bladder capacity, causing it to overflow. More frequent catheterisation can prevent this.
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Incomplete emptying of your bladder can allow bacteria to multiply, leading to infections.
Avoiding complications
When you are catheterising, remove your catheter slowly, pausing if more urine flows out, when it has stopped, gently remove the catheter.
Managing Catheterisation Away from Home
Maintaining your catheterisation routine is crucial, even when you're out. Catheterise before events like cinema or theatre trips or during intervals.
When you’re away from home, it's essential to have everything you need for safe and convenient catheterisation, so consider having a bag packed with:
- Extra catheters
- Spare underwear and clothing
- Disposable gloves
- Wet wipes or towelettes
- Antibacterial gel or hand wash
- A hand-held mirror
- Plastic bags for used accessories or wet garments
- A bottle of water
- Paper towels or tissues
Catheterisation at Work
Discussing your needs with your employer can be useful; particularly if you need any adjustments like access to suitable bathroom facilities
Socialising and Going Out
Maintaining social connections can feel challenging when you have bladder issues, make sure to plan your day and avoid inconvenient times for bladder emptying. When visiting friends' houses, use opaque plastic bags to wrap used catheters for disposal or to take home. Compact and discrete catheters can be carried in your pocket.
Engaging in Sports and Exercise
Intermittent self-catheterisation enables you to participate in sports and exercise without fear of leaking. Stick to your bathing schedule to remain active within the limits of your physical condition. A good routine allows you to empty your bladder quickly, so you won't be away from activities longer than anyone else using the bathroom.
Maintaining an Active Sex Life
Using a catheter shouldn’t affect intimacy. Empty your bladder before and after sex to ensure you’re not concerned about leaks and enjoy a healthy sex life without concerns about accidents.
Travelling and Catheterisation
Packing for Your Journey
When preparing for travel, packing is essential. Here are some tips to ensure you have everything you need:
- Overpack Supplies: Estimate the number of catheters and accessories you'll need for your trip, and then pack extras. This ensures you're prepared for any unexpected delays or changes to your itinerary.
- Documentation: Obtain a note from your healthcare professional or a TSA notification card, (if travelling to the USA), explaining your need for intermittent catheter supplies. Keep copies of these documents in both your carry-on and checked luggage.
- Extra set of clothes: Including an extra set of clothing in your luggage provides additional peace of mind.
- Catheterising during your journey: Aim to catheterise as close to boarding as possible, especially for long-distance flights. Requesting an aisle seat near the toilet to facilitate easier access if needed.
Long Journeys and Alternative Solutions
For extended journeys where bathroom access may be limited, consider these options:
- Explore catheter and bag solutions or talk to your doctor about short-term closed system catheter. Testing new products at home before your trip ensures comfort and effectiveness.
- Research medical facilities and catheter suppliers at your destination. Keep contact information handy in case you need assistance during your travels.
Cathing in Public Bathrooms
- Always ensure you have extra catheters and any necessary accessories like cleansing wipes and hand sanitiser.
- Wash your hands and genitalia thoroughly with soap and water or hand wipes before and after catheterisation to prevent infections.
- Repurpose items like bags or paper towels to create a clean surface for your supplies if needed.
- Consider using a compact catheter.
- Consider repurposing items like a toiletries bag to carry your catheters discreetly.