Post by Lαrα on Feb 5, 2015 3:35:51 GMT -8
I am sure that we have all done this and gone over our routine time for catheterizing or dont catheter as often as we should. Yet, this is one of our most important regimes that we need to keep on top of.
Urinary issues related to Spinal Cord Injury is a big killer and one thats sets us apart from the non SCI population.
We are trying to avoid the risks of Urinary tract infections, kidney function issues and bladder cancer..all of which are increased risk due to Spinal Cord Injury!
This article touches important issues around regular self catheterizing
Questions and answers!
Q: Todd, why do some people have a hard time following their doctor’s orders regarding catheter use?
A: You know, that’s a good question. Sometimes, I hear from people who tell me that their doctor has written them a prescription that says they should use catheters four times a day, for a total of 120 times per month [give or take].
The trouble arises when that patient has a care regimen that calls for self-catheterization four times a day, but that person is only using catheters when they think they should.
They might be doing it twice a day instead of the prescribed four times per day.
Q: What could happen if someone isn’t following their doctor’s orders and is cathing less often than what was prescribed for them?
Do your body a favor and listen to your doctor’s orders when it comes to self-catheterization!
A: My personal doctor warned me about this.
He said that if your bladder stays too full because you aren’t using catheters often enough, you can cause damage to your kidneys. And, he also told me that cathing less often than prescribed can cause other risks, like an increased chance of urinary tract infections.
Take my word for it, UTIs are no fun at all!
In my personal case, if I didn’t use catheters as often as my doctor prescribed me to use them, over time I could have ended up on dialysis.
I have diabetes, and thank goodness, as of now I can control it with my diet and by following my doctor’s orders as prescribed when it comes to urinary health.
To read the Article Click Here
For me personally, i can catheter approximately 5/6 times a day as an average and this works quite well. In the UK catheters are given without charge so we are fortunate in this respect and there isnt a limit on how many i can use.
