Self Cathing
Jan 25, 2014 22:25:10 GMT -8
Post by Butiki on Jan 25, 2014 22:25:10 GMT -8
This is something that I guess a lot of us here have to do. Me personally have no issues with it, but I know a few of our members do. It took me about six weeks to get my head around doing it. I was tought in my rehab unit, after many trys, indwelling cath taken out try to self cath, couldn't, indwelling cath back in, this went on for about six weeks as i said, I just could not get my head around it , but now I do it in under 3 minutes. I am also very lucky in that I have only had one UTI and that was when I was in still in rehab with a indwelling catheter. so I have found some information for those of you who are new to all this.
A patient who needs to empty his/her bladder from time to time in a special manner is often taught to perform self-catheterization. Although it may seem a bit unusual and complicated at first, using a urinary catheter to relieve yourself can be done safely and easily to manage various urinary problems.
Patients who are highly motivated to perform self-catheterization can be trained to perform the procedure at home. Those who are too young or too weak to do it may be assisted by a caregiver or a parent, but generally, disability is not a contraindication because patients in wheelchairs have been known to master the technique in spite of paraplegia, old age, spinal deformity, mental handicap, or blindness.
Self-catheterization is often indicated for people who cannot empty their bladders completely due to a chronic medical condition that increases their risk for urinary tract infection. These conditions include nerve problems, structural problems in the urinary tract or other causes that affect the normal function of the bladder, leading to its distension and incontinence (leakage). These in turn, favor the growth of bacteria, as urine is prevented from being passed out regularly, increasing one’s risk for urinary tract infection (UTI).
To improve a patient’s quality of life and prevent infection, doctors usually prescribe the use of catheters, which are thin plastic or rubber tubes that can be inserted into the urinary bladder through the urethra (the passageway of urine to the outside). Although the choice of catheter usually depends on the patient’s gender, age, and capability, other factors such as patient’s choice, physician’s prescription, and type of packaging may be considered.
To improve a patient’s quality of life and prevent infection, doctors usually prescribe the use of catheters, which are thin plastic or rubber tubes that can be inserted into the urinary bladder through the urethra (the passageway of urine to the outside). Although the choice of catheter usually depends on the patient’s gender, age, and capability, other factors such as patient’s choice, physician’s prescription, and type of packaging may be considered.
So to find out more click here