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Pro Tips: Essential Supplies and Solutions for Intermittent Catheterization
1. Disinfecting wipes. Public restrooms are not always the cleanest places. In case you have to transfer, disinfecting wipes are useful for wiping down toilet seats, grab bars and anything else grimy.
2. Hand sanitizer. Great if the soap dispenser is empty, or the faucet isn’t working.
3. Catheter with a bag attached, or urinal for those that don’t normally use a closed system catheter. There will be times that you won’t be able to find an accessible restroom. A collection bag with a universal connector that attaches to your catheter or a closed system catheter will be helpful.
4. Baby wipes, and a change of underwear and pants. No matter how well we follow our bladder and bowel programs, accidents happen.
5. Gloves. Gloves can be crucial If you find yourself in a situation where you need to cath, but can’t wash your hands, or need to take care of a bowel accident.
Common Catheter Issues: What to Do If Your Catheter Is Leaking
If you notice urine leaking around your catheter, don’t panic. First, check if the drainage bag is positioned below your bladder to ensure proper urine flow. Next, inspect the catheter tube for any kinks or twists that may be obstructing drainage. If these aren’t the issue, the leak could be due to bladder spasms, which can force urine around the catheter. In this case, try relaxing and practicing deep breathing exercises. If leakage persists, it might indicate that your catheter is too small or blocked. Gently clean the area around the catheter insertion site with soap and water. If you experience persistent leakage accompanied by discomfort or signs of infection like fever or cloudy urine, contact your healthcare provider immediately. They may need to adjust your catheter size, prescribe medication for bladder spasms, or check for a urinary tract infection.
Out of Catheters? Emergency Solutions and Prevention Tips
Running out of catheters can be a stressful situation, but there are steps you can take to manage the emergency and prevent it from happening again. First, contact your medical supply provider immediately; many companies, like 180 Medical, offer expedited shipping for urgent needs. If you’re unable to obtain supplies quickly, consider using reusable catheters as a temporary solution, ensuring they are properly sterilized between uses. To prevent running out in the future, keep an inventory of your catheter supplies and reorder well before your stock is depleted. It’s also beneficial to maintain a small emergency reserve of catheters and related supplies in case of unexpected delays or increased usage. Additionally, check with your healthcare provider about insurance coverage for additional supplies to ensure you have enough for your needs. By planning ahead and staying organized, you can minimize the risk of running out of essential catheter supplies.