How to Cope With a Catheter

At times, a urinary catheter can be lifesaving; it can also be used to diagnose an obstruction or infection, monitor urine output after surgery or help you through a critical illness. Preparing for and coping with a catheter requires patience and understanding.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Vitamin C

1. Understand the reason for your catheterization. Knowing why you need it will make the inconvenience less difficult.
2. Lie on your back in bed.
3. Raise your knees - legs bent, heels spread apart - against the mattress, and let your legs fall open if you're a woman.
4. Take deep, slow breaths, and prepare for a cold cleansing solution to be applied around your private parts.
5. Relax your pelvic muscles. Being tense makes the catheter more difficult to insert.
6. Follow the nurse's instructions. When he has inserted the catheter, he'll give you specific directions, if needed.
7. Keep your urinary bag lower than your bladder at all times, whether you're in bed, sitting in a chair or walking.
8. Be sure there's loose tubing between your body and the bag. Taut catheter tubing can irritate your private parts.
9. Know that you'll be cleaned with a cold solution three times a day - once every eight hours - when the tubing is in. To decrease risk of infection you must be washed with special antimicrobial solutions throughout the day and night.
10. Call a nurse if your catheter tube slips out of you, if you experience burning around your private parts or have pain in your bladder area, or feel like you urgently have to urinate.

Tips & Warnings

• Drink plenty of fluids unless otherwise ordered by your physician.
• Take extra vitamin C to acidify your urine, if okayed by your doctor.
• Wash your hands anytime you handle your catheter or bag.
• Take care never to tug at the catheter.
• If you have any questions or concerns, contact a physician or other health care professional before engaging in any activity related to health and diet. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.