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Learn MoreDo you have questions and concerns about catheterization, such as what to do while taking a trip? Explore some common issues, along with tips for addressing them.
If you manage your bladder disorder symptoms with a catheter, it’s possible that some issues may arise. It can be helpful to learn about some common challenges and their potential solutions.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
It’s important to monitor yourself for signs of a urinary tract infection (UTI) and to contact your healthcare professional immediately if they occur. These symptoms include:
Amount of fluids to consume
If you’re catheterizing, you’re likely concerned about how much fluid you should drink. In general, it is recommended that adults drink eight to 10 glasses of fluid each day. Your individual needs, however, may be different. Consider reducing your consumption of caffeinated drinks if you notice negative effects on your bladder. Also, be aware that alcohol may make your bladder fill more often.
Problems passing the catheter into your bladder
If you cannot pass the catheter, this is usually due to a spasm at the sphincter. Here are some tips that may help:
If you cannot pass the catheter after three or four tries, call your healthcare provider or go to the accident or emergency room. He or she will have special catheters available to catheterize you. If this problem occurs often, you may need to use a catheter with a bent or Coudé/Tiemann tip.
Large amounts of urine when you catheterize at night
During the day when you are sitting, fluid collects in your legs. You may notice that your feet and ankles become swollen. When you lie down at night, all of this fluid enters your blood stream, is filtered through your kidneys, and fills up your bladder. To reduce large amounts of fluid you can try:
Catheterizing while traveling
Unfortunately, many planes, buses, and trains do not have wheelchair accessible bathrooms. Below are a few tips that may make traveling with a catheter easier:
Catheterizing during pregnancy
If you’re expecting or planning to become pregnant, you may wonder if you can still catheterize during your pregnancy. Your healthcare professional will advise you as your pregnancy progresses, but intermittent catheterization can be safe during pregnancy.
Unfortunately, urinary tract infections (UTIs) can be all too common when you have a spinal cord injury. Here’s what you should know about how UTIs are diagnosed and treated, and what you can expect.
Read MoreIt can be challenging to learn how to insert an intermittent catheter. Get tips from nurses that can help make catheter insertion easy and trouble-free.
Read MoreAfter an on-the-job accident left him paralyzed from the waist down, Ben Hasselman was anxious about performing intermittent self-catheterization (ISC). Now he encourages others to try ISC and experie...
Read More
Prior to use, be sure to read the Instructions for Use for information regarding Intended Use, Contraindications, Warnings, Precautions, and Instructions.
The information provided herein is not medical advice and is not intended to substitute for the advice of your personal physician or other healthcare provider. This information should not be used to seek help in a medical emergency. If you experience a medical emergency, seek medical treatment in person immediately.
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