When you realize that using a catheter might help empty your bladder and keep your sense of freedom, you’ll probably feel better. However, knowing that you have to use a catheter may overwhelm you and cause uneasiness.
A few techniques can make utilizing a catheter easier for you, making the experience much more successful.
Are you curious to find out more? If so, keep reading because we’ll review everything you should know.
Tips For Easing The Transition To Using A Catheter
Tip 1: Use The Right Catheter Type
Finding the right type is the key to easing your transition to life with a catheter. You need to discuss with your doctor the product that will suit your catheter needs. The three types of catheters are listed.
Intermittent Catheters
Your doctor could advise an intermittent catheter for you if you can self-catheterize or have a caretaker who can assist you. You place a single-use, sterile catheter tube into this type of catheter a predetermined number of times daily to maintain regular bladder emptying.
You exercise the muscles in your bladder by allowing it to fill and empty at regular intervals. Note that intermittent catheters are for single use. Make sure you dispose of them after use. Used catheters may cause infections if you reuse them.
External Catheters
Men use external catheters when they experience urinary incontinence. The product is size-specific and fits the penis easily like a condom. It has a small opening at the other end, allowing urine to flow to the drain or leg bag.
Foley Catheters
Also known as indwelling catheters, remain inside the body to drain the bladder. The catheter will stay in the bladder for a long time, continuously allowing urine to drain into a collection device throughout the day. These are frequently used in hospitals or with individuals who cannot catheterize themselves or have poor dexterity.
Tip 2: Learn To Use Catheters Properly
Your doctor or nurse will teach you how to use a catheter in a clinical setting. Learn how to use a catheter to prevent infection or complications correctly. They can also provide you with instructions on how to maintain excellent catheterization hygiene.
Tip 3: Use Sufficient Lubrication To Reduce Discomfort
If you’re a first-time catheter user, you may experience uncomfortable catheterization. However, you can avoid that by using premier-quality lubricating jelly with an uncoated catheter. It is one of the best strategies to reduce cathing pain.
Even more comfortable products, such as closed-system catheters or intermittent hydrophilic catheters, may be available in the future. When water activates them, the catheters develop a coating that makes them slick and slippery. Some closed-system catheters come pre-lubricated and might lessen internal friction in the urethra.
Tip 4: Change Your Perspective
Consider adopting a more upbeat outlook when facing a change that at first appears unpleasant. Positive self-talk and upbeat can frequently make a huge difference when learning to live with a catheter.
Keep in mind how beneficial catheters are to your well-being. Or you can read some of our featured motivational tales of people who have overcome significant life obstacles, many of whom utilized incontinence supplies, catheters, or other medical devices daily.
Though these inspiring people have reasons to quit or see their situation negatively, they remain focused on the positive outlook of using a catheter and improving their quality of life.
Tip 5: Choose A Reliable Catheter Supplier For Your Needs
Even though getting used to wearing a catheter could be challenging, ensure you have legitimate support to accompany you every step. Ensure choosing a reliable and renowned catheter supplier that understands your needs and preferences and provides you with the best products. Purchase from a supplier that has a convenient and easy buying and ordering process.
Summary
Transitioning to life with catheter use is challenging, but you can make efforts to become used to the medical device. Buying catheters from trusted suppliers like Active Life Medical Products can help you make this transition seamless and smooth.
How Active Life Medical Products Can Help With Catheter Supplies
You need a trusted catheter supplier when you require catheter supplies. Active Life Medical Products makes ordering the entire catheter supply process easy. Our Product Specialists can help you get your prescribed catheter covered through most insurances. Everything will be delivered directly to your front door.
Call Active Life Medical Products at (800) 319-2336 to place your order.
