How to Cope With Urinary Catheterization

Life can be miserable when your bladder stops working properly. Many conditions can lead to incontinence or urine retention. Spinal cord injury, pelvic cancers and severe dementia are some of the conditions that may result in the need for long-term urinary catheterization. Chronic use of a urinary catheter can cause side effects, both physical and psychological. But you can cope.

Instructions

Coping With a Catheter

• 1

  Get a second opinion. It is important to see a urologist to review your options. You may be a candidate for a surgical procedure that eliminates your need for a catheter. In some cases, you may do well with intermittent catheterization (placing a tube in your own bladder four or five times daily to drain the urine). Ultimately, a bladder catheter is a major lifestyle change, and you should consider the alternatives. It is best to avoid chronic catheter use if possible.

• 2

  Ask for an appointment with a nurse educator. Sometimes doctors seem to forget that you need help understanding how to maintain your bladder catheter. A nurse educator can answer the technical questions about catheter care. Record all your questions and answers in a notebook for future reference.

• 3

  Know the risks. Long-term use of urinary catheters must be monitored by a urologist. According to the Journal of Urology, the irritation and inflammation caused by the catheter increases the risk or urinary-tract cancer. Catheters also increase the risk of serious urinary-tract infections. Getting regular checkups and asking the urologist when to give his office a call will help you prevent dangerous complications.

• 4

  Keep your sex life active. Talk to your partner about your feelings. Are you feeling embarrassed? It is OK to admit it. According to the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, both men and women can have intercourse with a bladder catheter in place. For men, the tubing can be bent backwards and folded next to the penis. Keep the tubing in place with a condom. For women, the tubing can be lifted to the side and taped out of the way. Do not kink the tubing. For either gender, it is possible to remove the catheter for intercourse, provided it can be replaced correctly afterward. Always use a condom for safer sex. Maintaining your pre-catheter sex life will help you feel "normal" and help you to cope. If your catheter is temporary for use after surgery, ask your physician when you can resume sex.

• 5

  Be honest. A bladder catheter is not something that should make you feel ashamed. Don't feel that you have to hide the fact that you require a urinary appliance. If you get insensitive questions, be simple and frank. You are the one who sets the tone for the way others see you and react to you.

• 6

  Be creative with fashion. Try flowing pant suits with a leg bag if you are a woman and loose-fitting slacks if you are a man. Try to choose clothing that will not pull on the tubing. Keep the bag firmly in place with elastic straps for a smooth line. When you know you look good, you feel more confident. Don't let your urinary catheter get in the way of your winning personality and can-do spirit.