iONMycatheters.com

Everyday Intermittent Catheter Supplies

If you have been recommended catheterization by your physician, you must know about the intermittent catheter supplies you would require. You would also do well to understand the functions of these supplies to appreciate their utility better. In this write up, we look at some of the most important intermittent catheter supplies that you would require in order to void your bladder. Some of the major brands that manufacture intermittent catheter supplies include Astra Tech, Rusch, Mentor, MTG, Bard, Cure, Coloplast, Hollister, MediCath and Rochester.

The drainage tubes are the most important catheter supply apart from the actual catheter itself. If the drainage tubes malfunction, the catheterization process cannot be carried forward. Thus, you need to ensure that the tubes are working fine, replace them when required and ensure that these are compatible with the size and shape of your intermittent catheters.

Apart from the tubes, you ought to know the different urine collection bags. Collection bags are an important part for catheterization. Without collection bags of good quality, achieving proper catheterization would be a distant dream. Also known as drainage bags, urine collection bags are of two types: the leg bag and the down drain bag. As the name suggests, a leg bag is tied to the leg and can be concealed quite easily. The most popular size of the leg bag is 1500 cc but larger leg bags are also available in the market. The down drain bag has a larger capacity, is externally visible and is usually used when the patient is bed-ridden. Drain down bags are ideal for use when the patient is asleep or in coma.

Apart from the obvious intermittent catheter supplies, there are some other essential supplies that you must take note of. The food you take in and the amount of water you consume per day are as essential as medical supplies. Food and water can help in alleviating your condition of incontinence and this can reduce the need for frequent catheterization. You should drink a lot of water- ideally about 2 liters a day. You should also consume a lot of fluids. From apple juice to de-caf coffee, take in as many fluids as you can, in order to get your renal organs to function properly.

Keeping medication at hand is also very important. Medication plays a pivotal role in preventing side effects of intermittent catheterization. For instance, consuming anti-allergic medicines can reduce the risk of Urinary Tract Infections to a great extent. Medication might also be required to reduce bladder spasms and other disorders related to catheterization. Ditropan is one of the most effective medicines against bladder spasms. Ditropan usage might lead to constipation and hence, you should eat foods that are high in fiber if you are using ditropan. To treat a UTI, you might require to take some antibiotics. You should always consult your doctor before starting with antibiotic medication as antibiotics can harm you in the longer run. You might also require to supplement these antibiotics with b-complex capsules to ensure that you do not feel low on energy.

Apart from all these essentials, there are some other “good to have” intermittent catheter supplies like gloves, benzene swabsticks, a utensil to empty excess urine, an antiseptic, a hand sanitizer, an underpad and prescribed lubricants.