Catheterization

Catheterization - Self

INSTRUCTIONS ON INTERMITTENT

SELF-CATHETERIZATION

You are being instructed on a simple and safe procedure of inserting a well lubricated clean tube known as a catheter, through your urethra (tube leading from the bladder out) into the bladder in order to drain urine from your bladder at regular intervals. This procedure is most often called for in patients who either temporarily or long term have the inability to completely empty their bladder of urine. By periodically placing this soft rubber tube up the urine channel (urethra) into the bladder, you will evacuate your bladder and thus prevent damage to the bladder muscle or back up of urine into the kidneys. The procedure is a clean and not sterile technique. Bacteria may enter the urine. This is known as bacteriuria which is different than a urinary tract infection. A urinary tract infection occurs when infected urine is not properly drained from the bladder and attacks the walls of the bladder and ultimately the kidney causing a systemic infection with pain and fever.

This procedure of intermittent self-catheterization is employed by patients over a variety of age groups and both genders. This procedure is
preferable to the placement of a permanent indwelling catheter, as systemic
infections with indwelling catheters are higher, scarring of the urine tube is
greater with the indwelling catheter, and discomfort is experienced with the
long term indwelling catheter. Ultimately, if your bladder is able to return to
its normal function, the intermittent catheterization will promote the return of that function and will allow you to determine when complete emptying has occurred.

Where you catheterize yourself is your decision. Many people do it while on the toilet; others do it in the privacy of their bedroom. Women may find a mirror helpful. The frequency of catheterization and the periodic use of antibiotics will be established for you. An initial catheter or prescription
will be provided to you. Lubricating jelly should be used liberally and should
always be water based; i.e. never use a petroleum based lubricant such as
Vaseline. One of the most commonly used water based and therefore permitted lubricants is K-Y jelly.

Catheters and lubricating jelly are often available at well stocked pharmacies
or medical supply houses. Consult your yellow pages for the location and call
ahead to make sure the supplies you desire are in stock.

It is quite natural to initially be concerned that you "will not be able to do it"; however, after reading over the instructions and after assistance
in the initial performance of the procedure of intermittent self
catheterization, you will become quite skilled at performing it safely and
officially.

Occasionally you will be asked to keep a record of your urinary
output. At times you will be instructed to attempt to urinate first and then
catheterize thereafter to obtain what is known as the post-void residual amount. Those measurements can be performed in medical measurements such as cc's or milliliters as well as common measurements such as ounces. When your catheter is not is use, storage should be done in such a fashion that the catheter will be easily relocated for its next use. You should always carry a catheter and lubricant with you when you are outside of the house. Between uses, make sure that you clean your catheter with plain soap and water and rinse thoroughly. It is important that the catheter dries before its next use.

Please feel free to write out questions to be addressed to
Dr. Bertini, Dr. Harris, Rachel, or Maria.