Care of Your Catheter
A catheter is a hollow, flexible tube, which is inserted into your bladder to drain urine. When a catheter is inserted a balloon is inflated which holds the catheter in place. The catheter is then attached to the leg bag to collect the urine. This is called a closed drainage system.
The catheter is attached to a leg bag which is attached to your leg by a strap.
DOs
- Always wash your hands before and after dealing with the catheter and drainage bags.
- Keep the area where the catheter enters your body clean with mild soap and water.
- Drink plenty each day.
- Have a daily bath or shower.
- It is advisable to drink a glass of cranberry juice daily. (Please do not drink this if you are on Warfarin)
- Empty the bag every 3-4 hours during the day.
- The leg bag should be changed every 5-7 days or sooner if it becomes damaged.
- When you go to bed, attach the night bag to the leg bag as this is larger and can hold more urine. Ensure the leg bag tap is open.
- Remember urine cannot drain uphill so always keep the night bag lower than your bladder.
- Your catheter usually needs to be changed every 12 weeks. Your nurse will let you know when this will be and arrange this for you.
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DONTs
- Never use creams or talcum powder
- Never allow the drainage bag to be above the bladder
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