You can do any activity that keeps the drainage bag below your bladder. You cannot swim or use a hot tub. Make sure that the catheter is secured so it does not pull when you walk.
You should be able to live a relatively normal life with a urinary catheter. The catheter and bag can be concealed under clothes, and you should be able to do most everyday activities, including working, exercising, swimming and having sex.
Urine will pass through the catheter from your bladder into the leg bag. Your leg bag will be attached to you all day. You can move around freely with it.
At first, you may feel like you have to urinate. You may have a burning feeling around your urethra. Sometimes you may feel a sudden pain and have the need to urinate. You may also feel urine come out around the catheter.
It is usually a simple procedure that is over very quickly with very little discomfort. Medical staff often call catheter removal a 'TWOC' which stands for 'trial without catheter'.
The catheter is held in the bladder by a water-filled balloon, which prevents it falling out. These types of catheters are often referred to as Foley catheters. Urine is drained through a tube connected to a collection bag, which can either be strapped to the inside of your leg or attached to a stand on the floor.
This bag should be used during the night. Be sure to hang the bag over the side of the bed below the level of your bladder so that urine will flow easily. Leg bag: smaller collection bag with short tubing. This bag can be used when you go out of your house because the smaller bag is easily hidden beneath your clothing.
“Catheter cramp” refers to the pain caused by bladder and urethral spasms, which are caused by irritation of the bladder wall and trigone by the catheter. Bladder spasms can be strong enough to push on the catheter's inflated balloon and can cause bladder neck and urethral erosion [9,25,26].
Leave your bag or valve attached to the catheter while showering. If you have a leg bag, it must be kept below the level of your bladder at all times. Sometimes you may get urine leaking down the urethra. This is nothing to worry about but contact your doctor or nurse to get further advice.
We recommend trying jeans or pants that are one size up from your normal size to ensure that the pants don't pull on your catheter tubing. Skirts, dresses, leggings, slacks, and tights are also great options for concealing drainage bags whether on the leg or the belly.
Avoid strong coffee and tea, fizzy drinks and excessive alcohol. Cranberry juice has been shown to be effective in reducing the risk of urinary tract infection (cystitis).
People with a long-term indwelling catheter need to drink plenty of fluids to keep the urine flowing. Drinking 2 to 3 litres of fluid per day (six to eight large glasses of fluid) can help reduce the risks of blockages and urinary tract infections (UTIs).
If they plan in advance, there is no reason why people with a long-term catheter can't travel long distance, including overseas. Indeed, a catheter may make travelling much easier for some people.
There is urine leaking around the catheter
This is called bypassing and happens when the urine cannot drain down the catheter. This will cause it to leak around the outside of the catheter.
Catheters are flexible enough to also wrap around your wrist or place in your waistband, just be sure not to kink the catheter when rolling it up. Repurpose easy to find items such as an eyeglass case, a pencil or cosmetic case, travel toothbrush or soap holders as discreet carrying cases for catheters and supplies.
Bladder spasms, which feel like stomach cramps, are quite common when you have a catheter in your bladder. The pain is caused by the bladder trying to squeeze out the balloon. You may need medicine to reduce the frequency and intensity of the spasms.
Large amounts of urine leaking around the catheter. Skin sores around a suprapubic catheter. Stones or sediment in the urinary catheter or drainage bag. Swelling of the urethra around the catheter.
When catheters are used to assist in urination, the typical motion of the pelvic floor muscles is often forgotten. This can then result in tightened muscles which can prevent regular bowel movements.
Night bags or bottles are connected to either your leg bag or catheter valve at bedtime. This enables you to sleep during the night without having to wake up to empty your leg bag or catheter valve. It is important that you use the overnight drainage bag or bottle.
The leg bag is designed to fit beneath your clothing to be discrete. If you are feeling well, you can do normal daily activities. Driving is not permitted with a urinary catheter.
As an individual with medical needs, you are permitted to bring catheters on an airplane. Catheters are considered necessary medical devices and can be kept in both carry-on and checked baggage. Pack extra catheters in your carry-on bag just in case your checked luggage is lost or delayed.
A long-term catheter is generally used because of a serious illness or disability. These conditions may make it hard to leave the house, but the catheter itself should not be a reason to be house bound. Indeed, having a catheter may make it easier for some people to go out.
I recommend tying the catheter down to your thigh as securely as possible. Empty the day bag as often as possible so it doesn't pull. Wear loose clothing. Walk slowly and not too far.