Blog Archives - Linc Medical

How To Live With a Catheter As a Wheelchair User | #ContinenceChats Episode 4

Demetrio Cadiente — Wed, 30 Sep 2020 13:34:48 +0000

#ContinenceChats are informal chats with catheter users who share with us their stories, tips and challenges of living with a catheter.

In Episode 4 of #ContinenceChats we talked to Marion. She is a wheelchair who suffers with continence issues and shared her inspiring story with some helpful tips for other people who may be suffering from similar conditions as her.

Marion talked to us about:

Her journey to getting a suprapubic catheter
The ease of the insertion procedure
What to do if your catheter falls out

If you enjoyed this episode make sure to subscribe to our Youtube channel for more #ContinenceChats, we also post tips on living with a catheter.

To get notified of new episodes and for catheter tips straight to your inbox, make sure to sign up to our mailing list by filling out the mailing list box underneath this blog.

Thanks for watching!

The post How To Live With a Catheter As a Wheelchair User | #ContinenceChats Episode 4 appeared first on Linc Medical.

“How a Suprapubic Catheter Gave Me Back Control Of My Life” | #ContinenceChats Episode 3

Demetrio Cadiente — Thu, 17 Sep 2020 13:34:19 +0000

#ContinenceChats are informal chats with catheter users who share with us their stories, tips and challenges of living with a catheter.

In Episode 3 of #ContinenceChats we talked to Vickie. She is studying towards becoming a pediatric nurse and has suffered with urinary urgency and incontinence from a young age.

Vickie talked to us about:

Overcoming the stigma of being an SPC user
How she managed to travel abroad with her condition
Intimacy with her significant other

If you enjoyed this episode make sure to subscribe to our Youtube channel for more #ContinenceChats, we also post tips on living with a catheter.

To get notified of new episodes and for catheter tips straight to your inbox, make sure to sign up to our mailing list by filling out the mailing list box underneath this blog.

Thanks for watching!

The post “How a Suprapubic Catheter Gave Me Back Control Of My Life” | #ContinenceChats Episode 3 appeared first on Linc Medical.

Three essential steps to living happily with a suprapubic catheter

Demetrio Cadiente — Sat, 15 Aug 2020 13:02:38 +0000

The biggest moment in anyone’s catheter journey is when you transition from thinking of a catheter as a short-term solution to a long-term solution. You can bear it short term as the catheter will be removed. It’s the long term – knowing you have to deal with it day in and day out that’s the harder part. Adapting to life with a catheter takes time. Here I share the things I wished I’d known when I first had to make room for a catheter in my life.

1. Get the right catheter equipment

Having the right equipment is so important. I knew so little about different catheters, drainage bags and straps. My very first night, I had to wake every couple of hours as I hadn’t been given a night bag. I didn’t know they existed! Waking every few hours to empty a leg bag is not a long-term strategy! During the day, I used to walk around with my catheter bag swinging around my ankles until I found you could get different lengths of leg bag. Also, I wasn’t advised how to secure it, and it was painfully precarious, moving when I moved, until I learnt to use a ‘G-strap’ to secure it.

I did not know there were so many different types of catheter, from different thicknesses to different styles of opening and positions of the balloon. I found that the tiniest change of product, like strap I used or choosing a different type of catheter would make a world of difference in terms of living with it more comfortably.

2. Learn how to cope emotionally

Emotionally adapting to living with a catheter takes time. I find my feelings about it fluctuate day to day, week to week. Sometimes it doesn’t bother me whatsoever. In fact, I love my catheter for allowing me to function again. Other times, I despise it. I grieve for my past life of sitting on a toilet, and look ahead to just see more procedures, more infections and a life peeing through tubes. I know that, however I feel, that’s okay, and it will pass as it’s all part of the acceptance process.

Living long term with a condition will have an impact on your mental health, so it’s important to find helpful coping strategies from early on. I talk a lot to others with catheters which really helps and I’m open with family and friends about it too. I use and journaling to help process the trauma of past procedures and try to fit in basic ‘self-care’ to support myself. There is no right way to cope with it, and it’s an ongoing process.

3. GET THE BEST MEDICAL SUPPORT

Medically having a team of doctors and nurses that understand you, your body and catheter are so important to make sure you have the right care. Having an amazing urology nurse has made all the difference for me so I feel less alone in coping with it all. I remember when my first delivery arrived, I had no clue what half the products were and felt overwhelmed! She’s helped me understand catheters and worked with me to keep trialling different methods with changes. She has also supported me trying different catheters until we found the right one. Having someone to turn to when something doesn’t feel right, or knowing who to call if you have a blockage helps you feel more in control. I think all catheter users become their own expert problem solver, but knowing you have contacts to help guide you makes a huge difference.

Written by Zoe McKenzie: Zoe Mckenzie is a Physiotherapist with chronic bladder pain and urinary retention, alongside multiple other chronic illnesses. She uses her experiences as a patient to help others feel less alone at coping with pain and medical conditions. Get in touch with Zoe at https://www.activelyautoimmune.com/

Watch our interview with Zoe for #ContinenceChats where she talks us through her journey of becoming a catheter user:

The post Three essential steps to living happily with a suprapubic catheter appeared first on Linc Medical.

Life As a Physiotherapist With a Catheter | #ContinenceChats Episode 2

Demetrio Cadiente — Wed, 05 Aug 2020 15:43:50 +0000

#ContinenceChats are informal chats with catheter users who share with us their stories, tips and challenges of living with a catheter.

In Episode 2 of #ContinenceChats we talk to Zoe, a physiotherapist and pilates instructor, who has suffered with bladder issues for most of her life. She shares her inspiring story of how she maintains her quality of life through managing her catheter.

Zoe talked to us about:

How she deals with pain and spasms
How the smallest changes to her routine make a big difference
The challenges of living with a catheter
Sharing her journey through social media and her blog

If you enjoyed this episode make sure to subscribe to our Youtube channel for more #ContinenceChats, we also post tips on living with a catheter.

To get notified of new episodes and for catheter tips straight to your inbox, make sure to sign up to our mailing list by filling out the mailing list box underneath this blog.

Thanks for watching!

The post Life As a Physiotherapist With a Catheter | #ContinenceChats Episode 2 appeared first on Linc Medical.

How to find the products that are right for you – #ContinenceChats Episode 1

Demetrio Cadiente — Wed, 15 Jul 2020 15:44:33 +0000

#ContinenceChats are informal chats with catheter users who share with us their stories, tips and challenges of living with a catheter.

In our first ever episode of #ContinenceChats we welcomed Tracey Seal, who runs one of the best facebook groups for catheter users.

Tracey talked us through:

Her background and interests
How to live a better quality of life as a catheter user
Her initial fears about having a catheter
What is life like with a suprapubic catheter? What have been the challenges?
How she overcame the challenges and which things are still difficult
Advice to someone who needs a suprapubic catheter
Any other ideas or tips

If you enjoyed this episode make sure to subscribe to our Youtube channel for more #ContinenceChats, we also post tips on living with a catheter.

To get notified of new episodes and for catheter tips straight to your inbox, make sure to sign up to our mailing list by filling out the mailing list box underneath this blog.

Thanks for watching!

The post How to find the products that are right for you – #ContinenceChats Episode 1 appeared first on Linc Medical.

5 useful tips for catheter users during the lockdown

Demetrio Cadiente — Wed, 15 Apr 2020 15:23:04 +0000

You might be worried about Coronavirus (COVID-19) and how it could affect your life, especially if you are a catheter user or you look after a catheter user.

Many users have been asked to ‘Shield’ by the government, and others are taking extra measures to protect themselves. For many, the usual services that we rely on for advice have been reduced or are unavailable, so here are our 5 top tips for living in Lockdown if you are a catheter user.

1. Continue looking after your catheter as normal

During the lockdown it is easy to let our normal routine slip. However, just because you are in quarantine or in self-isolation doesn’t mean your catheter care routine should change. Stick to your normal catheter care routine and take extra care to wash your hands before and after touching your catheter to minimise the risk of infection.

We have created a video on how to best look after your suprapubic catheter:

If you ever have any drainage issues with your catheter we also have a useful blog on the steps to take if your catheter is not draining properly.

2. Connect with other catheter users

With social distancing measures in full action, it can be easy to start feeling lonely.

One of the best way to remain “social” in this period, is through the use of social media. If you are a suprapubic catheter user, we recommend a facebook group called “Suprapubic Catheter Users UK”. The community answers questions from all members and provides recommendations on living with a catheter and sharing their general day to day experiences. The group is growing rapidly, with new posts on a daily basis and there is a helpful set of announcements at the top of the feed for new suprapubic catheter users.

For more tips on connecting with catheter users read our blog on the topic.

3. Keep taking your medication

Your catheter prescriptions should continue as normal, you might be able to order repeat prescriptions by phone. Or you may be able to do this online using an app or website, if your doctor’s surgery offers this. You could download the free NHS App and search for your surgery.

Ask your pharmacy about getting your medication delivered, or ask someone else to collect it for you. This will usually be possible, although if it’s a controlled drug the pharmacy might ask for proof of identity. Make sure anyone collecting medication knows if they have to pay for it. The NHS website has more information about getting prescriptions for someone else and checking if you have to pay for prescriptions.

Keep an adequate stock of catheter supplies. All suppliers are experiencing changes to the way they work and many are experiencing disruption to their supply chains. If possible, try and get hold of more than your usual requirements of catheters, bags and accessories in case there are any delivery delays

4. Stay hydrated and eat healthy

Drink water regularly. Drinking enough water is important for your mental and physical health. Changing your routine might affect when you drink or what fluids you drink. Try setting an alarm or using an app to remind you to keep drinking.

If you are self-isolating, you can ask someone to drop off essential food items for you. If they do this, ask them to leave food at your doorstep, to avoid face-to-face contact with each other. Check the UK government scheme to see if you are eligible for free food parcel deliveries to your door.

5. Keep your mind and body stimulated

It can be hard to stimulate the mind and body if you are inside your house the whole day. However, this time away from some of the normal pressures of life can provide a great opportunity to learn a new skill or reconnect with an old hobby.

Blogger Scott Young has some excellent blog posts on ‘Ultralearning’ – the skill of learning and mastering new subjects. Why not check out his blog and apply his methods to learning a new language or getting to grips with a topic of interest.

We hope you found this blog useful, make sure to follow government guidance on washing hands and social distancing which can be found here.

Get in touch with us if you have any questions and subscribe to our newsletter below this blog to receive more useful blogs straight your inbox!

The post 5 useful tips for catheter users during the lockdown appeared first on Linc Medical.

What should I expect when having a suprapubic catheter inserted?

Demetrio Cadiente — Fri, 14 Feb 2020 09:26:22 +0000

Welcome back to LINC Medical’s series of blogs designed to help catheter users and their carers.

Many people are worried when they are told they need a suprapubic catheter. You may know someone who has had one or been told stories about how it feels. What is involved? Will it hurt? These concerns can cause anxiety, making your decision to go ahead with a suprapubic catheter harder to resolve. The following information should help you to understand what to expect with a suprapubic catheter and ease the process of making your decision whether to have one or not.

A suprapubic catheter is a sterile tube passed through your abdomen directly into your bladder to help your bladder empty. People usually are offered one if they are unable to pass urine in the normal way although it is common to have a urethral catheter first.

The procedure

A suprapubic catheter is first inserted by a doctor or advanced nurse practitioner in a hospital or clinic setting. You are usually awake for the procedure but will be given some local anaesthetic to numb the area. You usually are asked to lie as flat as you can on your back and may have sterile towels placed over your abdomen to keep the area sterile.

The Doctor or nurse will clean your abdomen with an antiseptic solution which may feel cold. Then they will numb the area by giving you small injections of local anaesthetic (a little like the dentist when you have a filling). The injections may sting a little at first. Your bladder usually needs to be full for the catheter to be inserted safely and the doctor will use an ultrasound to determine the bladder position.

The catheter is pushed through your abdominal wall with a special introducer, usually a few centimetres above your pubic bone (but below your belly button). Once in place the balloon of the catheter is inflated to hold it inside the bladder. You will have a drainage bag attached to the catheter to collect the urine. The bag may be strapped to your leg or hung on a stand.

Later on the bag may be removed and a catheter valve used instead. This is a little like a tap that you open to drain the bladder and close to allow the bladder to fill up.

Going home

You are usually allowed to go home the same day as the suprapubic catheter is inserted. You will be given instructions on how to empty and change the bag, as well as caring for the abdominal opening. Your abdomen may feel a little sore for up to a couple of weeks after the initial insertion of the catheter – this is to be expected.

Simple pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen will help ease the discomfort. There may be some bruising noticeable around the entry site; this will fade within a couple of weeks.

What to expect afterwards

You may also experience a little bleeding around the abdominal opening and may want to wear a simple non adherent dressing for a few days to protect your clothes. The urine should mostly be clear and pale yellow in colour. It is normal to see some small blood clots or for the urine to occasionally appear pink or darker in colour.

You need to ensure you drink between 8-10 cups, mugs or glasses of fluid a day (1.5L) – this does not have to be water. Drinking enough fluids will help the bladder to flush out any debris or blood clots caused by the initial insertion of the catheter.

Catheter changes

You will normally have to go back to the hospital / clinic at @ 8 weeks after the suprapubic catheter was inserted. This is a normal check up to ensure everything is going well. The catheter will be changed for a new one at this time. This is a simple and quick procedure that should not cause you any discomfort.

Once this has happened, your catheter will need changing every 8-12 weeks but can be done at home by the community nurses or in some cases at a GP practice. Some users learn to change their catheter themselves – speak to your nurse or GP about this for more information.

Catheter care

Your abdomen where the catheter enters the body needs to be cleaned every day using ordinary soap and water, this is to help prevent infections. It is also good practice to turn the catheter tubing clockwise once a day to prevent the catheter sticking to the skin. You do not normally need to wear any plaster or dressing once the catheter is inserted.

Conclusion

Having a suprapubic catheter put into your tummy may seem scary. There is lots of information available to help you decide if this is the type of catheter for you. Remember to ask questions. Having a suprapubic catheter can help you manage your bladder drainage and regain some control of a normal toilet behaviour.

We hope you found this blog useful, and it helped resolved any problems or questions you had .

Get in touch with us if you have any questions and subscribe to our newsletter below this blog to receive more useful blogs straight your inbox!

The post What should I expect when having a suprapubic catheter inserted? appeared first on Linc Medical.

Help! My catheter is not draining!

Demetrio Cadiente — Thu, 09 Jan 2020 09:16:49 +0000

Welcome back to LINC Medical’s series of blogs designed to help catheter users and their carers.

Do you have problems with your catheter draining slowly or not at all? This is a common issue that affects many catheter users but can easily be avoided using a few simple steps, outlined in this blog.

From time to time you may notice that your catheter seems to be draining slowly or not at all. It is always a good idea at this time to gently and slowly move the catheter around to see if this helps with the flow of urine. If that doesn’t help, go through the following checklist:
• Straighten out any bends or kinks in the tubing
• Make sure the catheter bag is below the level of your bladder
• Physically move yourself around, by going for a walk for example
• Make sure you have been drinking enough fluids
• Take a look at the catheter tube and make sure there is no grit or sediment blocking it

If these steps do not work and you do not feel dehydrated then your catheter may be blocked if it is not draining. A blockage would mean that your bladder will start filling up and urine could eventually go back up to your kidneys, causing damage. Although it would take hours for this to happen it is always best to seek medical attention right away rather than assuming that the problem will fix itself.

We hope you found this blog useful, and it helped resolved any problems or questions you had regarding your catheter.

Get in touch with us if you have any questions and subscribe to our newsletter below this blog to receive more useful blogs straight your inbox!

The post Help! My catheter is not draining! appeared first on Linc Medical.

Your first few days with a catheter

Demetrio Cadiente — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 16:15:34 +0000

Welcome back to LINC Medical’s series of blogs designed to help catheter users and their carers. Today’s blog is for those looking for guidance in their first few days living with a catheter.

Being at home with a catheter for the first time can be nerve wracking. It is important to note that a small amount of blood in the urine or around the insertion site (if it is new) is perfectly normal. Bleeding should only be a concern if your catheter is already a few days old.

Bladder cramps are another catheter side effect that are completely normal in the beginning. They should stop after a few days and are usually mild enough that they can be treated with simple pain relief like paracetamol. If you feel your bladder cramps are not stopping, if you feel unwell or if you have any other symptoms then contact your nurse or doctor.

Some urine leaking is usually a result of these initial bladder cramps or spasms and should not worry you. In the unlikely event that your catheter starts leaking heavily or falls out completely then you will need to have a new catheter inserted.

We hope you found this blog useful in your first few days living with a catheter.

Get in touch with us if you have any questions and subscribe to our newsletter below this blog to receive more useful blogs straight your inbox!

The post Your first few days with a catheter appeared first on Linc Medical.

5 Essential steps to change a leg bag

Demetrio Cadiente — Wed, 20 Nov 2019 12:08:39 +0000

Welcome back to LINC Medical’s series of blogs designed to help catheter users and their carers.

Changing your leg bag

Leg bags should be changed every 5-7 days. Longer times between leg bag changes helps to reduce the risk of infection getting into the closed drainage system.

Changing your leg bag safely involves 5 easy steps:

1. Wash your hands with warm soapy water and dry them

2. Grip the catheter at the join between the drainage tube and the inflation tube and grip the leg bag above the connector. Rotate the catheter gently whilst pulling away from the connector.

3. Take off the cap from the new bag and dispose of the old one

4. Gently but firmly push in the new bag into the catheter. Be careful not to touch the open catheter end or the connector on the new drainage bag. Once connected wash your hands again.

5. Make a note of the date you changed your leg bag on the bag date box, and pop a note in your calendar to remind you to change your leg bag after 5-7 days.

Troubleshooting your leg bag

Sometimes you might notice that yor leg bag is not filling. If that’s the case, check the catheter and bag for any kinks or twists in the top of the bag or catheter tubing. Also check the position of the bag. If it is higher than you’re your bladder, you will experience poor drainage.

For example, if you are sitting on a sofa with your knees up. If you cannot see any kinks and the bag is lower than your bladder, speak to your health care professional urgently, as lack of drainage could indicate a blocked catheter.

We hope you found this blog useful in your journey to picking a leg bag.

Get in touch with us if you have any questions and subscribe to our newsletter below this blog to receive more useful blogs straight your inbox!

The post 5 Essential steps to change a leg bag appeared first on Linc Medical.