Bladder questions

• How do I order my catheters and leg bags?

  Your products are prescribed by your Community Nurse or General Practitioner. Your prescription items can be obtained either at a Pharmacy or delivered directly to your home through a home delivery service. Your Nurse or Continence Advisor will advise you on prescription home delivery services as well as the stock levels you require at home so that you have enough of the correct equipment you need at all times.

• What is the difference between a long-term catheter and Intermittent catheterisation?

  An indwelling urinary catheter (sometimes referred to as a Foley catheter) is used when individuals, for various reasons, cannot empty their bladder in the usual way. It is a soft hollow tube inserted into the bladder to drain urine. Once in the bladder, it is anchored by a small balloon which is inflated using sterile water. The sterile water is inserted via one of the two channels at the other end of the catheter to prevent your catheter from falling out. An indwelling catheter can be inserted via the urethra or through an opening on your lower abdomen (suprapubic).

  An intermittent catheter is a thin, hollow and flexible tube specifically designed to be inserted into the urethra. Intermittent self-catheterisation has two main functions. Firstly, it’s used for draining urine from the bladder each time you go to the toilet; secondly, it can also be used to clear the urethra of any potential blockages (dilatation) to ensure urine can drain naturally.

• How often should I change my leg bag?

  Your leg bag should be emptied when it is 3⁄4 full and replaced with a new bag at least every 5-7 days.

  We can provide you with a catheter care booklet if needed  – feel free to request one using our contact us form.

• When should I seek help from a professional?

  Please seek help from a healthcare professional in any of the following situations:

  • There has been no urine draining into the bag for 2-3 hours, especially if you feel that your bladder is still full. This is likely to indicate that your catheter may have become blocked.
  • Start to experience new pain in your lower abdomen, pelvis, back or legs.
  • Your urine has changed colour i.e. it has become cloudy, bloodstained or has obvious blood clots in it.
  • Your urine has a strong, foul (sometimes fishy) odour.
  • You have a fever, develop nausea, vomiting or feel unwell.
  • Urine is leaking around the catheter indicating that your catheter may be blocked.
  • You experience irritation, tenderness, swelling or redness at the catheter insertion site.

   

• What is a sheath appliance?

  A sheath (made from silicone or latex) looks like a condom with an outlet tube that attaches to a bag on your leg or a larger drainage bag for overnight use. The sheath attaches to your penis with an adhesive and is available in different sizes and lengths.

• How do I attach the leg bag to my leg?

  There are straps to support positioning of your leg bag but you can also use a leg bag sleeve that provides more discretion.

• What are night bags for?

  Night bags are a larger capacity drainage  bag used to provide more storage of urine overnight. They are available in 2L or 3L options and as a reusable (sterile) or single use bag (non sterile/sterile). The sterile bags can be connected directly to the catheter or leg bag and can be used for up to 7 days. Non sterile night bags must not be attached directly to the catheter but need to be connected to the leg bag or catheter valve.

• Who changes my catheter?

  Some people have to go to hospital to have their catheter changed but most catheters are changed in your own home or community clinic by a community/District Nurse.

• How do I look after my catheter?

  Ensure that you wash your hands before and after handling your catheter, urine drainage bag or catheter valve. Wash the area where your catheter enters the body with mild unperfumed soap and warm water at least Do not use talcum powder or oil-based creams around the catheter. Drink at least 8 glasses/cups of fluid a day (2 litres) unless advised otherwise.

  Avoid unnecessary disconnection of the leg bag and do not touch the connector when replacing. This will help to prevent infection. Ensure the drainage bag is kept below the level of your bladder to promote urine drainage. To maintain drainage of urine, ensure your catheter tubing is not kinked.

• Can I shower or bath with a catheter and leg bag?

  Yes, you can shower or bath with a catheter and leg bag. Empty the leg bag before doing so. Use a non-perfumed soap or just water for personal hygiene. The leg bag can be dried with a clean towel afterwards.

• What is a catheter valve?

  A catheter valve can be attached directly to the catheter providing an alternative to urine drainage bags for suitable individuals.

  These devices can be used with either urethral or suprapubic catheters and allow urine to be stored in the bladder rather than drained into a bag. Turning the valve into the open position means the bladder can be emptied when a normal urge to pass urine is felt. Appropriate usage of catheter valves should be discussed with your healthcare professional

• How do I dispose of used equipment?

  Your Nurse or Continence Advisor will advise you in accordance with your local authority policy. Your drainage bags should be emptied and wrapped in newspaper. You may then seal the drainage bags in a plastic bag before disposing of them in your household waste.