If you, or a loved one, is using catheters, you are not alone. As we get older, the incidence of urinary incontinence only go up. About 14% of people who are between the ages of 65 and 69 have problems with this. By the time people get to the ages of 85, the number has gone up to 45%. The catheter industry, around the world, was valued at about $1.8 billion. This is also an old treatment method, evidence has been found to show that as long as 3,500 years ago, people were using catheter like medical tools. If you are looking at free catheter samples and want to more about using them, you probably have a lot of questions about the types of catheters and the way they should be used.
- Shower as usual. While you may not be advised to take lengthy baths, you should be able to take your showers as you normally do. When you are taking a shower, you should be careful about the temperature of the water you use. It is best to not use really cold or hot water. The only reason you should not take showers with the catheter is if your physician has told you not to.
- Even if you do not shower every day, you need to wash your catheter. You should start getting into the habit when you have your free catheter samples. Use basic soap and water to clean the catheter twice every day.
- Do not use powder or lotion in the area of your catheter. While medical supply store can get you lubricants for your catheter, using powders or lotions should not be done. You will not have a good experience if you try this.
- Up your intake of liquids. Consume more water and healthy juices or flavored waters. Your urinary health is helped by drinking enough liquids.
- Eat more fresh produce. In the same way that you should drink more water, you should eat more fruit and vegetables. This will get more liquid into your system and help your urinary system.
- Keep a piece of gauze around the area. One common concern people have when they talk to companies about free catheter samples is they are worried about leaks. That is understandable but can be avoided if you place a bandage around the area. Another important tip to prevent problems is to always have the drainage bag below the site of the catheter.
- Leave the catheter alone. Some people feel an urge to pull the catheter but it is really important that you resist that urge as pulling or tugging at the catheter will only be bad for you and your health.
- Never hesitate to call your doctor’s office if you have questions. Anytime you have some kind of medical device such as a catheter or PICC line in, you may have issues with it and may need to talk to a medical professional. If you have problems or questions, you should call your doctor’s office. Here are examples of some of the problems people can have with catheters and reasons to call your doctor:
- You notice swelling or redness. This can mean there is some kind of infection. It is always better to deal with any kind of infection sooner than later so if you see this, call your doctor.
- There is blood in your urine or it has gotten very dark. You should never see blood in your urine or if there are changes in the color or consistency of your urine, you should notify your doctor’s office.
- The urine starts to smell bad. This may not be a sign of anything but is worth looking into if it happens to you.
- You develop a fever. You should monitor your temperature and if it goes above 100 degrees, you should call your doctor’s office.
- You start vomiting and have chills.This may not be connected to the catheter but you should call anyway. It is better to be safe than sorry when it comes to this sort of thing.
When you are looking at free catheter samples, you should go over all of your questions or worries. If you do that and look at these tips, you can have a better experience with your catheter.