Q: What are the typical signs of infection in the kidneys or bladder?
A: You may feel feverish, have lower loin pain or pain in your back. Your urine may have an offensive odour and may be cloudy. Blood may be present in the urine. Frequency of urination and pain, burning, or a stinging sensation upon passing urine may be present. You may also feel confused. Not everyone develops these symptoms. If you are not feeling well or you suspect you have an infection, contact your healthcare provider. It is important to contact your healthcare provider at the first sign of a urinary infection.
Q: How much fluid should I drink?
A: It is generally recommended that adults drink approximately two litres of fluid each day. Your needs may be different, so please be sure to follow your healthcare professional’s advice. Check your weight as well to determine if you are retaining fluid. Your recommended fluid intake may be based on your weight and other medical history.
Q: What should I do if I cannot pass the catheter into my bladder?
A: Never force the catheter as you could cause injury to the urethra. If you cannot pass the catheter after three or four tries, call your healthcare professional or go to accident and emergency.
Q: Why do I have large amounts of urine when I catheterise at night?
A: Please consult your healthcare professional regarding this situation.
Q: What steps do I need to take to prepare to catheterise?
A: Proper hand washing and personal hygiene are important steps in preparation for catheterisation.
1. Wash hands with mild soap and water and dry thoroughly.
2. For males: Cleanse the glans and the opening of the urethra with mild, unscented soap or a non-alcoholic wet wipe.
2. For females: Spread the labia and cleanse around the opening of the urethra with mild, unscented soap or a non-alcoholic wet wipe.
Refer to instructions for use that accompany your product for more information or speak with your healthcare professional.
Q: How do I catheterise on a trip?
A: In many cases, planes, buses and trains do not have wheelchair-accessible bathrooms. You may choose to catheterise under a blanket using a closed-system intermittent catheter, such as a VaPro Plus Touch-Free Intermittent Catheter System, Advance Plus intermittent catheter, or an Advance Plus Pocket intermittent catheter. When travelling, be sure to carry some of your catheter supplies in your hand luggage. Check with the airline when making travel arrangements.
Q: What features should an intermittent catheter have?
A: Desirable features include biocompatible catheter material (non-sensitising), flexibility to accommodate urethral contours and durability to retain its shape even with temperature variations. Some catheters are ready to use, easy to handle and enable a no-touch insertion technique. Needs of users vary. Learn more about the unique features of Hollister Continence Care products.
Q: Who can use an intermittent catheter?
A: Male, female and paediatric patients who need to drain urine from the bladder can use an intermittent catheter as prescribed by a healthcare professional.
Q: Do Hollister pre-lubricated intermittent catheters require water to be added to the product for lubrication upon opening?
A: No, the Hollister Advance and Advance Plus intermittent catheters are pre-lubricated with gel and ready to use. All VaPro Touch-Free Intermittent Catheters are ready to use straight from the packaging, with no need to add water or to burst water sachets.
Q: What are the advantages of a protective tip and sleeve?
A: Bacteria in the urinary tract can lead to a urinary tract infection. Many Hollister intermittent catheters have a tip and sleeve, which are designed to help keep germs away from the catheter. The protective tip and no-touch sleeve enable a no-touch catheterisation technique.
Q: How do I dispose of the catheter?
A: The catheter should be disposed of in a waste bin. Do not flush it down the toilet. Follow any local guidelines for the disposal of waste, especially medical devices.
Q: How should I prepare for a trip?
A: Check with the airline or cruise line when making travel arrangements for special accommodation (i.e., if needed ask for boarding assistance, a larger bag allowance or accessible accommodation). You should also familiarise yourself with the policies of your airline.
Alert hotels about your needs before your arrival and request any equipment you will need (i.e., bath, bench, roll-in shower, etc.). Even cruise lines must provide disabled-accessible rooms. Be very specific about what you need when making reservations.
Research your travel destination to prevent surprises with regard to physical barriers. Be sure to carry your medications and supplies for catheterisation and other self-care routines in your carry-on luggage. Get as much rest as possible, maintain your usual care routines and drink plenty of fluids. Drink bottled water if the tap water is questionable.
Q: What do I need to carry with me to catheterise away from home?
A: While the need for supplies varies by individual, ensure that you have enough catheters to use during your time away from home, any supplies needed for proper cleansing, and a bag to dispose of your catheters if you are not able to locate a waste bin.