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Does ISC Hurt?
It may feel like a bit of a strange sensation at first, but ISC should not be painful. For some, it can feel more sensitive when first learning, but ask for advice if this does not settle with time.
Can I do any damage?
If you select the right type of catheters and carefully follow the instructions you receive from your ISC teacher, catheterisation should not cause any damage, even if you carry out ISC over long periods of time. The LoFric catheter has a special coating, which means that water binds to it, making it slippery throughout the whole catheterisation process. This means that there is less friction and so less chance of it hurting or doing any damage to your insides.
How many times a day should I carry out ISC?
The person teaching you ISC should decide this, usually your urology nurse. The amount of times you practise ISC in a day will depend on the amount of urine you pass or drain using the catheter. It can also be affected by your specific bladder problem and medication. Typically the bladder should not contain more than 350-400ml, but your nurse may advise on this and ask you to keep a urine record chart.
How do I fit ISC into my life?
Try to find times of the day that are convenient, such as school break times or at lunchtime. Leave extra catheters at places you visit often, such as in your school locker, or at relatives, or trusted friends' homes. Once incorporated into your routine and using the right catheter, ISC will not prevent you from living a normal life.
What happens if I do not catheterise as often as I was told to?
If you miss catheterisation once or twice don’t worry, but don’t let it happen regularly as it will probably cause Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) or you may wet yourself. If you leave it too long, pressure on your bladder can build up and this may mean that that your urine moves up to your kidneys, which can cause serious injury and can be very painful.
How much should I drink?
The usual recommendation is to drink at least six to eight cups of fluid every day, keep caffeine drinks like cola, tea and coffee to a minimum, as they can irritate your bladder.
What if I can’t insert or withdraw the catheter?
Try to relax, as being unable to insert or withdraw is usually due to you and your bladder muscles being tense. Try coughing a few times as this helps to relax the muscles. Do not force the catheter in or out. Never try to cut the catheter – speak to your doctor or nurse if you are having problems, as they will be able to help you.
How long will I have to catheterise?
This varies as it depends on the individual and the nature of your condition. Sometimes ISC is a temporary solution to help the bladder regain normal function, for others it will be a permanent solution for a permanent condition. Whatever the length of time, ISC will help you manage and improve your bladder health.
What do I do if I see blood in my urine?
It is normal to see a few specks of blood in your urine when you are new to ISC, but it should clear up in a few days. If it continues or gets worse, contact your doctor or nurse.
What if no urine drains when catheterising?
If no urine drains, gently remove the catheter, get a clean one and try again. For girls it may mean that you have inserted the catheter into your vagina instead of your urethra. You could try using a mirror when catheterising if this happens often. If the problem of no urine draining persists, contact your doctor or nurse.
Do my bowel habits affect catheterising?
Being constipated can put pressure on your bladder from your bowels, and may interfere with your ISC, so try to eat a well balanced diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables.
How often should I wash?
To avoid washing away the natural bacteria that protects us from infection, it is recommended that you wash your genital area once a day with mild soap and water, when you’re having a shower or a bath is fine. It is also a good idea to clean your genital area when catheterising after a bowel movement, disposable wet wipes are discreet and handy for this if you’re at school or at a friend’s house.
What do I do if I have a period?
During your period you should wash the genital area with mild soap or a disposable wet wipe before each catheterisation. To avoid getting blood on the catheter, you could change your tampon before emptying the bladder.
How do I know if I have a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)?
If you experience shivering, a high temperature or fever, cloudy or smelly urine, you may have an infection. Drink extra fluids, continue to catheterise and contact your doctor or nurse for advice, UTIs are easily treated by the doctor but it’s best to follow the advice given to avoid UTIs as much as possible. Don’t put off visiting the doctor if you think you have a UTI as the infection may spread to the kidneys, which can be very painful and can cause serious injuries.
Am I still able to travel abroad?
Yes you can! Just be sure to take enough catheters with you and don’t forget to pack some in your hand luggage. Ask us for a Medical Validation Certificate explaining what your catheters are for, to save you inconvenience with customs. Ask your urology nurse what to do if you are planning a trip in your gap year.
What do I do if I find a fault with my catheter?
In the unlikely event of a fault with a LoFric catheter please contact Astra Tech directly for advice on 0800 652 3350.
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