|
| |
|
Will Catheterisation hurt my child?
It may feel like a strange sensation for the child at first, but ISC should not be painful. For some, the urethra is more sensitive initially; do ask your GP or urology nurse 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 to your child’s bladder or urethra, even if you carry out ISC over long periods of time. LoFric catheters have many years of clinical evidence that proves their safety over many years.
How many times a day should I carry out catheterisation on my child?
The person teaching you ISC should decide this, depending on the amount of urine your child should pass using the catheter. The number of catheterisations can be affected by your child’s specific bladder problem and medication. Your nurse may advise you to keep a urine record chart.
How do I fit catheterisation into every day life?
To manage catheterisation without interfering with your normal activities, try to establish times of the day that are convenience and work around your child’s normal routine: on waking, before lunch, after playgroup or school, before bedtime etc. Leave extra catheters at places you and your child visit often such as at a playgroup, school, or with relatives. Once incorporated into your routines and using the right catheter, Intermittent Catheterisation will not prevent you and your child from living a normal life.
How much should my child drink?
The usual recommendations will depend on the age of your child. Ask your urology nurse for more information remember that your child should usually be drinking the same amounts as other children of their age.
What if I can’t insert or withdraw the catheter?
Try to ensure that your child is relaxed, as being unable to insert or withdraw the catheter is usually due to the sphincter muscle of the bladder being tense. Getting your child to cough may help relax these muscles but do not force the catheter in or out. Never try to cut the catheter - speak to your doctor or urology nurse if you are having problems
What happens if I do not catheterise my child as often as I was told to?
If this happens often it can cause Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) and urinary leakage. If pressure on your child’s bladder becomes too high, there is a risk that the urine will move up to the kidneys, which can cause serious injury. Keep to your routine and always follow the instructions and suggestions given by your doctor or urology nurse as closely as possible to avoid any ill effects.
What do I do if I see blood in my child’s urine?
It is normal to see a few specks of blood in the urine when you first begin catheterisation, but it should clear up in a few days. If it continues or gets worse, contact your doctor or urology nurse.
What if no urine drains when catheterising?
If no urine drains, gently remove the catheter, get a fresh one and try again. Ensure that if you are catheterising a girl that you have inserted the catheter into the urethra and not the vagina. If you still don’ t get any urine out, contact your doctor or nurse.
Do my child’s bowel habits affect catheterising?
Being constipated can interfere with catheterising so try to ensure your child eats a well balanced diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables. Ensure the area is clean before catheterising to reduce the risk of bacteria being spread from the bowel to the urethra as this can result in UTIs.
How often should I wash my child’s bottom?
To avoid washing away the natural bacteria that protects us from infection, it is recommended that you wash the genital area once a day. Although if you are catheterising after a bowel movement it is advisable to use disposable wet wipes to avoid cross contamination.
How do I know if my child has a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)?
If they experience flu-like symptoms such as shivering, a high temperature or fever, or cloudy or smelly urine, they may have an infection. Ensure they drink extra fluids, continue to catheterise and contact the doctor or urology nurse for advice.
Am I still able to travel abroad with my child?
Yes of course, 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 the catheters are for, to save you any inconvenience with customs.
What do I do if I find fault with a catheter?
In the unlikely event of a fault with a LoFric catheter please contact Astra Tech directly for advice on 0800 652 3350.
|
|
|
|
|