There are diseases of serious nature and there are diseases of not-so serious nature but accompanied by several complications. And the latter mentally bogs a person down. Even if you are not worried about your illness you may be worried about the recuperation period which brings along with it some life-adjustments.
Management of urological issues following a non-surgical or surgical problem is a perfect example of this. A lot of us may have at some time come across a friend or a family member who has had to deal with this and been more affected it than by the disease itself. The thought of having to handle catheters and urine bags was a nightmare for them.
Well, this is the basic issue… the thought! We are so often upset by the thought of wearing a catheter even though the act of wearing one and living thereafter with it isn’t all that difficult.
Yes, it is this thought that needs some care and nurturing! And with professional guidance, such issues are always solved without having caused much heartbreak.
For example, if it is a question of having to use a catheter, talk to your healthcare adviser about it. Let him aid you in selecting an appropriate one which will not only suit your requirement but help you feel no trauma because of it. This decision he will take depending on your condition. Do you need a short-term catheter or a long-term indwelling one? Do you need a Foley catheter or a condom catheter? Does your condition require the fitting up of a suprapubic catheter?
Well, your doctor will answer all these questions. He will suggest what is most appropriate and comfortable for you. The option offered you will take into consideration your condition, the requirement and how long the catheter is needed for. You will also be advised on how to manage the use of it. You may ask to be briefed on the different devices and products that will contain the urinary leakage. You also need to inform your doctor if you are allergic to latex or not. If allergic, then you must ask for silicon catheters.
Your doctor will tell whether you need to have a catheter put intermittently into the bladder, placed on a more permanent basis or placed through the stomach into the bladder that will require surgery.
If you need catheterization only on an occasional basis, then your healthcare adviser will recommend an intermittent catheter. This happens usually with someone who has neurological disorders or unable to properly empty the bladder. It also is common with women after specific gynecological surgeries or men with large prostates. This type of catheter will not require you to wear an external device. You will be taught to catheterize yourself in order to drain the bladder when needed. When the flow of urine has stopped, you may remove the catheter.
Ask your doctor the right questions and insist on being briefed in details. There’s nothing that cannot be sorted out.