4 replies to this topic

[Survivor35]

Okay, I have a question that I haven't posed to my doc yet that a friend suggested to me... I don't know if it is a practice that anyone uses while traveling, but I'll be headed to Disney world in 9 months... time at the airport, on the plane, getting into the hotel, etc etc.... and I struggle to cath while in my chair. It was suggested to me that perhaps I should use an indwelling catheter during vacation, but I'm normally an intermittent cath patient. Is it common for people to use indwelling catheters for situations like this? Any answers/tips, advice would be fantastic!

[Tetracyclone]

Yes, it is common enough. Saves a load of anxiety. Nurse taught me how to do it myself. We must be extra careful with sanitary practice, and the bag is annoying, but the advantage is convenience.

[boduke]

My boyfriend used to do the intermittent (well, I did it for him) and then at night we would put the indwelling in b/c he had too high of out-puts or if he had a UTI we would leave one in.. It wasn't bad switching up between the two though

[qbounce]

I haven't traveled yet, but planned on using an indwelling at least for the plane ride. Long days outside in unfamiliar territory sounds like a good idea too.

[kiwibubbles]

I travel a lot and many of the flights are long haul 12 hours or more. I did use indwelling cathaters for the flights when I first left rehab but did not find them comfortable and the bag was anoying. I now continue with intermitent much easier. I can walk (shuffle to the toilet on the plane) if you cannot then I suggest you have in indwelling for the flight. You should be able to get the nurses to teach you how to do this yourself as extra care is needed not to introduce bugs. You can also get intermitent cathaters which remain sterile (self contained) as they have a plastic sleeve. they are disposable and are excellent. they are much easier to manage sanitation wise. As they are expensive I only use them when away travelling.
Good luck with your travels.