3 replies to this topic

[silone74]

Hi i am going to be driving for a long time and wanted to use an indwelling cathater to be able to not have to do intermitant caths as i find i need to be on my bed to do it properly, i have found a box of indwelling cathaters but they all have a 2010 date on them although they are sealed will they be ok to use i don't really see what there is to actually go out af date? my GP won't issue me any to use as a temporary measure as he says it will put me at risk of uti's but as it will only be used for a day or two at the most i cant see it being much more of a risk as using intermitants



Cheers

Si

[Millard]

silone74, on 26 July 2011 - 09:46 PM, said:

Hi i am going to be driving for a long time and wanted to use an indwelling cathater to be able to not have to do intermitant caths as i find i need to be on my bed to do it properly, i have found a box of indwelling cathaters but they all have a 2010 date on them although they are sealed will they be ok to use i don't really see what there is to actually go out af date? my GP won't issue me any to use as a temporary measure as he says it will put me at risk of uti's but as it will only be used for a day or two at the most i cant see it being much more of a risk as using intermitants
Cheers

Si

Hello Silone,

The catheters will still be sterile but be wary of the inflatable bubble. It's possible it could burst and come out. Cathing with an indwelling catheter should be done in a sterile environment whereas intermittent cathing is done in a clean environment. Keep in mind your GP has your health to consider and not your convenience. There is a great difference in the procedures so be careful and good luck.

[Trinity]

the materials can degrade a little over time but there shouldn't be any problem using the out of date products, it's not like they are several years out.

I think the date stamped on is just a random date to comply with regulations, they will still be sterile and do the job.


Treat the the date as a "Best Before" as opposed to a "Use By"!

[silone74]

Thanks Trinity i will give one a trial run at the end of the week see how it goes as i am really not looking forard to driving long distance but it is not just for convenience if i can't empty my bladder its essential to use an indwelling cathater or face the possibility of my bladder not emptying on its own and getting the bad disreflexia that comes with it which has been happening more and more over the past few months.




Si