13 replies to this topic

[newfieboy]

I am planning to go travelling for a couple of months and was wondering if anyone has any knowledge of reusable catheters. I would like to avoid carrying hundreds of the things with me and so if there was some safe way of only taking a few that can be reused numerous times I would be grateful for any information.

[Clive]

hi I use size 14 suction catheters for a week and soak them in milton in between catheterising.

Regards

Clive

[Astack23]

I use a regular mentor catheter and i reuse them many times. I never seem to have any problems.

[pikey]

I would be very careful washing out catheters when I first started I was told to wash them out and had loads of infections. I use and bin now and the number of infections has shot down.

[T A]

Astack23, on 13 January 2012 - 03:56 PM, said:

I use a regular mentor catheter and i reuse them many times. I never seem to have any problems.

Same here, use the same for weeks before switching. Be sure to rinse it every time.

Tim

[Tinbasher]

Are there any known destinations that you can post supplies to so you can top up your supply as you travel? I would rather carry sterile father than deal with a UTI in a foreign medical system.

[Tetracyclone]

You can post them to your hotel. Black Sheep soaks hers in a bleach solution overnight, using a handful each month. Clean zip-lock bags are a must.

I have a genuine re-usable which I rinse and soak in povidone iodine solution between uses. This works fine.

[nomis]

I use a number 14, rinse it under hot running water, use them about a week and haven't had an infection for so many years I can't remember, about nine years, maybe 10. My neurology nurse questions why I bother with hot water. I store it in an otherwise empty airtight plastic container which I boil in water weekly.

The principle is that you build immunity to your own bacteria - just don't let anyone else handle it. Always wash your own hands thoroughly (20sec rubbing hands together under hot water) before you touch it.

Edited by nomis, 15 January 2012 - 02:30 AM.

[newfieboy]

thank you for the info - what do you use as a lubricant for the catheter?

[qbounce]

Where are you traveling btw? If it's third world countries I would be very leery of just washing the catheters with soap and water instead of actually boiling them, as your body isn't used to certain enzymes, protozoa, and other thingymagiggers swimming around in poorly filtered water.

Otherwise, happy trails!

[Grinch83]

nomis, on 15 January 2012 - 01:41 AM, said:

I use a number 14, rinse it under hot running water, use them about a week and haven't had an infection for so many years I can't remember, about nine years, maybe 10. My neurology nurse questions why I bother with hot water. I store it in an otherwise empty airtight plastic container which I boil in water weekly.

The principle is that you build immunity to your own bacteria - just don't let anyone else handle it. Always wash your own hands thoroughly (20sec rubbing hands together under hot water) before you touch it.

Nomis, I've also been thinking about switching to a reusable-style catheter. I currently use a no-touch style with gloves, three swabs, and of course, the bag in which I void...all of which I need to dispose of afterward. It's annoying and time consuming. The freedom to just quickly cath, rinse and then bag it up sounds much less cumbersome. BUT I do have some concerns: I go out a lot; bars, restaurants, concerts, etc. How do you keep your catheter sanitary when using a public restroom? Especially large restrooms you would find at concert arenas? I would imagine it's difficult to be discreet about rinsing your catheter in a sink while a bunch of other AB dudes are washing their hands or checking their hair? Also, what do you do in situations where you are in a location where the bathroom (toilet and sink) is inaccessible? Aim the cath into an empty bottle? Is there a strategy one uses to make sure one gets close enough to the edge of the bowl as to make sure the stream goes where it should? I'm guessing just shimmying to the edge of the cushion of your chair?

Sorry if those questions sound a bit trivial, but they really are things I need to consider when switching catheter styles as I find myself in these situations regularly.

[Denna]

I would think the sterile kits would be less problem to pack than everything you need to pack to clean the catheters. I use a new catheter everytime but I use to reuse. I would put a little bit of bleach in some water to let them soak for 15 min and then rinse them off with boiling water. Then to help keep the stored I put them in a tuber wear bowl and store them in the fridge. But you still need to carry lubricant and babywipes and a container to pee in. So its really more work to worry about when your on vaction. And really where would you get boiling water at? unless you rent a room with a kitchen area.

[nomis]

newfieboy, on 17 January 2012 - 06:00 PM, said:

thank you for the info - what do you use as a lubricant for the catheter?

Triad or KY.

My style is not to put it on the catheter but a dob on the opening of the urethra which the catheter picks up as it enters. Hey, we're getting rather clinically detailed. What's next?


GRINCH83
Public loos are not nice places - difficult for privacy and dangerous for infection. If ever compromised, I use a new once-only catheter. Carry a plastic bag for rubbish. Hopefully, I've got some disposable cleaning towels with me for my hands and anything else that might need a wipe. Plastic bottles with a screw cap are handy.

If I've got to go then I've got to go so...if the public toilet has no private cubicle then you have to use what space there is, I hate it but the alternative is worse. Be creative. It's amazing what you can get away with sitting in a car, nonchantly looking out the window while your hands are busy guiding proceedings under a towel or rug.

When your health is at stake you can take whatever risks and diabolical solutions that it takes to get the job done. You always feel better after.

Edited by nomis, 18 January 2012 - 11:21 AM.

[Grinch83]

Thanks, Nomis. It seems like I might as well stick with what I've been using as I often find myself in situations where reusable caths just aren't going to be any easier and perhaps put me at a higher risk for infection.

And yes, I too have become quite covert with my public relief sessions! I'm pretty good on my own, but it helps to have a few friends who are willing to guard a door or block you from other people's view!