If you re-use cath, how do you clean it?

[mortisha]

I don't want to re-use my intermittant urinary caths but cost is becoming an issue. I usually use 2 caths a day and I would like to be able to re-use them. Can you re-use the hydophyllic caths and if so, how do you cleanse them? Thanks, Deb

[jen74]

I do instillations for my IC at home. My nurse said I could wash the catheter in hot soapy water and thoroughly rinse it. I however do not do that, I use a new one each time because I do not want to risk getting a UTI ( and I am prone to them). I guess if you are not prone to UTI's you would be ok with washing them, but if you get UTI's , I would probably suggest you use a new one each time, that is just my opinion though.
Jen

[mortisha]

Thanks Jen, I don't want to re-use the caths either. I don't do them for home installations, I have multiple sclerosis on top of IC so I cath when the bladder just isn't working. I will keep using new ones as long as insurance pays for most of the cost, when I go on Medicare though I understand they only pay for 4 a month! That's 2 days for me-how do people do it?

[ICNDonna]

I was told to wash mine thoroughly with antibacterial soap, rinse thoroughly, and wrap in a clean wash cloth or towel. I used wash cloths that had been laundered in hot water with bleach to be sure they were clean. It worked for me.

Donna