catheter

[cheric13953]

I am new but doing fine with instillations. My question is do you use a new catheter every time? I do instills once daily.

Thanks
Cheri
:angel:

[ICNDonna]

When I did home instillations I didn't use disposable catheters. I cleaned them thoroughly between uses, with instructions from my urologist.

Donna

[bunnykinb]

I use a sterile catheter each time. You can get some free samples from one manufacturer.

[cheric13953]

thanks for all your replys

cheri:smile tee

[tangerine3]

I use a sterile catheter each time. You can get some free samples from one manufacturer.


bunny what size, brand catheters do you use; and what size syringe do you use to put the meds into the catheter? how do you get the syringe to fit in the end? The only ones I tried that the syringe fits in the end are the red rubber ones but they are hard to get into the urethra (wobbly).

I tried a hard plastic non-latex one today and it went in fantasticly but the the stupid syringe would not fit into the other end to put the meds in!! and they are clear so you can see what is going on too.

[L. Thomas]

Ask you MD about reusing the catheter. My urogyne says I can use them 4 times. At first I was really afraid of UTI so I used a new one each time but now I use them 4 times.

I use an 8fr pediatric feeding tube and a 30cc leur lock syringe. There are no problems connecting them. They fit perfectly.

Louann

[jen74]

Personally I would use a new sterile catheter each time. I was using a very sterile technique using ALL new materials each time and I still got a nasty infection that would not go away for over 5 months!! that really made my bladder pain worse. I know not everyone gets infections when they cath, but there are alot who do, so please use caution and use sterile technique. Good Luck and hope this works for you.
Jen

[Claredale]

My mom is a retired RN and I know she isn't right all the time, plus she has been retired for a long time, but she said that if I boiled the used catheters, they would be fine. I have a box of 40 or 50, but I keep the sterile ones for use in my purse. My mom said to let them dry covered until they are completly dry.

My doctor's nurse said they could be cleaned with soap and water. I prefer to boil mine. So far, no infections, but I am not prone to infections anyway.

Tracey

[tangerine3]

I think I just solved my problem with the lur-loc not fitting on the end of non-latex catheter ends. I was looking through my sons supplies and found some syringes that had blue screw-on tips on them! I think we use to use them for irrigation of wounds. They will fit into any catheter end. We got these from the hospital though so I don't know if medical supply places sell them each. New search and I'll have to try it on Saturday.

[tangerine3]

I only use 15 catheters a month so I will use one each time. Boiling is good. The key is to let them completely dry.

I used to wash my sons with anitbacterial soap and warm water, rinse real well and let dry completely; though this takes a long time. If your insurance pays for them it is best to use one each time.