Latest / Numotion Ally Program Podcast / Catheters: Everything You're Afraid to Ask
Transcript
- speaker-0: Today we've got Dylan Kelly and Leah Holderbaum, both part of our New Motion team. And we are going to be talking about catheter questions that they're too afraid to ask. So I've got some funny statistics, just frequently asked questions, and then questions for either both Dylan and Leah or just Dylan and just Leah. So basically, if you've ever wondered what to do if your catheter falls in the toilet at Chili's, or who to call and reach out to if you're ever in a jam, you're not alone. Today on the Ally Program podcast, we are diving into everyone's questions they're too afraid to ask. So first up, I'm gonna call on Dylan. Dylan, Kelly, take a couple minutes and introduce yourself and what you're excited about the Ally Program and how do you want your podcast segment to be like? speaker-1: Yeah. So as mentioned, my name is Dylan. I'm from Tampa, Florida. ⁓ And I'm just really excited about the ally podcast and what it brings because I think I'm mainly excited about the community aspect of it being that everyone with spinal cord injuries, no matter where they are around the country, will be able to access this. know it depends on where you live, but sometimes you can feel a little isolated and differently different ⁓ from the community around you possibly. So to have a program like this to be able to go ask questions and speak with peers and stuff like that I think is really important, especially those with newer spinal cord injuries and then it's gonna be awesome with those who have been doing it for years to be able to help everyone else. So I'm excited to see what it brings. speaker-0: for sure. Tell us a little bit about what we're going to see with you this season on the podcast. speaker-1: Yeah, so my segment, ⁓ Wheelin' with Dylan, is really, at the end of the day, I just want it to be a laid back conversation between, you know, hopefully just friends or for some guests I'm just meeting for one of the first times. But ⁓ I just want it to be super laid back, conversational, not some formal interview and just really talking about day to day life, what it's like to be independent, how people have found different ways to improve their quality of life. ⁓ And what I want to bring out is that everyone does things differently. So one thing that I do to maybe be independent, how I take out the trash, for example, how I go grocery shopping, how I go out and my ideas for date night maybe, ⁓ though I might think this works really good for me and it does, but someone else might do things completely differently. and we can learn from each other and find new ways. So I'm really excited to kind of navigate that and learn from other people's experiences. And I hope that everybody who listens will also benefit from that. speaker-0: No, that's amazing. Super. I'm excited for it. Well, I've got this segment for you titled, Let's Get Awkward. And so I'm going to just ask you a couple of questions and first thing that comes to mind or whatever you care to share or not share, totally up to you. But one catheter moment you'll never forget. The good, the bad or the really trippy. speaker-1: The first thing that comes to my mind is one that stunk. It was a bad one. ⁓ And it was like not, hadn't even hurt, had a spinal cord injury for a year yet. So still obviously you're adjusting to everything. But this one shocked me because apparently I had bladder stones and I do have sensation and it hurt really bad. So it was genuinely ⁓ The most painful experience of my life. Not even a year before that, I was in a car accident. I did hurt a lot, but those bladder stones were something else. It stunk because it was right on the weekend, so I couldn't just go to the urologist right away. was one of those things. ⁓ I did go to ER, but they can't even do too much. had to wait it out a little bit. So it just felt like a really long 24 to 48 hours, but that's the one that sticks out to my mind. ⁓ speaker-0: For sure. No, that's so crazy. Have you ever seen bladders stones like under a microscope and how like, like they're spying? It's crazy. Google it, look it up. You will get it. You'll be like, I felt like speaker-2: That's what we're speaker-1: Yeah, I think they might be there. think they're bigger than kidney stones, right? Or no. speaker-0: I don't know about the size. It's more or less the texture. Like they're very jagged. speaker-1: Bigger than I thought, that's all I'm gonna say. I was like, whoa! speaker-0: ⁓ Someone's like, I've kind of had a baby. No, I'm just kidding. ⁓ speaker-1: And of them. speaker-2: Hahaha speaker-0: Puppies, dogs have nothing on me. ⁓ So describe the first time trying to cath in a public bathroom, what went wrong or what went surprisingly right? speaker-1: to me, it's, doesn't make much of a difference whether you're home or out, if it's accessible, obviously. But the first time that like I had to do it in public was at, I was at Shepherd Center. So it was one of the outings that we had done. ⁓ so it was good because I had a Shepherd Center for those who don't know as well is like, ⁓ rehab for spinal cord injuries in Atlanta, Georgia, which is where I was initially. ⁓ but. Anyway, so we had gone there and of course it wasn't accessible. And so the good thing though is I had like, it might've been an OT, like I don't really remember who was with me. ⁓ It probably was an OT. It probably was. ⁓ Leah's favorites, my favorites. ⁓ And I think they had kind of blocked out like the doorway or something so people couldn't get in because it wasn't accessible. And I did it like near like a urinal kind of thing. speaker-2: was an OT. speaker-1: So I remember that was like pretty stressful. I remember being like, is this what it's always gonna be like? Those kind of scenarios where bathroom isn't accessible, it does happen and there's ways to navigate that for sure. But that was one of my first experiences which was a little shocking. speaker-0: But then like each time it started to get more. Yeah, easier. speaker-1: Right? Yeah, it's easier and you normally try your best to just find one that you can fit in and it works. Yeah. In this case, I had someone with me who just blocked the doorway, but you don't always have that. speaker-0: Very true, very true, and relatable. Okay, have you ever forgotten your cat's supplies and had to MacGyver a solution? speaker-1: Not yet. Let's knock on wood. Not yet. am very... ⁓ I don't know if I'm an over worrier, but I make sure that I am not... I always have supplies on. speaker-0: Okay, do you know who MacGyver is? speaker-1: No. speaker-0: Do know who McGroover is? Okay. So McGyver was, and Leah helped me out with this one, guy in the eighties that he could take just like raw materials and put something together and be able to blow the door off of this secret locked room and save all of these people with just like wood and- speaker-2: a toothpick and a macaroni noodle. Yeah. speaker-0: the most obscure items. it's, it's kind of like if you've ever been in a situation where you're ill-prepared and had to use something. Now knowing you, Dylan, I know a little bit and it may not be catheters that you MacGyver, but there are things that you definitely know how to MacGyver out of raw materials and make it work, right? Yeah. You're like, don't sell me out Jenny. Okay. So be honest. Have you ever peed on your shoes? speaker-1: Yeah. Not yet. But we'll see. speaker-2: You speaker-0: I don't know if our clinical counterpart, educator could, ⁓ medical supply educator could say the same. What's something new every user should keep in their emergency calf pouch that no one tells you? speaker-1: So I am probably not always the best example. I don't carry like anything else on me really, but I'm sure having some like gloves that are wipes or something like that would be smart. So maybe I'll take note and try to do something like that. speaker-0: All right, so just straight caths. Got your kit, you got, okay. All right. Last one for you and then you're out of the hot seat. What's the worst advice someone ever gave you about cathing? speaker-1: I mean, I've heard a lot of people just be like, you don't really gotta wash your hands and do this and that. Cause you know, like I think you do it so many times. think people just take care, take it for granted and don't think about it, but you gotta, that's like the worst advice. You have to wash your hands. no matter what, it doesn't matter how good of a catheter you, catheter you have. ⁓ even like the closed systems that reduce UTIs and like really shouldn't really have to touch the cath at all. It doesn't matter. Wash your hands. It's like the most important thing, I think. speaker-0: Absolutely. Yep. Agreed. Agreed. Okay. Thank you, Dylan. You're amazing. Looking forward to your segments. speaker-1: Thank you. speaker-0: Right. Clinical questions. You're thinking it. We're asking it. Leah, what? So let me back up just a little bit. Take a couple minutes, introduce yourself, your segment, what you want out of your podcast. And why are you excited about the Ally program? speaker-2: Okay. Okay. Absolutely. I am pumped about the Ally program. I have been thinking about this program for well over a year now, and it has been a lot of blood, sweat, and tears and brain power. And I am just so excited that it's finally happening. And my background is occupational therapy, specifically spinal cord injury and bladder management. And it was during my time at a model system rehab when I realized that occupational therapist played a significant role in bladder management. And I was doing the majority of my patients a significant disservice. So I didn't understand everything about, you know, bladder health, bladder management, catheters, and I started doing research. And that was just the start of this like passion that was, you know, lit within me. So I have made it a goal of mine, shall we say, to spread love and education and advocacy for all things bladder management across the country. So now that this is actually happening, it is a beautiful place for individuals to come and connect, share resources, share stories, gather experiences. And it's just, it's a program unlike anything else. So I am beyond pumped about the Ally program. which ties nicely in to my podcast segment, which is going to be called the CathCast. And again, as an occupational therapist, I really want to educate not only catheter users, but clinicians as well on resources, adaptive equipment, up and coming research, infection prevention, strategies, all of these things. And I really want to normalize discussions around bladder management. I've got a lot of special guests that are coming on from clinicians to users and everything in between. So I am, I'm really, really excited about everything that's to come with the Ally program and the CathCast. speaker-0: Yay, we are too for sure, for sure, for sure. All right, are you ready to dig in? Okay, what's the wildest myth you've heard about catheters that just isn't true? speaker-2: I hope so. Let's go. their one size fits all. This product is the best for whatever patient. And that's one thing that I found is, ⁓ you know, I always say catheters are like Starbucks. You you have as many options on catheters as you do menu options at Starbucks. And it's not one size fits all based on situation, based on body, based on diagnosis, based on features and benefits. And so I think it really comes down to, what can that person use functionally and, you know, be ultimately healthy and independent. speaker-0: Yeah, absolutely. So true that that is when I get to the frequently asked questions of what has been searched on the internet, which is coming up, you'll see the number one question. So, cool. All right. And I mean, no spoiler alerts for later in the show, but that's where we're at. ⁓ are there best practices people forget like drying their hands before touching a sterile kit? speaker-2: Okay. Okay, so this is an interesting question that I'm torn about because I heard Dylan's input about, you know, washing your hands. And as a clinician, I 110 % agree. I do think that people, ⁓ you know, just become his habit and they just, you know, forget to do simple things or you get in your routine. We all do it, right? That being said, I will never forget. I had a young man who would pull his catheter from the brim of his hat and spit on it. bath, rinse it and then put it right back in the brim of his hat for his next use. I don't support this. do not think this is optimal for him. However, this young man had not had a UTI in I don't know how many years because his body had built up antibodies. So again, I think it goes back to it's not a one size fits all situation and everyone is going to be a little bit different. I do think it is very easy to kind of just get into the mundane and just leave out some simple details when it comes to hand hygiene. proper cleansing. thing that I really speak a lot about specifically with my friends that are, know, chair users is the cross contamination. You know, if you go into a public restroom and you you wash your hands initially, that's fantastic. But then if you go into the stall and you touch the lock, you know, what else are you touching? You've touched your wheels. So I think that's something that kind of just goes by the wayside as well as just the possibility of cross contamination across all surfaces. speaker-0: Okay, so how do you handle questions like, can I still wear leggings or will my date notice my leg bag? speaker-2: let's figure it out to make it how you want it to work for you. know, do you want to wear leggings? Okay, let's make it happen. How do we, if this is what you want to do, let's figure out how to make it happen for you. Will your date notice your leg bag? Maybe. ⁓ But can you talk about it? You know, can you, can you normalize that conversation? Like everyone needs to use the restroom. So at the end of the day, if someone is going to not date you because of your leg bag, then they're not worth your time. So move along. speaker-0: Thank you next. speaker-2: Yes. speaker-0: Okay, I love this one. Be honest. How many patients pretend to know what clean technique is and then wave their cath around like a glow stick? speaker-2: Yeah, it goes back to my friend, right? ⁓ Again, best practices are one thing and you really want to make sure that you are maintaining the proper technique for you, which is, you know, washing your hands, washing around that urethral opening, making sure that you're not touching the catheter. As a clinician, I am telling you to do all of these things. However, The clinician may got a little slap on the wrist when that young man with the catheter and the brim of his hat told me that he hadn't had a UTI in 20 plus years. And, you know, he'd be darned if he was going to change his ways now. So, ⁓ again, it just goes to show everyone is individualized and you do have to take it on a case by case basis. And people, people are going to figure out their own strategy. And at the end of the day, is it keeping you healthy? Are you free of UTIs? your bladder empty as it needs to be? And how is your quality of life? So that is the ultimate goal at the end of the day is can we keep this in place? But again, as a clinician, the OT and me is always trying to promote the optimal strategy for hygiene with that individual. speaker-0: We wouldn't expect anything less, right? This one's a multiple choice. Okay. If someone tells you they reused their catheter just once, do you A, cry a little, B, slap their hand, C, hand them a UTI fact sheet. speaker-2: All of the above? ⁓ speaker-0: Yeah. speaker-2: Number one, my first concern or my first question would be what type of catheter was it? And the reason for that is because catheter technology these days, they're designed for single use. And depending on the material of the catheter, the coating, the lubricant, I would be concerned for the potential of, you know, urethra trauma or, you know, is the catheter too tacky? Like that would be my initial concern. ⁓ Again, I do think it's important to always educate. the individual. I would definitely, you know, like I said, I would do all of the above, definitely discuss ⁓ infection risk, talk about UTIs, talk about how to limit the possibility of running out of catheters in the future, trying to help them become more of an advocate, you know, for themselves, for their care, making sure they have appropriate supplies. And a hard lesson that I've learned is I can provide all the education, all the training, and at the end of the day, it's the responsibility of that person. Absolutely. again, I just encourage individuals, be educated, be advocated, especially OTs. Make sure your patients are well-versed in what they need to do. But at the end of the day, it's up to them. Yeah. speaker-0: For sure. All right, last one. What's the most awkward way someone's ever asked you if they can have sex with a catheter? speaker-2: Yes. think not asking, honestly. ⁓ Because there is a direct correlation and bowel and bladder function directly tie into sexual intimacy. with the majority of my patients, I never want to say all because I'm not a fan of definitive, but with the majority of my patients, I would always try to bring up sexual intimacy in some capacity because I wanted them to know possibilities, I wanted them to know that I was open to have the discussion. And I think ⁓ by not asking questions or not seeking resources on your own, I think that's the most unfortunate thing that you could do. And all that to say, you can still be sexually intimate if you do have an indwelling catheter or if you do intermittent catheterization. So you do have options and I think it's important that people educate themselves and are empowered to ask those questions and realize that it's okay. if you have that question, there is probably someone else that has that question. And I guarantee there was someone out there who was eager to answer that question for you. So you just have to find who that person is. speaker-0: Absolutely. No, that's great. Thank you. Of course. All right. So now we have the oops file mishaps and solutions. So these are, you know, open to both of you, right? So answer which, you know, you've got something. Say it. What's ⁓ one catheter fail that became a laughable memory? speaker-2: I got mine right off the bat. speaker-1: Go ahead, you can take this one. speaker-2: Okay, so one of my most rewarding and life-changing experiences, I was working with a young lady and she was doing, we were progressing her through her intermittent catheterization plan. She had done fantastic in the bed and next we're working on wheelchair cathing. Long story short, she, rightfully so, is becoming a little bit frustrated because just, with positioning, clothing management, female anatomy, she was having some challenges with cathing in the wheelchair. And mostly it was attributed to anatomy. She continued to insert the catheter accidentally into her vagina. And following that, I will never ever forget, ⁓ were in her bathroom, we were working so hard on her becoming independent and she used the most... innocent yet descriptive words to describe her anatomy and I agreed with her descriptions and I guided her and from then on she was 110 % accurate with her her cathing and it came down to again as you know VOT I was trying to provide I'm like that's your urethra like I'm using the appropriate terms and she knew where it was but it wasn't resonating based on anatomical landmarks. So it was a huge flop that turned to a complete success, all based on just changing the terminology surrounding the anatomy. So I will never forget that experience for as long as I live, ever. speaker-0: That's great. Yeah. Dylan. Has TSA ever pulled you aside for your calf supplies and what happened? speaker-1: Yeah, Yeah, they have for me a couple of times just taking a look at, you know, like you have your medicine bag, think that's what it's called. But for me actually, this is kind of along with your question, it's always like the bag under my chair with security, TSA, because sometimes, I've done it a couple of times, I forget to take that off to get it scanned as well. So I'm thinking about my luggage that I have and sometimes I forget. about the bag on my actual chair. So sometimes we're like, hey, what you trying to bring in? I'm like, I'm just trying to go to the bathroom, dude. But my bad, my bad. And then we'll run it through. So that's normally what happens to me. That's happened to me probably like three times at least. speaker-2: Okay, so I have been stopped by TSA. I don't even know how many times. So as an educator, when I would travel and provide in services, education, CEUs, I have silicone models. And I eventually had to figure out the most detailed strategy so that I could get these models through TSA and not. traumatized the TSA agent and anyone else around when my suitcase was open. So it consisted of me, you I had to put them in like a new motion, you know, drawstring bag. And at one point I had to explain I was like, I'm an educator, this is what I do. And as soon as TSA opened my bag, he grabbed like a dowel, like a, you long stick and he was like poking around in there. I'm like, they're anatomical models. So it's always interesting to try to explain. what I do with these silicone anatomical models that pop up in my luggage. speaker-0: I would have loved to see if he would have pulled the male anatomical one out by the part. speaker-2: That happened one of the first few times and like the people around because they just opened my suitcase and start digging through Right, and then I learned I have to like keep it enclosed and then I open my suitcase get that out It's it's a whole process. It's a whole process. So speaker-0: ⁓ my gosh, people seeing you walking through. There's the lady with the stuff. That's great. That's great. All right. So, ⁓ let's see. So questions they're afraid to ask. ⁓ can a catheter fall out? What should you do if it does? speaker-2: It's wild. speaker-1: Don't use it. If it falls out and it's exposed and it's on the ground, you throw that away. speaker-2: Yeah. Once it's been put in your body, get another one. Okay. So keep in mind, if you do have any spasms specifically around, you know, that urethra, sometimes if you have a spasm, that sphincter muscle can kind of push the catheter back out a little bit. So, you know, those with female anatomy, those that might have, you know, spasms, anyone that might potentially, you know, dexterity issues, drop a catheter. You want to make sure that if there's any risk of that, that you do have. significant you know backstache you want to make sure that you have the appropriate quantity that you know is going to get you through the supply that you need. speaker-0: Pretty cool. speaker-1: talk about that with your doctor too. So you typically go four times a day. It's nice if they prescribe five or six so that you have a cushion to fall back on a buffer. speaker-0: Yeah. No. Well, so Leah on that, like I've had a customer that did have a spasm in the middle of cathing. What is the correct technique and to do with that? Is there breathing? Like what would your recommendation be? speaker-2: Yeah, usually, you what I tell individuals is, know, when they're inserting the catheter, there might be a little resistance, there might be a spasm, just try to, you know, hold it in place, you know, take some deep breaths or, you know, talk like I'll try to get the person to talk to me because you're breathing when you're talking. ⁓ And then, you know, try to, you know, make it go in never ever, ever force the catheter. And if you're meeting resistance and nothing is flowing, pull the catheter out. wait and let's try again in a bit. ⁓ But yeah, it's, you know, it's not uncommon to, you know, have that spasm or it's for the catheter to kind of almost like push itself back out a little. It's when it comes all the way out that we're like, okay, we gotta, we gotta do something. So that's why I usually say keep a hand on, you know, on that funnel or on that distal portion where, you know, you have that, ⁓ that extra little room for the grip to keep it clean. speaker-0: No, great, great sound advice. This is amazing. Let's see. What should you pack in your bladder go bag for vacations or long car rides? Mad Libs. speaker-2: Absolutely. I mean, I'll chime in while Dylan's thinking like just the, you know, my OT brain, I'm thinking additional supplies, definitely. ⁓ You know, catheters, depending on the type of product, whether it's gel or hydrophilic, maybe, you know, potential lube, wipes. ⁓ Again, there's a direct correlation between, you know, bladder and bowel. So I also specifically for folks that have spinal cord injury looking at bowel supplies as well, whether it's suppository, wipes, incontinence products, whatever you might potentially need for your specific bowel program. Also, I think those with female anatomy looking at menstruation products as well, because you never know. So I think those items, potentially change of undergarments, change of bottoms or whatever you prefer. Yeah. Yeah. speaker-0: Great call up. speaker-1: I just agree. I agree a lot just with the extra extra extra extra. So I had I've had a couple cases of friends that I know who like didn't bring enough and then they find themselves in trouble. And that's like my biggest nightmare, which is funny because I'm literally like a catheter rep now. So like if anyone shouldn't be too worried, you'd think it'd be me. But that's I always will bring extra. ⁓ that's super important. And then if you are going somewhere where like very hot and you know, you're going to Florida, and you're going to come visit me. Not a bad idea to maybe bring like even like a little cooler kind of deal, not like a big egg, but you know, like one those almost like lunchbox ones kind of thing. ⁓ But that will help insulate some of those, especially if you're using a hydrophilic catheter, which has like is a water based solution in there that can dry up. It's not the worst idea. It just depends on where you're going to be. So for me, ⁓ I guess specifically if you're gonna go out on a boat, you're going on vacation, you're going out on a boat, it's gonna be hot all day, not a bad idea to bring something like that, but. speaker-0: Yeah. No, that's a great point. Right? Like you're going somewhere, you're packing your travel bag, you're looking at what outfits to wear. You got to think of the climate and what's going on and make sure your catheters are protected too. Like that's amazing. That's something I've, know, whoop. Cool. All right. Let's see. So real talk, real tips for Dylan. What do you wish someone had told you about cathing early on? speaker-1: I wish they told me it's not that big of a deal. As far as just like, day to day, you get used to it really quickly. I wish someone kind of just told me just to chill out a little bit because it's second nature to me now. It's as if I obviously, it's like I'm going normally, honestly. It just takes a little longer maybe, but it's not even that bad and once you get used to it, it's like you don't even think about it. So that's cool. Someone told me that that would have been comforting. speaker-0: Rewind. You're right. what do you tell parents who feel embarrassed? Not parents. What time is it? What do you? Leah, what do you tell patients who feel embarrassed about starting to cast? speaker-2: I mean, I'm kind of with Dylan, like, let's, let's normalize. It's not that big of a deal. Everyone has to use the bathroom in some way. This is a little bit different than what you did before, but let's figure it out. Figure it out. And I usually kind of give a preface of, the first time we try, it's probably not going to be perfect, but we're going to try again with adaptive equipment or different positions or different strategies, adaptive clothing. Like it is not. It is trial and error the entire time. nine times out of 10, I'm just hoping that I can help patients figure out how to problem solve through the situations. because again, it's normal, it's real life, we all do it, but how can I prepare you to be successful in all of those unknown circumstances? speaker-0: Absolutely, absolutely. Any tips for caregivers or parents of teens who are new to cathing? speaker-2: Mmm. normalize it and depending on the individual's level of function, if there is at some point the capacity for them to be able to do it on their own, let them and facilitate that and advocate for them to be able to do it on their own. speaker-0: Love it. It's great. All right. So this last little part is the most search frequently asked questions online. So I had kind of given a little teaser about it earlier, right? And so this is more of just an agree, disagree. This is the, not only the number one, or the questions, top six questions, but the answers that came along with it. And this is just, you know, an overall internet search. Okay. So the first one is what size catheter is right for me? And the internet came back with women often use 12 French men, typically 14 to 16 French, like finding the sneaker that fits just right. speaker-2: I somewhat agree. speaker-0: Okay. speaker-2: think women are typically around 14 French. 12 is a little bit small. In my experience, 12 is going to be maybe your preteen or maybe kind of like a young lady. women, it's typically around a 14 French is kind of the magic number. And you said 14 to 16 for men, correct? Yeah. Yeah. I would say that's pretty common. 14 is. of the magic number for adults. Usually 16 will come in if there are prostate issues or if they're a little bit older. Gotcha. Dylan, what are your thoughts? speaker-1: Yeah, I agree. Those are typically the ranges that I see. So in my territory, I do see some 12 French with women, but 14 is still, think, more common. And guys range a little bit more. I've even seen them go up to like 18 or something sometimes and it's not as common, but yeah. speaker-2: true. speaker-0: Okay. So that one is a ish question. Yeah. Okay. How often should I cat is the question. The response is usually four to six times a day based on fluid intake and urinary volume, spacing evenly throughout the 24 hour day ⁓ helps avoid bladder overfilling. We agree. Disagree. speaker-1: Leah's gonna have more an opinion than this on me. So I'm just gonna say, I agree that that's like the most normal amount probably, to six times a day or something like that. ⁓ what I say too is you have to in count the fact that your liquid intake really affects that. that's where I will, just a normal person who doesn't catheterize, if you drink some water, All day, you might go a couple of times, but if you wake up and you drink coffee, you're going to go more. If you drink a soda, you might go some more. If you drink alcohol, you're going to go a lot. So to say four to six, that's very, you know, kind of generic. It just really depends on your intake. speaker-0: for sure. Dylan wasn't it you that had the really good advice that if you're out drinking and you're doing something and your buddy is getting up to go to the bathroom, like you just go with them because you're probably not feeling it, you know, or you're missing it a little bit. speaker-1: And so I think that was really good advice. So especially when I first got hurt, like I couldn't feel when I had to go to the bathroom, which is like super normal for like people with spinal cord injuries and stuff like that. And that was like really good advice. Like if you're going out for some drinks and you see your buddies going, you go. Now for the most part, I can feel it, but still I'll be reminded if people are going more than me, I'm like, all right, maybe it's time to empty the bladder. speaker-0: No doubt, no doubt. Okay, next question. Is it painful or normal to see blood? The response is early on a few drops of blood or mild discomfort is common. Just call your provider if it sticks around. You're green. speaker-2: going, I'm going to agree with the caveat that cathing should not be painful. And if it is, we need to look at technique, another product, strat, like there are options. Cathing should not be painful with catheter insertion or removal. I would also agree that in the beginning, sometimes there is a little bit of blood because typically a Foley or an indwelling catheter has been removed. And so there's a little bit of trauma and now there's not something in the body. the, for lack of better terms, like the trauma to the urethra starts to heal. And then when you insert a catheter, it's basically going to kind of open up some of that a little bit more. that being said, there is a little bit of, you know, blood oftentimes in the beginning. It can either be clots or sometimes the blood might be a little bit. It can cause the urine to come out a little bit discolored, kind of like a dark. like an apple juice type tinge. monitor, follow up with your doctor, but keep in mind, cathing should not be painful. Should not be painful. speaker-0: Great. How do I avoid UTIs? Stick to clean, non-touch techniques. Hand wash genitals, stay well hydrated. Your pee should mimic the color of light lemonade, not apple juice. All right. Pretty good. Yep. speaker-1: Yeah, I agree for me that so everybody's different. So Leah talked about her friend who's just like a maniac and can get away with anything. ⁓ And some people are like that. And that's good for them. It's like some people, know, in life, they just like never get sick, like no matter what. Which is just great for them. ⁓ But for me, I would say the biggest thing that's worked for me is just drinking water. So if I drink like an insane amount of like soda or alcohol or whatever and I'm not drinking water, that's where I run into problems for myself. ⁓ So find what works for you. speaker-0: Yeah, no, love it. Number five, can I still have sex, swim or hit the hot tub? That was the question. The response is, yep, just cath before slash after sex, skip hot tubs if skin's broken and if your leg bag ballooned during swimming, you're not alone. What? speaker-2: Yes, yes and yes. speaker-0: Okay. Period. Yeah. Period. It even put a little winky face on there. ⁓ speaker-1: I get in a speaker-0: I know it just stuck it in there on the response. Yeah, that's just how they respond to him. ⁓ the last question on the frequently asked questions is what if I can't insert it or remove it? Relax, take your time, wait 10 minutes, breathe slowly. If that fails, call your clinician. Common mistake forcing it in. speaker-2: Do not force the catheter. speaker-0: Do not force it in. Right? No, you guys today has been amazing. ⁓ Thank you so much for joining me. speaker-2: This was, yeah, this is great. speaker-0: Thank you. You're welcome. I'm Jenny with Bladder Chatter and I'm super excited about what's to come in the future of our segments. I'm chatting with caregivers, providers, OTs, PTs, basically anybody who will sit down and have a combo with me. ⁓ I'm happy to entertain you and keep things going. All right. Thanks guys. speaker-1: Yeah, thanks. speaker-2: Thank you.