Bladder management after spinal cord injury: catheter review, tips, UTI prevention

[@boogiemorgan]

I'm sorry you have to deal with these things to live! Most people dont have a clue to what you have to deal with! I totally admire you for doing what you have to do to live! Most people, including myself, never think about how people with simular injuries have to go through just to survive! You are in my prayers, thank you for sharing your life with us! God bless you and your family always! Dennis in Florida! 🌹❤️🥰🙏🏼♾️💕🇺🇸

[@BullseyeBenR]

I have found in my medical training to use a children’s catheter for adults because the adult catheter after a while will stretch out the urethra and a children’s catheter is more comfortable especially if you still have some sense of feeling

[@lissaw4]

Agree! I also choose to use pediatric 10F caths because it limits bladder spasms for me. With some larger sized caths, the urine output is much faster and triggers spasms for me.

[@BullseyeBenR]

@@lissaw4 yeah that’s another point the spasms and also dealing with men with enlarged prostate is that it’s better to use them as well. Less trauma the better

[@immortalbydesignag]

I myself have never used a catheter, but im working on a character that is, and this has been super helpful. Thank you :)

[@jhors7777]

Thank you for posting this video

[@jwtrain]

Thank you for the informative video! I'm just dealing with paruresis, but this was helpful.

[@ParaTara]

You’re welcome!!

[@annegreenwood3624]

thanks for sharing i use spedi cath and smaller ones also baby wipes it isn’t fun but makes life so much easier a great video

[@ParaTara]

I use BZK antiseptic wipes to clean before! But thank you!!

[@marylightfoot4817]

Thanks for ur video. What kind,brand of mirror have u found is useful. Thx 🙂

[@ParaTara]

I actually totally stopped using a mirror days after I filmed this video but I used to use a regular old mirror when I cathed in bed and I would prop it up either with a pillow or a wedge pillow that I had from the hospital but it’s really not necessary lol! But they make mirrors that already have an adjustable kickstand made to the mirror! You could probably get them anywhere, but everything is online nowadays anyway! I also know a couple people that use the adjustable mirrors to cath on the toilet by placing it on the ground in front of them!!

[@marylightfoot4817]

@@ParaTara Thanks for the reply. But if you dont use amirror how do you know where ur urethra is specifically, I am looking from above the area when sitting on the toilet. Missed the mark...wasting many catheters, some even falling in the toilet. Thanks Tara

[@ParaTara]

@@marylightfoot4817 I’ve been self cathing for about 7 months now so I’m using muscle memory! I kinda memorized where to go, but the specific area is slightly different for all females, mine is very slightly to the right! Next time you cath, pay very close attention to where your hand is when you’re sliding the catheter in! And after a while you’ll be able to tell if you’re in the right spot by just how it feels when it’s going in! This may be TMI but i can tell there’s less friction when I slide the catheter into the urethra rather than when I accidentally go into the wrong hole! If that makes sense! It just glides in easier 😂

[@marylightfoot4817]

@@ParaTara apreciate the info. So looking down at your area from above you try to go at a slight angle with the catheter,? Do you sit way back on the toilet bowl lid also? My hand dexterity is not god. Thank you so much. Just havent found a true to life video. Thank you also for your time.

[@ParaTara]

@@marylightfoot4817 yeah totally! If I’m not able to slide the catheter in on my first attempts then I just readjust where I’m sitting if I feel like I’m not at a good angle but I usually sit on the toilet normally! But if I’m not getting it then I also try to give myself a break and then go back and try again so I don’t get too frustrated 😂

[@h2diii]

Im not paralyzed but I just like watching your videos

[@ms.gemini4657]

Hi Tara thanks for the info. I have a question though… Are you able to pee sometimes on your own?

[@BullseyeBenR]

I doubt it. Your bladder and urethra muscles are actually in a state of constant flex and if you don’t send the message to release it can cause bladder infection and damage. Most people who have to rely upon a catheter have loss all bladder control unfortunately.

[@ThembaniNgobese-f3v]

Where are u girl u inspired me I am Para too

[@mikeglanzer616]

A lot of females I know had to get a mitrofanoff

[@ParaTara]

Yeah I have definitely heard of that, especially with quads with limited dexterity! Shortly after filming this vid I actually learned to cath myself (without a mirror of course) through muscle memory! I rarely miss these days but I’m not perfect!! One day it just clicked!

[@Sophisticated87-c5r]

I only used a catheter during child birth because of an epidural! My heart breaks for you 😢

[@javierbarrucz7755]

Unbelievable and amazing 🤩 tips for wheelchair users ✅✅✅✅✅✅🦽🦽🦽🦽🦽🦽 10:04