From getting your school supplies to figuring out your class schedule, returning to school is an eventful time. As someone who uses catheters, you may also be thinking about what it will be like to self-cath away from home. You aren’t alone - many students in school and college have bladder conditions that require self-cathing during the school day, at sporting events, or on field trips. In today’s article, we will discuss 7 things you can do to help make self-cathing in these environments go smoothly.
Amy Landrum, AGNP-C CWOCN
Recent Posts
Self-Cathing Away From Home: 7 Things Every Student Should Know
Sep 11, 2024 12:06:09 PM / by Amy Landrum, AGNP-C CWOCN
Top 5 Urological Health Tips for Men over 50
Jun 26, 2024 5:40:07 PM / by Amy Landrum, AGNP-C CWOCN posted in Health Tips, Living Well, Bladder Health, Mens Health
In 1994, former congressman Bill Richardson and former senator Bob Dole sponsored bills in congress to establish a national Men’s Health Week. The goal was to raise awareness of preventable health issues for men and encourage American men to adopt healthy lifestyles and participate in screening programs.
Former President Bill Clinton signed the bill into law, making the week before Father’s Day, Men’s Health Week. Since then, the entire month of June has been designated as Men’s Health Month. Men's Health Month encourages men to take proactive steps towards a healthier future, which can lead to longer, happier lives, benefiting individuals, families, and communities alike.
In the spirit of Men’s Health Month, here are 5 tips for urological health for men over 50.
Understanding & Navigating Vesicoureteral Reflux
Jun 26, 2024 5:22:10 PM / by Amy Landrum, AGNP-C CWOCN posted in Health Tips, Living Well, Bladder Health
What is Vesicoureteral Reflux (VUR)?
Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is a condition where urine flows in the wrong direction, so instead of flowing from the kidney into the bladder and staying put, the urine flows backwards towards the kidney.
Dear (Bladder) Diary: How to Keep Track of Urinary Symptoms
May 28, 2024 10:45:13 AM / by Amy Landrum, AGNP-C CWOCN posted in active life, Health Tips, Living Well
When you started using catheters, you may have been asked to complete a bladder diary—a simple chart used to track symptoms of urinary incontinence, as well as fluid intake, urine production, and leakage.
7 Ways Nurses Improve Our Lives (Including You!)
May 6, 2024 8:58:18 AM / by Amy Landrum, AGNP-C CWOCN
Nurses – and their tremendous impact in our communities– are celebrated nationwide during National Nurses Week, May 6-12. The American Nurses Association has designated the theme for 2024’s celebration as “Nurses Make a Difference”. In honor of our nurse colleagues and friends, we want to share 7 ways nurses make an incredible difference to the communities, organizations, and patients they serve.
Neurogenic Bladder - What you Need to Know
Mar 22, 2024 11:06:10 AM / by Amy Landrum, AGNP-C CWOCN
Neurogenic bladder is a term used by medical professionals to describe bladder dysfunction caused by nerve complications. Keep reading to learn more about neurogenic bladder and how it can be diagnosed and managed by your healthcare team.
SCI Self-Advocacy in Healthcare: Why it's Important and How to do it Well
Dec 4, 2023 12:11:57 PM / by Amy Landrum, AGNP-C CWOCN
Self-advocacy is essential for individuals with a spinal cord injury (SCI) to learn. As someone with an SCI, it is likely you will encounter situations where others do not fully understand your needs, or abilities. You might even find some healthcare providers are not well-versed about spinal cord injuries. Having a good understanding of your condition and needs, along with the ability to clearly communicate this information, can help ensure you receive appropriate care in healthcare settings. In today’s article, we will discuss some strategies for self-advocacy in healthcare and share resources that can help you hone this skill.
Palliative Care and Hospice: Prioritize Quality of Life at all Stages of Serious Illness
Sep 27, 2023 12:44:04 PM / by Amy Landrum, AGNP-C CWOCN posted in independence, Living Well
For individuals living with chronic conditions, life can be stressful. The disease and the treatment may cause unpleasant side effects, such as pain, nausea, fatigue, anxiety, or depression.
Palliative care is a field of specialized medical services that helps individuals and their loved ones live comfortably during treatment for cancer, throughout the management of non-curable chronic conditions, or at the end of life. Metastatic cancer and other conditions such as COPD, end-stage renal disease or advanced heart disease are examples of chronic conditions where palliative care can be helpful.
From Tips to Funnel Ends: Definitions for Common Urinary Catheter Terminology
Sep 6, 2023 2:08:12 PM / by Amy Landrum, AGNP-C CWOCN posted in independence, customer service
Patients with conditions that can cause urinary incontinence—such as prostate cancer, spinal cord injuries, or urological trauma—have a lot of choices to make regarding catheter use.
Should I do intermittent cathing? Or get an indwelling catheter? What’s the difference? And what the heck is a French size?
From tried-and-true products to innovative designs for athletic and on-the-go lifestyles, catheter options are seemingly endless. Getting the best fit and style starts with learning the right words to describe the products you need.
5 Questions You Should Be Asking About Prostate Cancer
Aug 30, 2023 4:26:49 PM / by Amy Landrum, AGNP-C CWOCN posted in prostate cancer, cancer survivor, education, Health Tips
In today’s article we will review 5 important things to discuss with your doctor regarding prostate cancer. Before we do that, let’s do a quick review of what the prostate is. The prostate gland is located below the bladder, is about the size of a walnut, and your urethra passes through it. The prostate is essential for reproduction, as it produces fluid that helps transport and protect sperm cells. Prostate cancer develops when abnormal cells grow in the prostate gland, creating tumors. Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in the United States for men but highly treatable when caught in the early stages.