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.
Assess the Scene
Knowing what to expect will be helpful in terms of having a good experience when cathing away from home. So, it’s a good idea to look at the layout of the school and where the restrooms are located so you know where you need to go and how long it will take to get there. Look inside the restrooms, as well – depending on your needs, some may be more accessible than others.
Choose Catheters That Are Designed For People On The Go
Intermittent catheters come in a variety of shapes, sizes and styles. Some are larger and bulkier than others, meaning they will take up more room in a backpack and be harder to dispose of discreetly. Consider using a “pocket” style intermittent catheter – these catheters are packaged in such a way that they take up less room and can easily be stored in a backpack or purse.
Most pocket-style catheters are also hydrophilic. Hydrophilic catheters have a special coating on them that is very slippery, eliminating the need to carry and apply lubricant. This means one less step for you and one less item to worry about.
Closed system catheters are another option for cathing outside of the home. Closed system catheters are intermittent catheters that have a bag attached and no-touch features that allow for aseptic technique during insertion. This means that you can literally perform clean self-catheterization anywhere – the bag collects the urine and can be disposed of whenever it’s convenient. Some people who use wheelchairs or have specific physical requirements for self-cathing find closed system catheters are a great option, as they do not have to worry as much about the lay-out or availability of restrooms. Closed system catheters are also available in pocket sizes.
Bring Extra Supplies
Nothing can put a dent in your plans like running out of supplies. Make sure to pack enough catheters and insertion supplies (if used) for your entire day away from home. Add a few extra to that amount, just to make sure you’re covered if the unexpected happens. The need to cath can fluctuate depending on your fluid intake, so you may end up cathing more or less than you usually do at home. It’s also possible to drop or contaminate a catheter by mistake. Having extra supplies will ensure that you’ve got all your bases covered and don’t have to stress about running out. Bringing hand sanitizer is also a great idea so you can make you’ve got a way to clean your hands no matter what.
Tips for Storage and Disposal
Catheters can be stored in a purse or backpack along with a travel-sized bottle of hand sanitizer and anything else you need to perform clean intermittent catheterization. As previously mentioned, a benefit of using pocket-style intermittent catheters is that they take up considerably less space than traditional catheters, making them easy to transport and store. Environmental temperature is another important consideration for catheter storage. Catheters that get too cold may become stiff and hard to manipulate or insert. On the other hand, catheters that are exposed to high temperatures may have the hydrophilic coating dry up or otherwise deteriorate. For this reason, it is not recommended to leave catheters in your vehicle during hot or cold days. Bring the catheters inside instead.
In terms of disposal, many pocket-style catheters can easily be placed back inside the packaging for easy, discreet disposal. If this is not an option with your brand of catheter, you can bring a small paper bag or use toilet paper or paper towels to wrap up the catheter before throwing it in the trash. Closed systems may require you to empty the bag into the toilet prior to disposal. If you are cathing in a place that doesn’t have a place to empty the bag, such as inside your vehicle, the urine bag can be set aside for later disposal or simply disposed of in a trash container.
Utilize the School Nurse or Campus Clinic
If you are in grades K-12, the school nurse should be informed of your catheterization needs. That way, they can provide support and make sure you are getting what you need. You may be able to store catheters in the nurse’s office, or even utilize that space as a place to cath if you find it more accessible or private than the school bathrooms. The nurse can also advocate on your behalf to the school system if you require certain accommodations due to your catheterization schedule.
If you attend college, you may not feel the need to involve the campus clinic in your catheterization activities. However, you may consider asking if you can store a few extra catheters at the school clinic in case you run out. If the bathrooms at your college campus are difficult to access, the clinic may also be able to provide you with a clean, private space to cath.
Advocate For Your Needs
Safely self-cathing with dignity requires a clean area, access to soap and water or hand sanitizer to wash your hands, a private restroom area, and a place to dispose of your used catheters. School staff are not always aware of the implications of using intermittent catheters, so you may need to educate them. If the bathroom environment or school nurse office is not suitable for self-cathing, this should be brought up to administration. If there are certain activities or classes that may create problems around your cathing schedule, this should be brought up as well. Under the Americans With Disabilities act, you have the right to have accommodations that support your self-cathing needs, as well as an accessible environment to do it in. Your doctor can write out a letter to the school regarding your specific needs.
Get Peer Support
Peer support can be very helpful in terms of navigating self-cathing at school. Other students may offer tips and tricks that have helped them, or just provide an understanding place where you can talk or vent. Try contacting your local disability resource center to find out about local support groups. If there are none available, try looking online for Facebook, or reddit groups.
You may also be interested in attending the Youth Rally. The Youth Rally is a one-of-a-kind summer camp experience for youth experiencing bladder and bowel disorders. The goal of the camp is to provide an environment that encourages self-confidence and independent living. The camp counselors at Youth Rally are individuals with bladder and bowel conditions, so they are able to provide support from a place of understanding and experience. You can learn more about Youth Rally here: https://youthrally.org/
Conclusion
We hope you found these tips useful. At ABC Medical, we want to do everything we can to support your back-to-school experience. If you have questions about catheter options, we can help find a product that meets your needs and fits your lifestyle. Give us a call today to get started.
Experts are standing by to support all your supply needs. Fill out the form on this page or call 866-897-8588.
Disclaimer: This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For medical advice, please speak with your healthcare provider.
References:
ADA National Network (2018). Disability Rights Laws in Public Primary and Secondary Education: How Do They Relate? Accessed July 17 2024. https://adata.org/factsheet/disability-rights-laws-public-primary-and-secondary-education-how-do-they-relate
