There are some potential complications with the use of a Medicare Catheter Supply that those using a catheter should be aware of. These include blood infections, urinary tract or kidney infections, kidney damage, bladder stones and allergy or sensitivity to latex. Some of these complications can be reduced by learning how to properly care for a catheter and others are just a risk you are faced with. This doesn’t mean that you will suffer from anyone of these potential complications but it is important that you know what they are.
The most common risk is that of a urinary tract infection. This is something most people will be faced with regardless of how long the catheter is used. Thankfully there are some simple things you can do that will help to reduce the risks of urinary tract infections occurring. Properly caring for and cleaning the catheter, the drainage bag, and your own personal area after a bowel movement is your best option. When the catheter is inserted, a nurse or your doctor will give you instructions on how to keep the area and all of the parts of the catheter cleaned and disinfected.
Learning what signs and symptoms you need to look for will help to recognize any of the complication and prevent them from getting worse. Some of them will be easy to recognize while others are not as visibly noticeable.
Some of the symptoms possible include blood in the urine, cloudy or thick urine, and tenderness around the catheter puncture. In addition, you may also experience a large amount of leakage around the catheter, bladder spasms that does not go away and little to no urine when you have been drinking large amounts of fluids.
Different urinary catheter types will require specific types of care. This is something you will learn when the catheter is placed by your medical health provider. It’s important that you ask questions. A great place to do some research is online, but you should consider this research only. Discuss your findings with your doctor or other health care provider. It is not suggested you attempt to follow the instructions that you find online.
Your medical provider will walk you through all of the steps of properly caring for and cleaning your Medicaid Catheters and every part that is attached to it. Be sure you are paying close attention as you will need to implement the information provided. Drinking eight to ten glasses of water daily will help to not only produce urine but also avoid constipation, which will reduce urine leakage.
Never be afraid to ask your doctor any question, no matter how silly you think the question may be. One thing many people neglect to do is drink enough water daily. You should drink eight to ten glasses of water each day to not only reduce infection, but to also reduce the chances of being constipated. Constipation can lead to leaks.
There is no problem with using information you find on the Internet, but you should never use this information until you speak with your doctor. Even if the advice seems valid, there is always a chance it could put you in harm’s way. You don’t have any way of knowing if the person giving the advice is a doctor or just a person relaying his or her own experiences. Properly caring for your Medicare Catheter Supply is more than just keeping it clean, it’s about protecting yourself from infection.