Performing Intermittent Self Catheterisation (ISC) will enable you to live life independently ensuring that your bladder is completely empty. It will become part of your everyday routine.
Your healthcare professional will train you fully on the use of ISC and advise you on how many times per day you should drain your bladder, this will be tailored to your individual needs.
We have put together some tips for you to consider when carrying out Intermittent Self-Catheterisation (ISC)
ISC and Bladder emptying technique
Before using your catheter always try to pass urine naturally. Take your time and don’t feel pressured or rushed.
Once you think you have finished urinating, gently pat your abdomen and rock side-to-side/back and forward. This can help your bladder get rid of any urine that’s left in the bladder. Women should always wipe front-to-back to keep gut bacteria from getting into the urethra, this will reduce the risk of infection.
Before performing ISC always wash your hands thoroughly and ensure you clean around your genital area. Do not use heavily scented or harsh products for this as it can remove your natural flora and cause sore skin possibly leading to infection.
Keeping hydrated
It is important for all of us to stay hydrated, even more so when you are experiencing bladder problems. You should aim to drink 1.5 – 2 litres (3 – 4 pints) per day, unless advised otherwise by a healthcare professional. Drinking significantly more or less than these amounts may exacerbate symptoms.
The best things to drink are water and other decaffeinated fluids. Some people find that certain drinks may make symptoms of bladder issues worse, this can include caffeinated tea and coffee, fizzy drinks, artificial sweeteners and fruit juices.
Alcohol may make you pass urine more frequently and make you need to go more urgently. It’s fine to enjoy the occasional alcoholic drink, but we suggest that you follow the government recommended guidelines.
Bladder and your lifestyle
There are some lifestyle changes that may help with the symptoms of bladder issues. Some small changes may bring about a big change in how you feel.
If you are a smoker, cutting down or giving up completely could really help, you may not be aware, but tobacco and the ingredients added to cigarettes may make you pass urine more frequently and make you need to go more urgently. Smoking can also make you cough which can trigger stress incontinence – this is where urine leaks from the bladder due to a sudden increase in abdominal pressure.
If you suffer from constipation, try to include plenty of fibre in your diet unless you have been advised otherwise by a healthcare professional. if there is too much stool in the colon it can put pressure on the bladder and prevent it from expanding the way it should. Good sources of fibre include beans and other legumes, fruit and vegetables. Brown or wholemeal bread, brown rice and pasta are also good sources of fibre, as are nuts and seeds.
Being overweight or obese can aggravate bladder problems and cause stress incontinence. Losing a few pounds can relieve excess pressure on your bladder and the surrounding muscle.
Sleep and your bladder
If you tend to get up to pass urine during the night, have your last big drink several hours before you intend going to sleep. It’s fine to have a small amount of fluid after this time for the sake of comfort or to take medication.
You may also find it helpful to lie with your legs in line with your heart for one hour in the latter part of the day. This can encourage any excess fluid that has accumulated in the tissue to go back into the circulatory system where it can be processed by the kidneys and passed as urine.
When to seek help
If you develop symptoms such as backache, fresh bleeding, painful urination or generally feeling unwell, you may have developed a urine infection (UTI). You must either contact your local GP or call 111 for further advice if you have any of these symptoms.
You should also seek help if you are unable to insert a catheter.