My name is Mason, and I am a C5 spinal cord-injured quadriplegic. During the first year after my spinal cord injury, it seemed like I never had enough time in the day to complete everything I needed to do. I had to learn so many new things in my “new life” that I never had to think about before.
For instance, I had to learn to perform pressure reliefs to avoid pressure sores. While some tasks remained the same, such as brushing my teeth, I had to learn to do them differently.
In addition to the emotional adjustments, all of this took time. Once I completed all my tasks in that early adjustment period, the day would be almost over, and then it was time for bed.
Eventually, I came up with a daily routine I could follow, and I’m sharing some of my tips and personal experience in the hope that it may help you, too.
Learning the Importance of a Daily Catheterization Schedule
Probably one of the most important tasks I adjusted to in my new routine after my spinal cord injury was learning to self-catheterize. I use intermittent catheters, which may be recommended for some people who can’t empty their bladder on their own.
As a quadriplegic, I cannot feel when or if I need to urinate. That’s a big reason I need to set and follow a daily catheterization schedule, as recommended and prescribed by my doctor.
Personally, I self-cath around the same times each day: 7 AM, 12 PM, 5 PM, 10 PM, and 2 AM. This routine works well for me because it helps me stay consistent with my prescribed schedule.
However, my particular catheterization schedule won’t work for everyone. How often someone else may need to catheterize will depend on their condition, fluid intake, urine output, bladder capacity, medications, and their healthcare provider’s instructions.
Many people use intermittent catheters for a variety of reasons, including incomplete bladder emptying, neurogenic bladder, urine retention, urinary incontinence, and more.
To find out how often you need to use your intermittent catheters, talk with your urologist or prescribing healthcare provider.
Reasons to Follow Your Prescribed Catheterization Schedule
I know firsthand how easy it can be to get distracted and forget to self-cath. However, I’ve found that having a set daily catheterization schedule helps me stay on track and remember when it’s time to empty my bladder.
Here are a few reasons why it may be important to follow the catheterization schedule you’ve been prescribed.
- Avoid letting the bladder get too full: Waiting too long between your prescribed catheterization times might allow the bladder to get overly full, which can lead to urine leakage, bladder distention, or other concerns.
- Support bladder and urinary tract health: Emptying the bladder as prescribed may help reduce issues related to urine retention.
- May help protect the kidneys: For some people with neurogenic bladder or urinary retention, bladder pressure and incomplete emptying can become concerns over time. Catheterizing on schedule may help, but stay in touch with your healthcare provider so they can monitor your bladder and kidney health if needed.
- Create a more predictable daily routine: A schedule can help you plan your day around your catheterization needs. It may help you ensure you bring enough catheter supplies, find accessible restrooms, and avoid rushing or skipping times to catheterize if you are prepared.
- Help you notice unusual changes: When you follow a regular cathing routine, it may be easier to recognize when something feels off or different, such as changes in your urine output, leaking between catheterizations, discomfort, signs of a UTI, or symptoms of autonomic dysreflexia (if you also have a spinal cord injury like me).
Remember, everyone’s needs and catheterization schedule may be different. The right schedule and daily routine for you will depend on your healthcare provider’s assessment and recommendations, as well as your diagnosis, fluid intake, typical urine output, bladder capacity, and other factors.
Easy Ways to Stay on Track with Your Cathing Schedule
To help myself stay on schedule, I like setting reminders or alarms on my phone or smartwatch. Depending on our routine, you may prefer to either catheterize at set times of day as I do, or within a certain time window recommended by your healthcare provider.
Of course, real life can happen, and schedules can sometimes get interrupted. That’s why it’s important to plan ahead when you know you’ll be leaving home, traveling, working, going to school, or just spending time somewhere new.
Knowing where the closest accessible restroom is may make it easier to stay on track. Plus, it’s probably a good idea to carry backup catheter supplies with you wherever you go, such as a catheter in a backpack on your wheelchair or a compact catheter in your pocket, depending on the type of catheter you use and your healthcare provider’s recommendations.
However, once you get in the habit of catheterizing around the same times each day, you may not have to remind yourself anymore. It may become a natural part of your day as it has for me.
Lastly, I find it’s helpful to stay on track by receiving a monthly order of catheter supplies right on time. I always know 180 Medical is there for me if I have questions or need to make changes to my orders.
Contact them to experience their kind service and high-quality catheter supplies.
Disclaimer: Mason is a guest blogger for 180 Medical, and this article reflects his personal experience of living with a spinal cord injury and using intermittent catheters. Content provided on 180medical.com is for general educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified healthcare professional. Product and sample availability may vary based on your insurance plan, prescription, and other requirements. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions about your condition, treatment, or medical supply needs.
