Paraplegic wants to do own in and out cath

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Specializes in Home Care, Urgent Care, ER, Med Surg.

I did a SOC on a 20 year old female paraplegic who wants to do her own in and out cath. Her mom has been doing it. The patient says she has tried it before but is unable to do it. She's tried lying down, but she can't see the area with a mirror. We tried today with her sitting in WC, but she's chubby, and can't spread those legs to see the right hole (we had the mirror placed at "crotch" level). Any ideas how she can do it or how I can teach her? She says she can't go by feel, because she can't feel anything. She wants to do this so she can be more independent. Any ideas would be appreciated.

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Specializes in Home Health.

Wish I had some for you. I haven't had to teach this skill much and have usually had males or folks who had sensation.

You can check with the WOCN, or multiple sclerosis organizations, they have have some useful info.

Good luck with your search, and God bless for being a wonderful pt advocate.

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Specializes in ER/Trauma, Home Care, Corrections.
I did a SOC on a 20 year old female paraplegic who wants to do her own in and out cath. Her mom has been doing it. The patient says she has tried it before but is unable to do it. She's tried lying down, but she can't see the area with a mirror. We tried today with her sitting in WC, but she's chubby, and can't spread those legs to see the right hole (we had the mirror placed at "crotch" level). Any ideas how she can do it or how I can teach her? She says she can't go by feel, because she can't feel anything. She wants to do this so she can be more independent. Any ideas would be appreciated.

There are some cath kits that are designed specifically for self caths. The ones that I have seen have a bag attached to the catheter and a firm plastic handle/inserter that is eay to grasp with one hand. The inserter goes into the meatus and the catheter passes through. This frees up one hand to separate the labia and makes finding the meatus easier than with a limber red rubber catheter. The attached bag makes cleanup a breeze. The downside

is the cost, but these might be OK to empty, clean and reuse. Sorry I can't recall the name of the product. jh

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Specializes in Home Health.

http://www.brucemedical.com/ab10001.html

I found this little gizmo while doing some research for you, sounds like it may be a help for this woman.

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Specializes in Home Care, Urgent Care, ER, Med Surg.

Thanks so much for the info! Very helpful. I've printed the "gizmo" to give to the caregiver.

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Specializes in MS Home Health.

Cool. Thanks!

renerian

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I'm just learning how to self-cath also, due to a diabetic neurogenic bladder :o It's not painful, but my arms are too short, and I'm on the (very) chubby side too. I've been looking around, and I found this, which might be helpful for the young lady you mentioned as well http://www.astratech.it/Main.aspx/Item/154074/navt/11/navl/47219/nava/47220

Good luck!

Tom

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Specializes in MS Home Health.

I am sorry your having to go through that but I am very glad you shared the link. I will share it will other home care nurses.

renerian

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