FOLEY CATHETER INSERTION – BEST WAY TO MINIMIZE DISCOMFORT

If you are experiencing bladder control problems that are making urination difficult or impossible, your doctor may consider having you use a catheter. You may be scared or nervous about Foley catheter insertion, however you can rest assured that the nurse or health care provider that will perform the procedure is very well trained in Foley catheter insertion. One of the first and most important steps that you can take to minimize discomfort during Foley catheter insertion is to relax. Alright, that may be quite hard to do; however being incredibly tense or clenched can make the entire process of getting a Foley catheter much more problematic. Remember that the person who is handling your Foley catheter insertion is well trained and prepared to give you the best possible experience during your procedure, and you can help them out by being a good patient and being as relaxed and calm as possible. In order to minimize discomfort during the procedure, the person inserting your catheter will have taken steps to make sure that your procedure is unique to you. This will mean selecting the right product and making the right choice among Foley catheter sizes to ensure that you are getting the proper component. Additionally, he or she will use an abundance of lubricant that will also make the Foley catheter insertion as comfortable as possible.

Your health care provider performing the procedure will insert your device with as much care as possible and will also test the inflating balloon part to make sure that it is working correctly and that it is being held in place properly. Once your procedure is over, your work begins as you will likely be responsible for Foley catheter care at home if you are being sent home with your catheter in place. To minimize discomfort at home, keep the area clean with soap and water regularly and check it several times per day to ensure that it is not showing signs of inflammation or infection.

In most cases, your procedure will be performed in a doctor’s office or a hospital; however there are some situations that require Foley catheterization by yourself at home. While normally not recommended, there are some situations where your health care provider might task you with Foley catheter insertion at home. In order to become proficient at the insertion of a catheter yourself, your biggest ally is proper instruction and practice to minimize discomfort. You should employ the tutoring of your health care provider and make sure that you are comfortable performing this procedure on yourself before you make any attempts on your own. You will also need to use a lubricant to keep discomfort at a minimum and will have to learn to relax yourself during insertion. You may also want to try different brands and materials if discomfort persists to see if any discomfort you are having may be related to the type or brand of catheter you have selected.

Catheterization is normally a temporary solution to a medical condition or problem, however there are some cases such as chronic illness where it can be long term or need to be done on your own. Talk to your doctor about your concerns and work with them to develop a treatment plan that is right for you.

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