No matter how you celebrate them, the holidays are an ideal time to cozy up to family and friends. But, if you’re dealing with bladder problems, festive dinners and new year parties can turn cheer into challenges—especially if you’re having to leave your home. That’s why our friends at Coloplast swear by intermittent catheterization.
Bladder issues probably weren’t on your Christmas list—and there’s no reason they should dampen your holiday spirit.
It’s natural to feel insecure when leaving the house for long periods of time. Whether we’re enjoying an evening with family, or spending a festive soiree on the town, what we do when we visit the restroom is usually personal business. Nobody wants to be left out, but going out to a foreign house, venue, or event where you have less control over the situation—and where it can be difficult to find the required privacy—could challenge your feeling of security with your bladder routine.
You might feel alone with your struggles because most people don’t know about your issue or because you might not want them to know about it—or accidentally discover it. That’s why our SCI BC sponsor, Coloplast, recommends intermittent catheterization. Read on to learn why this bladder routine could be right for you.
Your bladder works around your schedule, not the other way around.
When you use intermittent catheters you can plan your day, and ensure that your bladder is emptied when you want to empty it instead of at inconvenient times.
It’s your little secret.
With some practice, intermittent catheterization can be done quickly and you won’t be away for any longer than anyone else going for a bathroom break. Often times this means that most people would not need to know anything about your catheterization routine if you don’t want them to.
(Though you may want to let someone else in on it, too…)
It could be helpful if you have a few close friends who are aware of your situation. That way, when you have to catheterize it may be less stressful for you. You can just be yourself and do what you have to do without making up excuses.
At a friend’s house? Bring some festive wrapping.
If you’re at someone’s house, you might worry about privacy when using the bathroom. When you need to get rid of that used catheter, it’s helpful to have some coloured plastic bags with you to wrap it in so you can discard it or take it home with you.
Or opt for something more discreet.
You can also get catheters that are compact and discreet, so you can just put them in your pocket—even after they’ve been used.
Remember:
If you like being social, but dread what that means for your bladder routine, intermittent catheterization might be right for you. Coloplast offers compact and discreet catheters for men and women. And, if you’re not already covered for catheter expenses, Coloplast can help. (Now there’s something to be merry about!)
