Have you ever had to use a Foley Catheter? Let's talk about this.

Sometimes, after surgery or due to some other medical condition, you may find it difficult to urinate normally. At such a time, when the doctor tells you that you need to have a "foley catheter" inserted, you may feel a little scared, anxious, and even embarrassed. "How will this be inserted?", "Will it hurt a lot?", "How will I do my daily activities with this?" Many questions may come to your mind. This is very common. Therefore, today we will talk about this catheter, or as it is medically called, `(Foley Catheter)`, clearly and simply.

Simply put, what is a Foley Catheter?

A Foley catheter is a thin, flexible rubber or plastic tube used to drain urine (also called pee) from your bladder into a collection bag when you are unable to urinate on your own. It is also called an indwelling urinary catheter.

Think of this as a small pipe with two paths.

1. One way (path): This is where urine from the bladder travels down the tube and into the collection bag outside the body.

2. The other way (the other way): This is connected to the end of the tube, which is a small balloon inside your bladder. The doctor or nurse will inflate the balloon by passing sterile water through this tube. When inflated, the tube will stay in place inside your bladder, without moving around.

The urine bag that connects to this tube can usually be worn around your leg while you're awake. At night, you can use a slightly larger bag. It can be hung on a hook near your bed or placed flat on the floor.

Why do we have to use this urine tube?

Doctors mostly use this device to empty your bladder when you are unable to urinate on your own. There can be several reasons for this. Let's take a look at what they are.

How do you insert this tube into your body? Does it hurt?

This is a real problem for many people. This procedure is performed by a trained doctor or nurse.

1. First, clean your genital area thoroughly with an antiseptic to prevent infection.

2. Next, to minimize pain and discomfort, apply a numbing gel and lubricant to the tube and the area.

3. After the area is numb, the tube is carefully passed through the urethra into the bladder.

4. Once the tube enters the bladder, urine will begin to flow through it and collect in the bag.

5. Then, the balloon we talked about earlier is inflated with clean water and installed inside the tube.

6. Finally, the tube and bag are attached to your leg. The tube is attached loosely so that it doesn't pull and cause discomfort.

Some people may feel a little discomfort or burning when inserting this, but because the numbing gel is used, it doesn't feel much pain.

How do I take care of this at home?

This is the most important part. Cleanliness is number one. Because if it gets dirty, you can easily get a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI).

Keeping hands and pipes clean

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after handling the catheter or bag. This is essential. Also, clean the catheter at least twice a day with soapy water and a damp cloth. Then gently wipe it dry.

How do you empty the urine bag?

You should empty your urine bag every two to three hours. If you use a large bag at night, you should empty it every 8 hours.

• First, wash your hands thoroughly.
• Open the stopper or clamp on the bag.
• Empty the urine in the bag into the toilet. (Perhaps your doctor gave you a cup to measure the amount of urine. If so, empty it into it, write down the amount, and then flush it down the toilet.)
• Wash the drainage port of the bag thoroughly with soap and water. Wipe down the area to remove germs.
• Wipe that area well and dry it.
• Close the lid or clamp again.
• Finally, wash your hands thoroughly again.

Common questions about living with a cane

How long should I use this tube?

It depends on your condition. It may only be needed for a short period of time, such as while you recover from surgery. However, if you have a condition that prevents you from urinating naturally, you may need to use it for weeks or even months. In some cases, you may need to use it permanently. But it should not interfere with your daily activities, work, traveling, bathing, swimming, or having sex. Your doctor will advise you on this.

How long can you hold this tube continuously?

Generally, the same tube is not kept for more than three months. A new tube should be inserted at least every three months .

Can you sleep with this on?

Yes, no problem. You can sleep in any position as long as the urine bag is lower than your bladder . But before you sleep, check that the tube is not twisted. If the tube is twisted, the urine will not go into the bag.

What are the risks and benefits of this?

The main advantage is that it can prevent serious problems that can occur due to the inability to empty the bladder properly, such as bladder inflammation, urinary tract infections, and permanent kidney damage.

The main risk is the possibility of developing a urinary tract infection (UTI). This risk increases the longer you use the tube. That's why it's important to be very careful about cleanliness.

Other risks:

• Bladder spasm
• Damage to the urinary tract
• Urine leakage around the tube
• Bleeding

When should I call the doctor?

If you have any questions or concerns about your tube, don't hesitate to call your doctor. Seek immediate medical attention, especially if you have any of the symptoms below. You may need to go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of your nearest hospital.

It's normal to feel uncomfortable and strange when you have a urinary catheter inserted. Even the thought of having to walk around with your urine in a bag can be scary. But understand that this is essential for your health. You will get used to it over time. Don't let this be a reason to stop living your life.

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