The catheter is held in the bladder by a water-filled balloon, which prevents it falling out. These types of catheters are often known as Foley catheters. At night, you'll need to attach a larger bag. Your night bag should either be attached to your leg bag or to the catheter valve. It should be placed on a stand next to your bed, near the floor, to collect urine as you sleep. Single-use night bags are usually used to reduce the risk of infection. It's possible to live a relatively normal life with a long-term urinary catheter, although it may take some getting used to at first.

Unfortunately, there does seem to be a correlation between using incontinence pads and an increased risk of urinary tract infection. However, using proper incontinence pads or pants rather than sanitary pads; regularly going to the toilet; good personal hygiene and drinking plenty of water will all reduce your risk. A related question - for the night catheter - will I need to cut a hole in my pyjamma bottoms to let the pipe out? The catheter may be secured to the side of your body and attached to a collection bag strapped to your leg. Alternatively, a valve can be attached that opens to allow urine to be drained into a toilet, and closes to allow the bladder to fill with urine until drainage is convenient. Many people prefer to use an indwelling catheter because it's more convenient and avoids the repeated insertions needed with intermittent catheters. However, indwelling catheters are more likely to cause problems such as infections. Indwelling catheters are sometimes fitted with a valve. The valve can be opened to allow urine to be drained into a toilet, and closed to allow the bladder to fill with urine until drainage is convenient.Easy use lever tap can be swivelled to face the way you want. Away from body for easy access or against the skin to prevent accidental openings I found putting underwear on/off was more painful to the surrounding areas, therefore I just wore joggers whilst the catheter was in. You will get to know what's comfortable fairly soon after the op.

Waist belt & suspender use is easy to understand and secure for patient or carer and is made of a soft sturdy washable material for a comfortable fit. Dealing with a catheter for two weeks is daunting - especially as I have never even seen a catheter. You might be able to qualify for incontinence pads, pants or hand-held urinals on prescription, but it will depend on your local NHS. There are several different types of urinary catheter, which are inserted and used in different ways. Intermittent urinary catheters You'll be given a supply of catheter equipment when you leave hospital and be told where you can get more supplies. Catheter equipment is generally available on prescription from pharmacies.

intermittent catheters – these are temporarily inserted into the bladder and removed once the bladder is empty

You should be taught how to insert the catheter yourself. It's usually inserted into your bladder through the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of your body). The charity Bladder and Bowel Community has more information on indwelling catheters. Preventing infections and other complications Leg bags and valves should be changed every 7 days. The bag can be attached to your right or left leg, depending on which side is most comfortable for you.The charity Bladder and Bowel Community has more information on intermittent self-catheterisation. Indwelling catheters A urinary catheter is usually used when people have difficulty peeing (urinating) naturally. It can also be used to empty the bladder before or after surgery and to help perform certain tests. indwelling catheters – these remain in place for many days or weeks, and are held in position by an inflated balloon in the bladder SoftStretch Waistband in Indigo w/ mild compression for Ostomy, Surgery Recover, Feeding Tube, Catheter, Feeding Tube, Maternity Something comfortable and supportive, I used trunk type a size larger than I normally take, which worked well, kept everything in it's place while keeping the catheter where it was comfortable and unable to get pulled?? Probably not allowed to say, but I used Next A Fronts.

Urine is drained through a tube connected to a collection bag, which can either be strapped to the inside of your leg or attached to a stand on the floor.You should empty the bag before it's completely full (around half to three-quarters full). Valves should be used to drain urine at regular intervals throughout the day to prevent urine building up in the bladder. Hopefull you'll have the opportunity to practice bag emptying drills during your hospital stay, perhaps with your other half. I found this invaluable as bending down was difficult in the first few days.