How to retrain your bladder after catheter removal?

So you’re back home after a catheter removal and you’re eager to get your bladder back under control. We totally empathize with you. There’s probably no greater task than trying to control the flow of urine. The good news is that retraining your bladder post catheter isn’t as difficult as it may seem. In this article, we’ll explore some tips and tricks on how to accomplish just that.

Understanding Why You Need to Retrain Your Bladder

First things first, let’s start by understanding why your bladder needs retraining in the first place. When you relieve yourself via a catheter for a prolonged period (this duration differs from patient-to-patient), sometimes even 24-48 hours, our body tends to forget how to have good aim at the target causing urinary retention or urine leakage.

Below are some helpful tips and tricks which will make your journey of retraining your bladder smoother than ever before:

Start Slowly

When beginning any new routine or habit, it’s always best practice not jump straight into it. Baby-steps, people! Try starting slow with restroom breaks every hour then increase gradually over time.

Practice Kegels

Kegels aren’t only for women trying to regain pelvic floor muscles but men also need these super-strengthening exercises too (yep)! Kegel exercises can help strengthen pelvic floor muscles aiding in better urination muscle control resulting in fewer spontaneous pee-leaks.

Table: Example Kegal Exercises
| Exercise | Description |
| — | —|
| Regular | Pretend like your stopping pee mid-stream |
| Bridge | Squeeze bum cheeks together tightly while raising hips off ground |

Try repeating each step above intervals ten times twice daily increasing reps slowly (just like the restroom breaks).

Stay Clean

A clean environment can keep away infections whilst promoting healing.post-catheterization. If possible after urinating cleanse the area with baby-wipes to reduce chances of infection and keeping you comfortable and fresh.

Don’t Hold Back

It’s important not want to hold your pee (yeah) ! When nature calls, answer it right away- You should never postpone even if you might feel like it, just in case an accident happens. Never forget that delaying can end up reverse bladder training efforts!

Use Protection

As we mentioned earlier sometimes accidental leakage maybe experienced because our body needs reminding how to have good aim at target (sighs) . Wear products such as Adult Diapers/male absorbent pads instead of doing laundry unnecessarily. It totally beats having unexpected cleaner’s mess throughout your day!

Table: Comparison | Male Diapers vs Absorbent Pads
| Product | Pros | Cons |
| — | — | —|
| Male Diaper | Caters for diverse urinary volumes | Bulky and Easily noticeable = Odd looks all around |
| Absorbent Pad | Light weight & convenient to wear under clothes | Might leak depending on usage duration |

Choose the product which best helps regain control over urination fluidly

Know What Not To Drink

We all know this but let us say it – some liquids help stimulate drinking production once ingested resulting in frequent toilet trips thereby hindering any progress made by following through with previous tips/tricks above. Examples include coffee/carbonated beverages which may quickly run through urinary tract causing irritation.

Foods/fruits That Help Bladder Control

No single food has been studied in isolation yet here are a few foods/eatables generally believed to work magic for bladder retraining:

  • Yogurt
  • Orange juice,
  • Apples
  • Apple cider vinegar
  • Balance pH levels
  • Garlic & Honey
  • Natural anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory agents

Feast away folks because sometimes diet heals better than medicine (oh%)

When In Doubt, Talk To Your Doctor

It’s important that you always keep your healthcare provider in the loop once a decision is made to remove catheter. They will give proper medical advice tailored specifically for you taking into account personal medical history.

Retraining your bladder after catheter removal can seem quite daunting but by following these simple tips/tricks mentioned above; I am confident you’ll have regained control over your bladder muscles in no time! Remember practice makes perfect even when it comes to peeing.

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