how to store and carry catheters

Alanna,

Thanks again for the tip...just wanted to add that I was not able to find those cable lock clips at Walmart as my spouse had suggested....instead I went to Ace Hardware and got something called...Kwik Clips...size 3/8...made by Gardner Bender; got 6 for (I believe) $4.29. Anyway, I really like having those catheters hanging on the inside of my cuboard, rather than draped over a towel, out in the open.

Alanna,

Thanks for the tip on how to store our catheters....great idea ! My spouse knew exactly what you were writing about and went to the garage to find a couple of these holders....they work great hanging on the inside of my cabinet and dry so much better than when I was draping them over a rolled up towel...the ones I have are called "Locking Cable Clips" and are made by Cargoloc...hubby tells me I can get them at Walmart in the Automotive section. I'm new to all this so am very excited to find some helpful tips. Also, since I have some issues with leaking, I'm also going to look for those bandaids you mentioned. Thank you so much for sharing. You are a blessing to others. Melodie

Thanks for all the suggestions. I have ordered a box of the stoma covers suggested by Alanna, and await the "package" from April.

I'll let you know what we come up with, too.

Stephany in Iowa

Re: carrying catheters. I have had an Indiana Pouch for 4 years. I use what the other person said which is a little sandwich bag. I put a catheter in it and a little packet of muko gel ( you can buy a box of 100 little packets) and a bandaid and then I can put it in the back pocket of my jeans which I do quite often. When I am out I just go to the washroom and put the catheter back into the ziploc bag and wash it when I get home. I reuse my catheters and just rinse them with water and a sensitive skin dishwashing liquid. The other thing I have found that works wonders is the little electric cable holders or electric cord holders, they are little stick ons that you would stick on to hold your cord out of the way, but you can stick them on the inside of your bathroom cupboard and the catheter ( if you get the smallest cord holder ) will hang perfectly in it and drip dry in your cupboard. I just keep a small towel on the inside of the cupboard and it has been great for me. I throw out my catheters and buy a few new ones every month or two. They tend to get softer with repeated washings and they don't work as well for me. Do you know that there is a bandaid called MESTOPORE for people with continent ostomys it is designed to absorb a leak, it works pretty good for me. Here in Canada it costs 17$ for 20, you could check around online what it is and then get your pharmacy to order it for you to try.

Stephany,

My husband had a whole system worked out with two different sizes of plastic bags (sandwich size and snack size) that allowed for keeping the used catheter after its use.

I can't describe it at the moment, but if you send me your mailing address, I will send you one of his "packages."

My email -- This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Hi,

I know a lot of people that re-use their catheters as not everyone can get insurance to cover that. It's important that they be sterile, and kept in a clean bag.
Wendy