Valuable Information About Attaching And Emptying Your Leg Bag
From a severe spinal cord injury to the presence of kidney stones or the use of medications that impact the bladder muscles, according to Healthline, there are several reasons why a person requires a catheter and a urine drainage bag. If you've recently been diagnosed with a condition or need a surgery that requires you use a leg urine drainage bag, chances are there are several question you will have about its use and care. Here is some invaluable information for anyone who is new to leg urine drainage bags:
Attaching Your Leg Bag
Your leg bag should fit comfortably, and most importantly, be placed below your waist. This will ensure that gravity will move your waste from the catheter into the bag. Here are the steps you need to take to correctly place your leg bag:
- Begin by washing your hands with soap and water. Grab the leg bag's drainage tube and gently remove the cover from the tip. Clean the end of the tube with rubbing alcohol. Insert the leg bag's drainage tube into the catheter tube. Make sure to avoid pulling on the catheter tube, because it will lead to discomfort or even damage to your bladder.
- Locate a comfortable spot on your thigh and carefully attach the leg bag with the Velcro strip. Fasten the catheter tubing to your leg with some tape. Make sure that the bag isn't attached too tightly. Instead, it should be secure, but comfortable.
Once again, it is critical that the leg bag sits below your bladder. Otherwise, your urine could back-up into your bladder. Don't worry about the leg bag being visible. It is easily and comfortably hidden under most clothing.
Emptying Out Your Leg Bag
Another aspect of wearing a urine drainage bag is emptying it periodically throughout the day. Don't wait until the bag is completely full before you empty it. The weight of a full bag can place pressure on the catheter and your bladder.
To empty the bag, begin by washing your hands. Stand over the toilet or a container that was provided to you by the doctor, carefully open the tube's drainage spout by releasing the clamp or twisting the end off. Empty the contents of your bag completely. It is important that you never allow the bag or drainage tube to touch the toilet or the container.
If you were provided a container by your doctor and instructed to write down the amount of urine that was in the bag, do so now.
Empty out the container and rinse it with soapy water, if applicable. Wash your hands again before leaving the bathroom.
A Few More Tips
In addition to the above-mentioned information, here are a few more simple tips to help you effectively care for yourself and your leg bag:
- Avoid pulling on the bag or the tubing itself. In addition to being very uncomfortable, you could actually damage your bladder.
- Keep an eye on your catheter tubing throughout the day. Make sure that you don't accidentally step on it, or that it is never twisted or pinched.
- Call the doctor if you notice any signs that you're suffering from an infection. Common signs of an infection caused by your catheter include foul smelling urine, lower back pain, fever, exhaustion and pain or a burning sensation in your pelvic area or bladder.
Learning how to live with a catheter and urine drainage bag doesn't need to be difficult. If you aren't sure how to use your catheter or drainage bag, or if you have any other questions, don't hesitate to contact your healthcare provider or visit professional medical websites like http://www.medirents.net.
