My 96 year old Dad received a catheter in ICU when he had his heart attack April 2023. He was in & out of the hospital countless times for UTI/Sepsis. Everytime time the doctors office ordered a urinalysis on my Dad the Home Health Nurse would have to change out his catheter to get a sterile sample. This only introduced new bacteria. This was ordered by the way from his Urologist doctor. My Dad passed away on November 18, 2023. If you can go without a catheter do so. I do not recommend them at all.
It cannot be overstated that is no matter how careful you are with sanitizing, infections will occur. That includes healthcare professionals. If you even suspect that something is amiss, get it confirmed. Your Dr. or a nurse can tell you the signs of UTI.
I so agree with you, as a retired RN. I am wondering also if we should not inform that the urine dip sticks work well, and a ton of them cost little from amazon or the local pharmacy. Presence of nitrites and erythrocytes means get a specimen to take in to be tested.
Fred, that is kind of you. People who need this should first get good medical advice and training, but there is NOTHING like the support of someone in the same position with years of good experience, and our experiences are what we share here. I surely do hope that those needing your advice will contact you, and your experience could be invaluable to others. Best wishes out to you.
My Dad passed away on November 18, 2023.
If you can go without a catheter do so. I do not recommend them at all.
I am wondering also if we should not inform that the urine dip sticks work well, and a ton of them cost little from amazon or the local pharmacy. Presence of nitrites and erythrocytes means get a specimen to take in to be tested.
People who need this should first get good medical advice and training, but there is NOTHING like the support of someone in the same position with years of good experience, and our experiences are what we share here. I surely do hope that those needing your advice will contact you, and your experience could be invaluable to others.
Best wishes out to you.