After sustaining a spinal cord injury and becoming a quadriplegic with no finger function, I didn’t think I would be able to catheterize myself independently. But that all changed when I discovered the right catheter for me.
In this article, I share how finding the right catheter transformed my life and how you can find the perfect option for your needs. I have recorded a video on this same topic for my YouTube channel, where I make videos to help people live life just like they would’ve able-bodied.
My Frustrating Early Experience with Catheters While in Rehab
While I was in the rehabilitation hospital after my accident, nurses were catheterizing me using a straight intermittent catheter.
I was told I would be able to learn to catheterize myself independently before being sent home. I was in rehab for only 29 days and was never shown a catheter I could use with my lack of finger function. This meant I had to continue to rely on someone else to catheterize me.
All the catheters used on me in rehab were standard straight, uncoated catheters requiring finger function. While there, I remember them using iodine swabs to clean the area, but it seemed extremely messy.
The catheter tube was not lubricated, so it had to be lubricated manually. Also, there was no attached collection bag, so a urinal was used to collect the urine draining through the tube from the bladder. Not knowing much about catheter options, I assumed these things were standard with every catheter.
Shortly after coming home, I quickly got frustrated at needing someone else to catheterize me, so I decided I wanted to be able to self-catheterize independently.
Finding the Right Catheter For Limited Finger Function
I began searching online for catheters that were designed for limited finger function. I went to 180 Medical’s website to see the different types of catheters they offered.
Finding the right catheter for your needs is important. I discovered it can make a big difference in your independence.
At 180 Medical, they carry many catheter types, lengths, sizes, brands, and more options. With so many choices to make, it can be difficult to know which options are best for your needs.
Achieving Independence with the EZ-Gripper™ Catheter
While looking at 180 Medical’s website, I discovered the EZ-Gripper™ Closed System Catheter Kit (formerly the MTG EZ-Gripper). It caught my eye because of its gripping handle and the EZ-Advancer® valve, which is designed for people like myself who have limited hand or finger function. After each forward insertion, the valve secures the catheter tube, making it easier to self-catheterize. Plus, finger access holes on the catheter bag help with handling.
I decided I wanted to try that catheter out and see if I could really use it by myself. One of their Catheter Specialists helped me out and sent me several free samples of the EZ-Gripper™.
The first time I tried catheterizing myself independently with the EZ-Gripper catheter, it took almost one hour. It’s definitely a learning experience, so don’t let yourself get discouraged if it takes a while for you, too. Even though it took such a long amount of time at first, I discovered that catheterizing myself independently really was possible. This unlocked so much independence for me and seriously changed my life!
There are several great catheter options for limited hand dexterity, but I found that the EZ-Gripper™ was the right one for me. I like that it’s already pre-lubricated and contained within a sterile collection bag. It includes insertion supplies like vinyl gloves, an underpad, a BZK disinfecting wipe, gauze, and a privacy disposal bag.
Closed system catheters are sometimes called “touchless” or “no-touch” catheters because your fingers and hands don’t need to directly touch the catheter tube during insertion. This helps reduce the risk of bacterial contamination. The pre-lubricated introducer tip may also help reduce the risk of urinary tract infections because it helps bypass bacteria in the distal urethra.
Where You Can Find the Right Catheter for You
If you’re looking for the right catheter, I highly recommend 180 Medical. Their Catheter Specialists are amazing at helping you find what works best for your specific needs, and they’ll even send you free samples to try.
Be sure to check out my YouTube channel, where I make videos to help people live life just like they would’ve able-bodied.
