Methods for automatic bladder
URINE AND BOWEL MANAGEMENT 205
1. TRIGGERING: This method usually causes the bladder-emptying reflex to work
when the person is ready to pee. It can be done using a urinal, toilet, potty or jar. This
is the first method to try because nothing is put into the bladder. It is easy, so a child
can do it alone.
• Tap the lower belly (over the bladder) firmly
with your hand for about 1 minute. Stop and
wait for the urine to come.
• Tap again. Repeat several times until no more
urine flows.
If possible, once a week after triggering use a
catheter to see how much urine is left. If there is
less than a cupful (150 cc.), continue the triggering
program. If there is more than a cupful on several
occasions, then the bladder is not emptying well
enough. Try another method.
2. PERIODIC USE OF A CATHETER: This method allows the bladder to be emptied
completely before becoming too full. Sometimes it can be used to prepare the body for
triggering. Put a clean or sterile standard catheter into the bladder every 4 to 6 hours to
empty the urine.
For instructions on how to put in a
catheter, see the next page.
CAUTION: If you drink more
liquid than usual, put in the
catheter more frequently to keep
the bladder from stretching too
much.
Note: To reduce risk of urinary infections,
regular frequent use of the catheter is more
important than using a sterile catheter. It
is a mistake to stop using the catheter only
because you don’t have a chance to boil it (for
example, when traveling, or at school). Just
wash out the catheter with clean drinkable
water after use, and keep it in a clean
jar or towel. (Do not go too long
without catheterizing, and do not stop
catheterizing altogether. It is important
for your bladder not to interrupt your
program.)
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