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5 Misconceptions People Have About People with Disabilities

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We all meet all kinds of people every day, and sadly have to deal with discrimination and barriers that able-bodied people will rarely even notice, but not everything is deliberate. Challenging misconceptions about people with disabilities is important, as education can help ease those barriers and reduce that discrimination over time. For some people, such misconceptions are not made maliciously, and replacing this unbalanced image of the disabled with one of reality can make a remarkable difference in the attitude of those we meet as we go about our lives.

With that in mind, here are the five most common misconceptions about disabled people today, and why they can be a problem to deal with so regularly.

1.   Disabled people need help with everything

This is a misconception that can be annoying, but it is one that comes from a good place usually. When someone is over-eager to help, assuming that if someone is disabled they cannot do anything for themselves, it can cause friction between people, especially if the disabled person is particularly independently minded. A symptom of this is for people to talk to whoever is with the disabled person, even when asking about them, instead of talking directly to that disabled person themselves. That, as most who have experienced it know, can be incredibly frustrating.

2.   People in wheelchairs are also Learning/Mental/Emotionally Disabled

This is a very common thing to find when meeting people with no experience of being around anyone disabled. A wheelchair seems to be a signal that everything is wrong with that person to some, of course, this is very far from the truth. Rather than assume anything as soon as a wheelchair is seen, engage with people and ask.

3.   Disabled People cannot get jobs

It’s often heard, people assume that if you are disabled, you are incapable of work. While some disabilities may pose problems with some career paths, disability is not a barrier to working, and many disabled people find rewarding and productive work. This is perhaps one of the most important myths to dispel, as it can be at the heart of some of the worst of the discrimination ideas heard.

4.   Anyone disabled will instantly form a friendship with another disabled person

People can have a hard time seeing beyond the disability, and don’t realize that disabled or not, people are people, we all like different things, we all have different personalities, and we all have different tastes. Sometimes, people don’t get on, and a disability does not change that.

5.   People with disabilities want to inspire others

If you get up in a morning, shower, dress yourself and get to work, it is just another day. That’s the same for everyone, and for many disabled people, suggesting they are an inspiration for doing that can seem condescending. Yes, they may have to do things in a different way, it probably is harder than for an able-bodied person, but an inspiration would be someone doing something extraordinary, not the normal day-to-day stuff.

 

How-To Guide for Male Self-Catheterization

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male catheter user with slight smile wearing gray sweater

Understanding how to perform self-catheterization gives you back control over emptying your bladder. In this guide, we cover the basics of the male urinary system and offer step-by-step instructions on how to insert an intermittent catheter by yourself.

How the male bladder and urinary system work

When the bladder and its supporting systems and functions work together as they should, you would feel the urge to go to the toilet when the bladder is about half-full. Passing the urine would then be a controlled and voluntary activity.

The bladder is part of the urinary tract. The upper tract consists of the two kidneys, which lie in the lower back and are attached to the bladder by narrow tubes called ureters. Urine is produced in the kidneys, and flows from the kidneys into the bladder via the ureters.diagram of the female and male urinary systems

The bladder is located in the lower urinary tract with the urethral sphincters (closing muscles) and the urethra (the tube that leads urine from the bladder to the outside opening). The bladder stores urine until the urethra carries it out of the body. This flow, from the bladder to the urethra, is controlled by the urethral sphincters, which open and close the bladder outlet. The sphincters are supported by the pelvic floor, which holds up the organs placed in the lower part of your body – almost like a sling.

Step-by-step instructions

Follow these instructions to learn how to self-catheterize with confidence:

  1. Wash your hands well and dry them.
  2. Gently clean the head of the penis and the penis tip (use mild soap and water or a disinfectant wipe). Use a circular motion, starting at the urethra going outwards.
  3. Open your catheter and prepare it according to the instructions for use supplied by the manufacturer.
  4. Gently insert the catheter into the urethra until urine starts to flow.
  5. Once the urine stops running, begin to withdraw the catheter slowly while slightly rotating it. If you are using a curved tip catheter (coudé), do not rotate.
  6. Stop briefly each time more urine drains out. Move a little and straighten yourself up to make sure the bladder is completely empty. Throw away the catheter after using it (as household waste) and wash your hands once more.

Important safety information

Users performing intermittent catheterization should follow the advice of their health care provider. Before using the device, carefully read the product labels and information accompanying the device including the instructions for use which contain additional safety information. The SpeediCath catheter is for single-use only; discard it after use. If you experience symptoms of a urinary tract infection or are unable to pass the catheter into the bladder, contact your healthcare professional. The risk information provided here is not comprehensive. To learn more, talk to your healthcare provider.

A note about our preferred male catheter:

Comfort’s preferred catheters are SpeediCath catheters. SpeediCath is the instantly ready to use catheter, with a simple design for everyday cathing, designed to address comfort and minimize the risk of urethral damage. The unique hydrophilic coating and the polished eyelets ensure smooth catheterization both during insertion and withdrawal.

Comfort Medical provides gentle catheters with smooth, fire-polished eyelets to cut down on the instance of urethral trauma that can cause the formation of scar tissue or strictures.

Educational Materials for Men

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The bladder and the urinary system

When the bladder and its supporting systems and functions work together as they should, you would feel the urge to go to the toilet when the bladder is about half-full. Passing the urine would then be a controlled and voluntary activity.

The bladder is part of the urinary tract. The upper tract consists of the two kidneys, which lie in the lower back and are attached to the bladder by narrow tubes called ureters. Urine is produced in the kidneys and flows from the kidneys into the bladder via the ureters.

The bladder is located in the lower urinary tract with the urethral sphincters (closing muscles) and the urethra (the tube that leads urine from the bladder to the outside opening). The bladder stores urine until the urethra carries it out of the body. This flow, from the bladder to the urethra, is controlled by the urethral sphincters, which open and close the bladder outlet. The sphincters are supported by the pelvic floor, which holds up the organs placed in the lower part of your body – almost like a sling.

Tips for Bladder Care

If you’re experiencing problems with your bladder, there are many options you can consider to help manage these issues so that it doesn’t result in serious health issues.

Options available to help manage bladder problems include:

  • Pelvic floor exercises
  • Bladder retraining
  • Catheters
  • Urine bags and Male external catheters (condom catheters)
  • Lifestyle changes
  • Medication
  • Surgery

How Many Times Should I Catheterize?

It is usually recommended that you catheterize every 4-6 hours, but you should first discuss this with your healthcare provider if you are not able to urinate in the usual way (e.g. due to chronic urinary retention).

If you are catheterizing more than 6 times per day and still have problems with urine leakage, you should consult your healthcare provider:

  1. You may not be draining your bladder fully with each catheterization
  2. You may be experiencing bladder irritability and bladder spasms
  3. You may have some other condition that should be evaluated by your health care provider.

Making Sure Your Bladder is Empty

Make sure your bladder is fully emptied every time you catheterize. By catheterizing at regular intervals, you can keep your urine in an acceptable range. Urine left in the bladder may lead to overgrowth of bacteria which can cause a urinary tract infection. It’s best to keep catheterized urine at a volume of  400-500 mL. This will help prevent overstretching the bladder and urine leakage. The amount of urine you empty should be no more than around 2 cups. If you empty more than that, ask your healthcare provider if you should catheterize more often.

Where Do I Get Catheters?

You will be taught intermittent catheterization by your healthcare provider, who will determine the size and style of the catheter that you will need.

Step by Step Instructions for Use

Before starting to empty your bladder always gather your supplies as instructed by your doctor or nurse.

  1. Wash your hands well and dry them.
  2. Gently clean the head of the penis and the penis tip (use mild soap and water or a disinfectant wipe). Use a circular motion, starting at the urethra going outwards.
  3. Open your catheter and prepare it according to the instructions for use supplied by the manufacturer.
  4. Gently insert the catheter into the urethra until urine starts to flow.
  5. Once the urine stops running, begin to withdraw the catheter slowly while slightly rotating it. If you are using a curved tip catheter (coudé), do not rotate.
  6. Stop briefly each time more urine drains out. Move a little and straighten yourself up to make sure the bladder is completely empty.Throw away the catheter after using it (as household waste) and wash your hands once more.

Important Safety Information

Users performing intermittent catheterization should follow the advice of their health care provider. Before using the device, carefully read the product labels and information accompanying the device including the instructions for use which contain additional safety information. The SpeediCath catheter is for single-use only; discard it after use. If you experience symptoms of a urinary tract infection or are unable to pass the catheter into the bladder, contact your healthcare professional. The risk information provided here is not comprehensive. To learn more, talk to your healthcare provider. 

A Note About Our Preferred Catheter:

Comfort’s preferred catheters are SpeediCath catheters. SpeediCath is the instantly ready to use catheter, with a simple design for everyday cathing, designed to address comfort and minimize the risk of urethral damage. The unique hydrophilic coating and the polished eyelets ensure smooth catheterization both during insertion and withdrawal.

Comfort Medical provides gentle catheters with smooth, fire-polished eyelets to cut down on the instance of urethral trauma that can cause the formation of scar tissue or strictures.

Comfort Conversations: Finding Peer Support Groups

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Join us every other month for Comfort Conversations, a discussion series led by our Ambassadors who share their thoughts on issues affecting wheelchair users worldwide. Today’s topic is on finding encouragement through peer support groups, written by Comfort Ambassador and the face of the Woody Foundation, James “Woody” Beckham.
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The phrase ‘peer support group’ evokes many different meanings for any individual. What does it mean to be supported by your peers in a group setting? Do I need to share personal struggles and challenges with a group of strangers? How could these strangers understand me even if these strangers do have a spinal cord injury just like I do?
Countless thoughts and emotions similar to these occur after someone has a spinal cord injury and is invited to a peer support group. A spinal cord injury happens in an instant. No one expects to be paralyzed or is prepared for losing control of their body. Losing control of your body’s previously normal abilities like the ability to walk, is what the outside world perceives to be the worst. But, many paralyzed individuals will state that secondary conditions like controlling your bladder is more difficult to manage and deal with than learning how to use a wheelchair. So… what does that have to do with peer support groups?
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A spinal cord injury peer support group is designed to enable individuals with spinal cord injuries to learn from each other about managing their life after a life-altering injury. Doctors, nurses, therapists, family members, friends, and many others want to help you overcome and move forward after your newly acquired disability; yet, firsthand knowledge from a person living with paralysis for a long time can be better information than you receive from your doctor.

Unfortunately, many individuals will not ask for help even if they desperately need it.

disabled athlete with the wheelchair during a sports competitionThe vast amount of information related to paralysis is overwhelming. How can I have a life after paralysis if I can’t even stop peeing on myself while I’m in my wheelchair? My doctors have never had an accident in their pants, but I have. I can empathize with paralyzed individuals that are going through difficult personal struggles, without having much knowledge related to their condition, because I was there six years ago.
There can be many overwhelming hurdles to jump whether that challenge is managing your health, transportation, accessible housing, or financial challenges. Meanwhile, I or someone in a similar situation may have a solution or recommendation to help with these problems. I truly believe that having a support system to help you is crucial to you maximizing your independence.

 Fortunately, I was thrown into a situation with a lot of support, especially from my family. 

Support does not mean that they did everything for me like a personal butler (even though that sounds nice in theory). Sometimes support consisted of my family members pushing me out of my comfort zone. I will never forget the day that I was lovingly forced to sign up for college classes by my father a few short months after I arrived home from the hospital. How was I going to complete a college course when I had limited hand and arm function from my quadriplegia? Well, I figured it out and school became the least of my concerns.
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 I believe that I have acclimated to my injury quicker than most individuals because I have had a support system and sense of independence. In addition, I learned various tips and valuable information from several quadriplegics that had been around the block. I used their information to implement solutions into my life, and that enabled me to accomplish seemingly impossible tasks.
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For example, I was informed by one quad about a particular catheter, the EZ-Gripper, that enabled me to create a system with hooks to remove my pants so I could independently cath myself anywhere. Being able to do that without assistance was my biggest accomplishment during my first year of being paralyzed. This independence allowed me the freedom and peace of mind to not have to rely on others to follow me around just to help me with my catheter. Personally, I loathed but appreciated having family members hovering around me trying to help. Accepting this help from others was difficult for me at first because I was consistently admitting that I could not do the task at hand.

I realized that I needed help. I just wanted to try to do as much as I could on my own.

 I wanted to maximize my independence. I continuously attempted to figure out how to use some inanimate object like using a fork to eat with, without spilling food all over myself. Basically, I struggled a lot, usually alone in my room. From one quad, I learned about an adaptive fork for eating. This adaptive fork had a C-shaped design to slide my hand into. It enabled me to eat without spilling food all over myself. Plus, the fork had other uses. I experimented by using this fork for a variety of tasks including eating, cooking, opening zippers and even opening letters and packages.
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Then, I began driving after a few years, which allowed me to do even more. Some people are amazed that I could drive at all. I have experienced a lot of situations similar to these personal anecdotes. I know many other paralyzed individuals that have similar stories to share, which could help others with spinal cord injuries adapt to their new life. These anecdotes explain what peer support groups are about. My advice is, don’t be afraid to join a peer support group!  It might just maximize your potential and your life!

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Comfort Medical delivers the leading brands of catheters and ostomy products to customers who use wheelchairs nationwide.

Comfort Medical delivers the leading brands of catheters and ostomy products to customers who use wheelchairs nationwide.

comfort medical brochureThe Wheel:Life-Comfort Medical Relationship

Wheel:Life is now part of the Comfort Medical family! With more than 26,000 followers on social media, we served more than 100,000 website visitors with lifestyle resources in 2015.  To help us expand our community impact, we have become part of the Comfort Medical organization.

Thanks to our relationship, we are able serve even more people who use wheelchairs with lifestyle resources, helpful products, and services.

Comfort Medical provides an extensive selection of name brand catheter and ostomy supplies to thousands of customers nationwide.

Their attention to detail, unmatched customer service, and dedication to helping customers live a happier, healthier life are just a few of the many reasons Comfort is one of the fastest growing catheter and ostomy supply companies in the nation.

If you have any questions about your medical supply needs, get in touch with a Comfort Medical specialist!

Note: The Comfort Conversations articles are for informational use only and are not intended to be construed as medical advice. Ask your doctor about issues related to your health and medical needs.c

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