It is possible to enjoy cultural events from your couch. But it’s not the same as being at a concert where you and your friend can sing along to your songs and enjoy the intense atmosphere together with the other fans. It doesn’t come close to a real live football match where you cheer along with a huge audience when your favourite teams scores.
Thanks to technology, you can even meet friends virtually in the safety of your home. But if you really want a good talk or engage in intense discussions (or share the latest gossip), why not do it over some good food in an intimate restaurant? Or if needing to talk about serious matters, it might be easier with the soundtrack of whispering leaves in a beautiful park.
Be creative and surprise your friends or family, when it comes to socialising. In this way you get to pick what is more convenient for you. But you should also be able to accept their ideas without worrying. All you have to do is to plan ahead. Here is how:
Plan your activity
It is tempting to skip catheterisation when you are visiting new and unknown places or if you are together with people that don’t know about your condition. But remember that skipping catheterisation might result in leaks and can also be harmful to your bladder in the long run.
Plan your activity instead, so you can enjoy it without interruptions. Set aside time for catheterisation during the activities. Catheterise as close to the time you leave your home as possible, find out where the bathrooms are located in advance and try to plan for when it will be convenient for you to take breaks during the day.
But if you are at all concerned about remembering when to catheterise, simply setting a phone or watch alarm can help put your mind at ease.
Pack a smart kit
When away from the security of your home, it is good to know that you have everything you could possibly need with you. Public bathrooms are less clean and might be equipped in an inconvenient way. And if you worry about leaks, it is also important that you can clean yourself or change clothes. Some people use a different type of catheter when out than they use at home. You might want to have a more compact one or one with a urine bag attached.
So pack a bag of good stuff for extra safety – just in case.
Know what bathrooms await you
Check out available bathrooms at the event in advance – this is especially important if you are in a wheelchair. Check it out on the internet or call to hear more about how it is equipped. You can also use the WheelMate app for smartphones to locate the nearest bathroom.
Consider what to wear
Dark colours will make it less visible if you experience a small leak. Have a blazer, pullover or cardigan, which you can quickly wrap around your waist if necessary. Or wear a pad for extra safety until you feel comfortable in your routine and in going out.
