@hundzow11
Hello,
My father was paralyzed from the neck down and initially had an indwelling catheter. Although it’s hard to remember 40 years ago, but if memory serves we changed it every 3 to 5 days. If you need to use a catheter for an extended period of time I would recommend switching to an external (condom catheter.) I switched my dad to the condom type cathetes primarily because of infections. Although you have to be able to pass urine to use them. When indwelling catheters are in place the risk of infection increases by the day. Another major problem with them is the possibility of developing cancer from chronic irritation of the urine and the irritation of the catheter itself. Have you asked your doctor if irrigating would be beneficial in decreasing bacteria in you bladder? I know my dad used to drink tons of water and my mom would always give him cranberry juice also. Cranberry juice has a chemical in it which supposedly prevents bacteria from attaching to the bladder wall although as far as I know cranberry juice has never been proven to prevent or help cure UTI’s.
If you are changing your catheter every three months are you taking any types of anti-infective medications that slows or prevents the growth of bacteria in the urine?
Lemon/lemonade or other acidic drinks are very beneficial to alter the ph which helps prevent the growth of bacteria.
There are plenty of nurses here that should be able to advise you on the more current procedures/prevention.
Take care,
Jake

Thank you so much