If you’ve been scheduled for surgery or you have a medical condition in which your doctor tells you that you’ll need to wear a catheter bag, you may be a bit worried at first. After all, it’s not exactly something that sounds fun and exciting.

The truth is that it’s not that big of a deal, and many people use them every day for various reasons without any problems. The best way to get over your fears is to talk to your doctor. He’s likely heard many people’s fears and concerns; he’ll likely be able to calm you down. If you’re still concerned, you should have a list of questions ready to ask your doctor about the catheter bag, and what it will be like.

Questions such as how much water you are able to drink, or if you should drink more than normal are good to ask, as well as how often the bag will be emptied.

If you are someone who is into physical fitness, you should ask your doctor if you can still exercise. The answer may depend on the reason you are wearing the catheter bag to begin with.

You should also ask your health practitioner questions about troubleshooting, such as what you should do in the event that the catheter bag comes out, as well as how to care for it if necessary.

Depending on how long you have to wear it, you’ll also need to know how to bathe, and probably how to empty it in a public restroom.

These are only some of the questions you should ask your doctor before you have to begin wearing a catheter bag. Each individual will likely have their own questions based on your own personal ailment, but these will get you started. It is highly likely that your doctor or nurse will give you paperwork and other information that contains the answers to these and other common questions, so it’s important that you read it over and be sure to clarify if you have additional concerns. And, of course you should always have a way to contact your doctor or someone in his office should you have an emergency related to the catheter bag.

If you must wear a catheter bag for medical reasons, you have nothing to worry about. Talk to your doctor and your fears will likely be calmed right away.