Donna Jones has worked as a nurse for thirty years. In all that time, she has seen hundreds of patients whose conditions have required them to wear catheters. She has also heard hundreds of complaints from those patients about how their lives have been disrupted by the device.
Wearing a catheter leg bag is uncomfortable and embarrassing for most people, especially when the bag becomes full. Patients who might otherwise maintain active lifestyles tend to stop healthy pursuits because of the chafing from the leg straps, as well as the heat rash often associated with the plastic bag resting against the skin. For many, however, the inhibition is simply a matter of not being able to wear the clothing they’re used to…the clothing they’d prefer. Close-fitting jeans or trousers don’t leave enough room for the bag. Shorts and skirts can often leave the bag exposed to the public eye.
In 2017, Donna felt compelled to address these issues so that patients would no longer have to suffer the embarrassment, the frustration, and even the loss of spirit that often accompanies having to wear catheter bags. She may not be able to redesign the catheter, but surely something could be done about how it is worn.
Donna had the problem worked out in her mind, but she had no experience as a seamstress. So, she enlisted the help of her daughter, Amy Achley, as well as Amy’s friend, Geneva Stanley to work on the project. Following the blueprint, the two young ladies were able to complete the prototype to perfection, and it was soon ready for a trial run.
For her trial, Donna selected a patient with whom she had been working as a private duty nurse. The gentleman was in his late nineties, and according to Donna, was contrary and difficult. Once she had explained the concept, however, he loved the notion and wanted to try. The idea was special apparel designed with unique pockets on the inside that would hold the catheter bag comfortably and out of sight. Upon trying the prototype, the man requested two pairs of Hide-A-Cath shorts! Though this particular patient rarely smiled, he smiled when wearing his new shorts.
He even wore them on a visit to his Urologist! The nurse at the office there suggested Donna make an appointment with the doctor as a representative of the product. She took the nurse up on that suggestion. By the end of that fateful meeting, the Urologist shook Donna’s hand and said it was an amazing concept, and that patients who wore catheters would love it.
Today, Donna Jones is the Owner and Inventor of Hide-A-Cath Apparel. With items and designs for both men and women, Hide-A-Cath allows catheter patients to wear shorts without the discomfort of the elastic bands and without the rash from the plastic bags, but most importantly, without the embarrassment of the exposed device. With the catheter bag resting firmly within the interior pocket, patients can enjoy the beach or visit family and friends with dignity and confidence.
Donna believes so strongly in her invention that she has even visited the homes of homebound patients for personal fittings. Because personalization is important, she has also visited patients to show them the colors and to take their measurements so they could order their selections with confidence.
Recently patented and trademarked, Hide-A-Cath Apparel will be available in stores starting Spring of 2021. It will also soon be featured on the shopping channel, QVC. But you don’t have to wait. Customers may call 828-788-5079 now to order their Hide-A-Cath shorts in any size! Colors available are khaki, hunter green, black, denim, multicolored, striped, or checked.

Looking forward, Donna will be expanding her apparel line to also include women’s skirts, as well as jeans for both men and women. Her full focus is on creating a product line that will include several different clothing items in all sizes, and a variety of colors, that are comfortable, affordable and fashionable.
In 2016, Donna Jones moved with her husband, Patrick, into a little cabin in the woods of Floyd County. Not only did she feel this change would allow her creative side to flow, but Floyd had also been part of her childhood. She always loved visiting her step-grandparents in Floyd and recalls thinking even as a child, “One day I want to live here.” What better place, after all, for an artist to create their visions!
In addition to inventing revolutionary medical apparel, Donna is also an artist, donating artwork to charitable organizations like Good Samaritan Hospice, American Cancer Society, and Cystic Fibrosis. But it doesn’t stop there. She is also a writer, and since moving to Floyd, has published her first book. “Lou Battles Bullies” is the first in what will be a series of three children’s books. Shoppers can purchase “Lou Battles Bullies” from any online resource, including Amazon. She felt the message in this book was needed, especially today, when more love needs to be shown to everyone.
For more information about Hide-A-Cath Apparel, contact Donna Jones at 828-788-5079 or visit www.hideacathapparel.com.

Hide-A-Cath Apparel • Donna Jones • 828-788-5079
hideacathapparel@gmail.com • www.hideacathapparel.com