What kind of pads or undies should I get?

Should I get the undies for when the catheter first comes out or just the pads...Heavy, moderate or light?  I've been looking at this stuff and really have no idea what we'll need.

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Ellen

Hi Ellen,

When I had the catheter removed I had only minimal control, and needed the Depends extra absorbant underwear. It wasn't as much about feel as necessity, and even with the extras I would go through 5-6 a day. I hope this is not the case for Curtis, but if so a Serenity Pad will not be enough protection. You can start by getting just the Serenity Pads because I used them later for a few weeks. Then if necessary get the Depends. Go on line and see if there is a coupon.

Good Luck,

Glen

LW,

You hit one point square on! Hubby feels more like himself in his own familiar jockey's! That's exactly why I bought Paul baggy carpenter pants to wear. He's one of those who likes his belt on and his shirt tucked in. Anything else makes him feel uncomfortable. Through all of that early stuff that was the one thing he actually said ..."thank you for know what to do."

I did buy a few of the poise pads in advance. He took two the day his cath was remove and proudly carried them right back home, unopened! The small things do carry the largest impact on a person's sense of self :>)
Swim

Swim,

We went shopping for pads and undies - husb. cringed at the thought of the "diaper" effect. We bought a large package of off-brand men's pads and hoped for the best. From an emotional standpoint, it was easier to deal with putting the pads in regular briefs. I keep a few pads stocked in a cabinet for easy access so he doesn't have to see the packaging - sounds silly, I know, but somehow looking at the wording and seeing the big bag of men's depends didn't help matters. He has barely needed them, but still has an occasional "oops" drip (and we still expect the gushing to happen any minute), but now it's not a big deal to grab one in the morning for security.

Ellen, what a great thread!
Out of all the things on my shopping list, the pads are the most puzzling to me. I've stood in that aisle at the drug store every time I go in there trying to will myself to the perfect choice. But the truth is I just don't know what to expect. I think I will go with a pack of the briefs and a pack of pads.

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Kate

We were lucky enough at our local pharmacy - they gave my husband samples of several different varieties so he could decide which one he liked best before buying a supply of anything.  Check and see if you're local pharmacy or medical supply centre would be willing to do this (even for a small fee it's worth it). 

I bought the Depends undergarments and the pads for men (don't remember the brand). Jeff said the undergarments are more comfortable than his briefs because they don't bother his incision. he doesn't seem to mind wearing them, especially since he knows they are temporary. he didn't wear anything on Sunday except his regular briefs and after helping our sons wash the cars and had a few beers, he did have some leakage so he's wearing the undergarments all the time, even to bed. he's been dry every night since Thursday. that's a great idea to ask for samples at the pharmacy.

Thanks Phoelona that will sure help.

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Ellen

He probably will not need a pad. I have heard of leaks from the catheter, but that is not very common. If you want to play safe you can take a couple of pads for the trip home. The time he will likely need them or the Depends is after the catheter is removed.

Glen

Hey Ellen & Kate,   We bought the adjustable underwear and guards for men. The Depend Adjustable Underwear is soft and gentle across the incision.   It allows you to fit it to your body. We got the (Small/Medium 28"-45") (available in Super Plus Absorbency only) The Depend Guards for Men (one size fits all) (available in Regular Absorbency only) have adhesive to attach to undershorts. I wanted to cover both ends... They both did the trick!! Fortunately we only needed the Guards... (I didn't know about the forum before our surgery... so your comments are fresh in my mind.... looking at all the different kinds and styles... not knowing what to expect!!!) For the ride home...we had both ready.   Used both not knowing what to expect!!   Was able to make it home (2 hours) and had a nice long pee with me in the background clapping and wahoo-ing :) It's been 5 months and Buddy now wears his regular jockeys and uses Equate Pantiliners for insurance!!!   They are nice and small and gives great peace of mind... just in case :)   Take care, Lee & Buddy mama bluebird ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~ Buddy 53 RRP April 3, 2006 PSA 4.6 Gleason 3+3=6 T2a Confined to Prostate June 29th PSA Less than 0.1 Non-detectable