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O Happy Day - they took my catheter away!

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Posted 12/7/2007 3:48 PM (GMT -8)
Today, my 8th day post surgery, my catheter was removed. A number of people on this board had described the process well, so I knew what to expect. There was no real pain, just a little stinging when the saline solution was put in. The whole process was over in a matter of seconds. I had taken with me a selection of Depends, pads, etc., and it was suggested to me that I use the pads instead of the Depends. I used the pad and only had a small amount of leakage on the 2-hour trip home. In fairness, I had already started limiting liquids somewhat to get beyond this initial phase without the catheter. In the few hours that I have been home, I have had some leakage, but I have been able to hold most of the urine and release it at the proper time. The urine stream (pattern) is not what I have been used to, so I have already had to clean the floor next to the toilet.

I should have opened with this. The really good news is that the path report showed the cancer contained and margins clear. I forgot to get a copy of the report and am now getting a copy sent to me. I will add the specifics to my signature soon.

My surgeon doesn't recommend Kegels at this time. He wants me to see what I can accomplish naturally for the first 3 weeks. He doesn't think exercising the muscles where all of the work was just done is a good idea. He did indicate that the Kegels might be recommended in the future, if needed.

My surgeon says that he likes to take an aggressive approach with ED. I am to take 100mg of Viagara every other date to start. I have an appointment to meet with the pump rep next week to start the acquisition process. It will probably take a few weeks to get the pump, so I haven't been given any use instructions.

Once again, I would like to thank everyone that has contributed their experiences to this board. This site has helped me tremendously in my journey, and I hope that my posts might help someone else.
Posted 12/7/2007 5:13 PM (GMT -8)
Hey Walter,

Freedom at last! Its a great feeling to be rid of the catheter. Now, like everyone says, take it easy. Your stream will settle down as the swelling subsides. One of the good side effects of surgery for me was that I can pee like a 16 year old again. That is a definite plus for an old guy...

Jim
Posted 12/8/2007 8:05 AM (GMT -8)

Good news to hear Triker.  I'm counting the hours until my cath is gone.  Keep us/me posted on your progress.  From previous conversation I know my surgeon wants the kegels to start as soon as the catheter is gone.  Then again, my cath will have been in 14 days vs your 7. 

Again congrats

RTR

Posted 12/8/2007 2:00 PM (GMT -8)
Glad to hear of your good news, Walter. And I agree with biker, one of the benefits of surgery is peeing like a kid again! No more standing at a urinal waiting for a stream to start that sometimes was slow as molasses, and seemed to stop and start. The tap is full throttle now.

Good luck in your recovery and take it slow at first.
Posted 12/8/2007 9:04 PM (GMT -8)

Hi Walter,

Great news on getting that cath out and on your path report!   tongue  

Now you can settle into the remaining recovery and rehab process.  I was interested that your doc didn't recommend Kegels for the first three weeks.  My surgeon started me right away, but protecting that area during healing makes sense as well.  I like to hear about these varied approaches to rehab.

Keep us posted.

All the best,

Idaho

Posted 12/9/2007 8:49 AM (GMT -8)
I am finding that the battle to regain continence is much like having the catheter in; it occupies my every thought. I am constantly thinking about keeping the valve closed, especially when standing. I feel that things are going well, although I have to admit that I wanted to be like biker90 and be dry after one day.

My experience so far has been:
Day 1: replaced one pad 30 minutes after catheter removed; 2nd pad lasted remainder of day; dry at night
Day 2: replaced 1st pad of day at 8pm; did not sleep dry and replaced 2nd pad at 3am; dry remainder of night

I am now on the 3rd day and am dry as of 11:30 am.

I have been urinating based on time rather than on feel. I have not been able to get a good read on how full my bladder is, so I visit the rest room every couple of hours. I also thought that the practice of starting the stream might be beneficial. Should I be waiting until I can feel that I really need to go? At night, I have been waking up every 3 hours or so, and have been visiting the facilities then.

I am still not confident enough to spend a lot of time in public places. I am sure that will come in time.
Posted 12/9/2007 9:13 AM (GMT -8)
You answered your own question Walt. Your bladder appears to have an intact signal. See how it goes...or not in this case. Sorry for the pun. Congrats on such good control thus far.

Swim
Posted 12/10/2007 10:23 AM (GMT -8)

Walter,

I'm about 4 days ahead of your schedule (daVinci on 11/26 catheter out 12/4).  For me I have found that after the first couple of days, I seem to be forceing myself to schedule going by the clock.  There were a few days when I was out last week for an extended period and really had to go when I got home.  So now I try to plan on going ~ every 3-4 hours.

I have been lucky enough that I have only been using 1-2 pads a day.  I have found that my leakage is primarily stress leakage.  When I sneeze, cough or laugh.  Sometimes I feel it when I stand up from a sitting position.

Good luck & keep everyone posted. :-)

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