Post aquablation & an overactive bladder

@rolfwi I had aquablation 6 days ago, so I'm now where you were at on November 23, 2025. I am also a very active 70 year old who normally swims 2000 meters 4 days a week and hikes or bikes on the other days of the week. I agree the catheter was awful to contend with but thank goodness that part is over, and although it is disconcerting to continue to see blood and blood clots in my urine, I am fortunate enough to otherwise be healing fast. My number one, biggest concern now is not to be stupid and sabotage my recovery by re-engaging in any of the forgoing physical activities before it is really safe to do so. I want to be very disciplined about it, but I've read a lot of different advice about waiting 2 to 4 to 8 weeks before doing so. What was your experience and how did it turn out? Do you think you could have started up again sooner or should you have waited longer? I think good vigorous exercise is key to a good old age so I want to spend as little time as is prudent being so inactive.

Hello everyone. I had aquablation on 11/17. Catheter for 7 days. The first few weeks were rough due to pain when urinating but I felt a sense of relief in that I thought I found the answer to the problem that had plagued me for years. I am a 42 year old married man with an 8 year old. My OAb symptoms were diagnosed as being because I couldnt empty my bladder due to enlargement. It took two months or so but the pain finally went away when urinating. I had urgency but it wasnt unmanageable. I recommend over the counter Azo if the pain gets real bad which happened to me if I sat in the wrong position too long (near the end of the couch for example). The problem I have now is I feel exactly the same as I did before the procedure. I know we are supposed to wait three months for the bladder to retrain but its back to needing to go every 10 minutes or feeling I could turn right back around before I even leave the bathroom. My anxiety is through the roof. The mental aspect is almost worse than the physical. What if this was all for nothing? Has anyone had aquablation and then needed to seek other treatment as it didnt solve the issue?

@jp20278

After aquablation I continued to have urgency for a several weeks, but not as bad as before the procedure. I was told by my physician to cut out carbonated beverages, caffeine, and alcohol. I don't drink alcohol so that was not a problem. I had been drinking lots of sparkling water. When I eliminated that and drank only tap water, my urgency dropped way off. I also stared Kegel exercises.

Hello everyone. I had aquablation on 11/17. Catheter for 7 days. The first few weeks were rough due to pain when urinating but I felt a sense of relief in that I thought I found the answer to the problem that had plagued me for years. I am a 42 year old married man with an 8 year old. My OAb symptoms were diagnosed as being because I couldnt empty my bladder due to enlargement. It took two months or so but the pain finally went away when urinating. I had urgency but it wasnt unmanageable. I recommend over the counter Azo if the pain gets real bad which happened to me if I sat in the wrong position too long (near the end of the couch for example). The problem I have now is I feel exactly the same as I did before the procedure. I know we are supposed to wait three months for the bladder to retrain but its back to needing to go every 10 minutes or feeling I could turn right back around before I even leave the bathroom. My anxiety is through the roof. The mental aspect is almost worse than the physical. What if this was all for nothing? Has anyone had aquablation and then needed to seek other treatment as it didnt solve the issue?

Hello everyone. I had aquablation on 11/17. Catheter for 7 days. The first few weeks were rough due to pain when urinating but I felt a sense of relief in that I thought I found the answer to the problem that had plagued me for years. I am a 42 year old married man with an 8 year old. My OAb symptoms were diagnosed as being because I couldnt empty my bladder due to enlargement. It took two months or so but the pain finally went away when urinating. I had urgency but it wasnt unmanageable. I recommend over the counter Azo if the pain gets real bad which happened to me if I sat in the wrong position too long (near the end of the couch for example). The problem I have now is I feel exactly the same as I did before the procedure. I know we are supposed to wait three months for the bladder to retrain but its back to needing to go every 10 minutes or feeling I could turn right back around before I even leave the bathroom. My anxiety is through the roof. The mental aspect is almost worse than the physical. What if this was all for nothing? Has anyone had aquablation and then needed to seek other treatment as it didnt solve the issue?

On Dec 19th I had prostate surgery (Aquablation). At first the surgery appeared to be successful. However, I started having some issues soon after. I needed to visit the emergency room. I woke up with complete urinary retention. The head of my penis swelled to the size of a golf ball and the pain was excruciating to say the least. The blockage was so bad that even after four attempts with four various size catheters the nurses could not get a catheter in place even with the hardened tip. Somehow the last attempt at least moved the blockage somewhat so some urine could slowly drain.
They took a urine sample an found blood in the urine and a bladder infection. I just finished taking Keflex 500 Mg. I am in constant pain. I still have continued urinary frequency and am unable to get a good nights rest. I am up at least 6 times during the evening to relieve myself. This isn't counting the number of times during the day. My pain when relieving myself is about a 7 and I have to force the urine from my system. My penis feels bloated and the only way to get the urine completely out is by continually squeezing my penis until it empties. In addition, I am starting to get lower right back pain. I still have two weeks until I get in to see my Urologist.
Is this something I should not be concerned with and just wait it out.

James Roy

On Dec 19th I had prostate surgery (Aquablation). At first the surgery appeared to be successful. However, I started having some issues soon after. I needed to visit the emergency room. I woke up with complete urinary retention. The head of my penis swelled to the size of a golf ball and the pain was excruciating to say the least. The blockage was so bad that even after four attempts with four various size catheters the nurses could not get a catheter in place even with the hardened tip. Somehow the last attempt at least moved the blockage somewhat so some urine could slowly drain.
They took a urine sample an found blood in the urine and a bladder infection. I just finished taking Keflex 500 Mg. I am in constant pain. I still have continued urinary frequency and am unable to get a good nights rest. I am up at least 6 times during the evening to relieve myself. This isn't counting the number of times during the day. My pain when relieving myself is about a 7 and I have to force the urine from my system. My penis feels bloated and the only way to get the urine completely out is by continually squeezing my penis until it empties. In addition, I am starting to get lower right back pain. I still have two weeks until I get in to see my Urologist.
Is this something I should not be concerned with and just wait it out.

James Roy