Aquablation: Post-surgery expectations

The Serratia was probably around month 3. I had a more minor infection at the start of month 2. I really do believe it was the probiotic yogurt that helped cure me. When I went to my six week surgery follow-up I was completely bug free.

I had Aquablation surgery on 3/16/26. I am still using a catheter. This is in fact the 4th catheter I've had inserted post surgery. My prostate size was 55cc before surgery. Almost everything I had read about Aquablation has been positive. unfortunately for me, it's still a work in progress. I did not know much about all the prostate treatment options, but I do now. The doctor mentioned 3 options to me Green Light, Aquablation, and Urolift. He did not elaborate much on the Urolift. In retrospect, I would have chosen another of the many options out there.
Here is a timeline of my procedure so far:
3/16 - Aquablation, overnight hospital stay
3/17 - Cleared by the doctor to have the catheter removed (my urine had very little blood) and go home. Told to return by 4pm to the office if I could not Urinate. Could not urinate, so went to the office and the assistant inserted catheter #2 and told to come back the follwowing week.
3-23 - Passed the void test and the catheter removed. I thought I was home free. But then could only pass a small amount of urine each time I went and it didn't get any better. Went to the E/R. showed 300mL in the bladder and catheter #3 inserted. Next day called the Dr. Office and they scheduled me for another post void test.
3-26 - Passed the void test and went home was able to pass small amount of urine, any where from a 50-150ml. (I measured my output and my input so I would have an idea what was in my bladder). Frequency for me was 20min to an 1 1/2 hr. The Dr. assistant told me to go no less than every 2 hours at night, so I set my alarm and did so. This went on for 4 days and did not get better, got worse on the last day.
3-29 - Another trip to the E/R. and another Catheter (#4). Ultrasound showed 480mL retention.
3-31 - Dr. office appt. Saw the Nurse Practitioner this time. New appt set next week for another catheter removal and post void test.
4-07 - Passed test and catheter removed. This day I had the strongest stream and amount voided, but it slowed down starting that night.
4-09 - Another E/R trip, same story. Catheter #5

I'm going to summarize from here because this is already long:
3 trips to the E/R for catheters.
3 Post void test at the Dr.'s office. I passed all 3 for the amount voided, but the first 2 with mostly a dribble ( the assistant was only there to remove catheter and do the test and that's all. No feedback of any kind allowed.)
I have not seen the Dr. since the day after surgery. I'm schedule to see the actual urologist on 4-17. maybe he will want some feedback from me. For instance, every catheter the E/R inserted, they had difficulty with an obstruction. Also, my stream getting slowly worse and not better after initial catheter removal. I'm to the point where I'm drained physically and emotionally.
I'm looking forward to my appt and also very anxious that I'll get the same routine again with no further evaluation.
I only saw this Doctor because my PCP recommended him. Do your homework before deciding on a procedure and the same for choosing a urologist.

I will update after my upcoming appt.

@icorus1959 thank you for sharing this info. A Serratia uti is not common and usually associated with a hospital procedure like placement of an indwelling catheter. Thats how i got mine. Can you think of how you might have acquired yours?

The concern you portray is valid. The operation is fairly new but the results are long term. The post op can be difficult. You have to learn to urinate correctly. The catheter can ruin your aim. In my case urgency is a problem. I feel the need to go and as I get near the bathroom it becomes critical. The john visit can be a trickle or a stream.
But it gets easier as time goes by and if you know anyone who gone the way of cancer issues. You will feel you made the best choice.
Seako

@connect4321 The shower. If you see a yellow-rust in the corners of your bathtub or shower, it is Serratia. I had an indwelling catheter for 4 months...it was changed three times. The catheter gave a point of entry...but pretty sure the bacteria came from showering.

@icorus1959
I see. Thank you.

@icorus1959
I just had a followup culture done to see if I still had serriata in my urine following treatment for my uti. Turns out I do still have the bug in large numbers but I am know asymptomatic. When this happens guidelines say dont retreat unless symptoms return and a few other reasons. Im curious, did you have your urine rechecked following treatment for your serriata m uti?

Yes...when I did my six week follow-up, I was bug free. Stonyfield Probiotic yogurt. I mixed it with Grainberry Toasted Oats for breakfast. You want the good bugs to force out the bad bugs. My urologist had me on Levofloxacin at 500 MG for 3 days prior to surgery. I can't imagine any situation where large numbers are a good thing.

@icorus1959
Thank you for your reply. My strain of serriata is a tricky one. I was put on a seven day course of cipro. I see my dr today to discuss. Sorry for all the questions but its helpful to connect with someone else who was in my position. Did they reculture before your procedure? Im curious if the probiotics maybe helped clear yours up. Im taking them now too.
They would have to clear mine up before any future procedure.

@connect4321 I was still infected when I had surgery. My doctor did 5 operations that day. The other 4 went to the orthopedics ward. I was placed in the surgical ward in quarantine. Yogurt...not pills. You want live cultures. Cipro didn't do anything for me...that's why I was on Levofloxacin. Not sure it's possible to fully recover while you're on a catheter.

More than happy to give you my number if you want to speak