I had Robotic Aquablation on 5/8/26
My overnight stay was no problem. Only issue I had was the catheter hurt. Went home on Saturday to obviously have the same catheter pain and then severe gas pain. I wish I would have been told about the gas pain as I expected the catheter to be unpleasant. Thankfully the severe gas only lasted until mid Sunday morning. I did go for at least a 2-4 block walk 8 times between coming home and gas subsiding. Movement is your friend. I had catheter removal scheduled 4 days post op at my GP. Hospital had that scheduled before I had even left. Took the morning off and wasted 5 hrs to be told they wouldn’t do it. After being very angry as the catheter was problematic with clogging. I called the urology clinic with no help, called again that morning and thankfully had it scheduled that afternoon. Scheduled at a clinic 2hrs from me. I was traveling for work so I was literally going to be less than 10 minutes away. Miracle is all I can say. Catheter removal I had hyped up to be much worse than what it was. The healing part after removal has been a little challenging. Started out to be easily manageable, feel the urge I had 5 or so minutes before I would have to be in the restroom. I think some swelling has decreased the following day and it was urge came and there was no waiting. 3rd day today and it’s getting more predictable again!!!
If you are thinking of having this procedure I so far would recommend it. Healing is faster than most procedures, Cather is relatively short stint. I would absolutely suggest asking for a Foley catheter cleaning kit AKA ( syringe that fits and sterile saline) that clogging was the worst and I couldn’t get my hands on the tools. FYI- what worked up until the final night of the catheter was laying down would allow any tissue that was blocking the catheter to fall away and it would drain. If you can’t lay down try to gently stir up the sediment while standing. ( carefully shake around to slosh the urine around) and listen to the weight restrictions and your body.
I have had several people ask me if after a month they could ask seriously personal questions. I think we all know what that is. I said yes, my standpoint on surgery was easy. I didn’t have a choice, I’m 52 and my bladder pressure was insane and my flow was 5ml. If I didn’t do the surgery it would be a catheter the rest of my life. For most men it isn’t so simple to make the call. I think we all should share our experiences with others. I struggled as I’m sure you all did as well. If we can be open and honest with other men so they can maybe make an informed decision on the risks of surgery or not. Too many men out there are living not even close to their best life do to BPH. Let’s work together to help them to decide proper treatment rationally and not deny it out of fear.
My 9 days out there has literally been zero pain or cramping for me. Day 9 I have a similar burning when urinating as I did pre surgery. For me and I don’t know if anyone else is this way the surgical aspect and expecting internal discomfort at a minimum has been truly a 0/10. Catheter discomfort was on average 4/10 sometimes 8/10 when clogged. I was back to work the very next Monday with no issues!!
I will honestly say this, if my situation would have been as most men’s are. I too would have denied surgery out of fear and fear alone.
Healing, recovering and peace my friends!!