Inactive bladder with NO elasticity remaining

I had a Eurolift, however, my Bladder was stretched before that operation. Since the operation, the bladder stopped completely . I went to Penn to see if there was something to do to get Bladder working again even if it's not 100%. The answer was "NO" other than wait as it might come back by itself OR do a Turp surgery with some sort of stimulator in the lower back. My question to the group is - has anyone had a dead bladder that came back or has heard of other methods in trying to get it working?

Everything I know (that's not much since I am not a doctor) isas you were told, that is NO.
And I will NOT resort to surgery for a MAYBE better situation (until I am convinced otherwise). So...self cathing is my only way to "go". I'm in it for the long haul! I'm 72 and plan to hit the century mark. Damn, that's a whole lot of catheters 😉

When you have no other way to empty your bladder, you accept the fact that it's a means to an end and deal with it. There's absolutely no pain. I kid with the medical folks about having to get used to peeing through a straw" (they seem to get a kick out of that). It's inconvenient, no doubt, but for me it's much better than strapping a bag to my body for cathing. For me, THAT"S apalling. Plus I've been a group fitness instructor and personal trainer for 40 years (I'm 72 now), and the self cathing is the only way for me to keep my exercise routine. If in fact you have to begin with self cathing (which means you will always be self cathing as far as I understand it), you'll likely get used to it in the short term. Because of my "medical experience" (another story), I get upset every time I insert the damn thing to pee, but it has nothing to do with the task "at hand". 🙂

I use a lubricated, straight tip "14 FR" (I think that's the diameter) catheter. And I believe it's 14 inches long. Preventing UTI's? I make sure that I wash my hands and penis before using. So far (knock on wood), no problems. And regarding the (for sure) embarrassing aspect, I think it was more on me to shed the secrecy. I found that my close friends are very understanding/empathetic which makes it easier to use the facilities when I'm out with them, or visiting their home.
From me, I'd like to know how you all know that you've basically been successful emptying your bladder. As I mentioned in a previous post, sometimes the flow simply stops abruptly (making me think that my bladder is not fully empty), and when SLOWLY removing it there is no more to come ou. Then other times the flow goes from strong, then mild, then when SLOWLY removing it smaller/weaker flow to dripping (which makes me think that for sure my bladder is empty). What are other experiences like?

I had a bladder diverticulum some years ago and my bladder doesn’t tell me I have to go until it has 400 to 500 ml in it! Then I can go but only empty’s about 100 to 200 MLS. , because the muscles in the bladder aren’t strong. I use a pocket catheter which is easy to carry and it is also self lubricated. At night I instill acetic acid solution or a probiotic to keep me from getting UTI’s.

Thanks very much for sharing your experience. I have no indication of your gender, but I’m not sure I could accurately identify my fairly well-hidden urethral opening. I find myself wondering if it isn’t easier for males because of the more obvious anatomical access. Any observations from other women will be greatly appreciated. I’m currently satisfied with my ability to empty using a combo of ( diminishing) muscle control, gravity and positioning my upper body and torso to apply natural pressure to the bladder area. I’ve also started doing Kegels every day, which should help?

Thanks so much for your response, and you guessed it, my gender is male. So I have no idea about the self cathing process/experience for a woman (as well as the frequency/number of females compared to males that are required to self cath).
I would say that any measures available to you that can prolong your ability to empty your bladder using the "tools" that you were born with is a win-win. And it sounds like you are doing all the right things (especially exercise/Kegels) to facilitate your ability to empty your bladder in a natural manner. I too would be interested in hearing how mandatory self cathing is dealt with by women, given the differences in our anatomy.
Unfortunately, there are no exercises that can be done (I'm assuming both genders) to strengthen the bladder once it has lost its ability to function (lord knows I've asked/researched).

Catheters have come along way! Most are self lubricating and no pain associated with it!

How do you know how many ml you have in your bladder at any given time? And a pocket catheter? Interesting, how does that work?

YES, DEFINITELY!!! PLEASE!