Any tips for catheter removal day ? : )

My catheter removal day was pretty uneventful. I was prepared with Depends diapers and shields. I remember being nervous about how things would go because of the amount of urine I was filling the big bag with. Surprisingly my control got pretty good quickly and within a couple weeks stopped wearing diapers and just put the shields in with my boxer briefs. Now I only leak when I walk long distances, lift heavy things or cough/sneeze. I will say this, I hated the catheter - I only had it in for 6 days, and it was awesome when it came out.

Can't help with post-surgery stuff because I didn't have surgery, but I did have a catheter during a renal episode. Removal day was a big nothing. It took the nurse longer to put gloves on than to pull the catheter. You guys will be fine. My son sent me a couple pair of my grandson's superman pull ups "just in case"

LOL!!!!
I’m actually surprised my son didn’t do the same for me.

Here's my experience: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/catheter-removal-a-review/

Catheter removal is no big deal. But walking out and realizing that you have zero control (that was at least my case) is very upsetting, even if you mentally expected it.

I agree with the other folks that the catheter removal was a piece of cake. Literally no pain nor discomfort at all. I did take a pair of Depends with me and put them on before leaving. I also remember the NP wanted me to urinate after removal, but I don't recall that being an issue at all. They let my wife be in the room with me during the removal and I appreciated that. Best wishes.

Removal of the catheter wasn't a biggey but around 2:30 am with a full bladder and couldn't not pee was! A trip to the emergency room, long wait for a doctor to insert another catheter was not very pleasant. Just be aware that it can happen!

This is a perfect example of why I don't understand why folks, in this position, or any position that may cause retention, aren't taught to self-catheterize, and sent home with at least a couple day's supply, as a matter of course. It's a very simple process, thwarts a middle of the night emergency room visit, and takes about 5 minutes to learn. I've heard this issue from various guys at the doc's office whether its pre-treatment, post-surgery, or post-radiation. Urine retention can lead to renal failure and death and, yes, that is experience talking. (not the death part, of course 🤣) I actually asked why they don't do it and got the "it's not standard of care" answer. "Urine retention has to happen first." Makes no sense. Do they really think a guy is going to stick a tube up there if he doesn't have to? I get that there are probably some guys that just can't do it but at least give them the option.

Take depends etc as suggested and wear clothes that are loose etc you might want to take a spare pair of pants etc. in case pee gets everywhere. The removal didn't hurt but felt really weird having tubes come out of my wiener. The nurse gave me really clear instructions etc. and gave me a count down, they promised not to yank and went slow. I really wish they would have given me a stressball or something to squeeze etc. After about 20 minutes from removal, I could feel myself relax and my bladder felt better.

After catheter removal could not go on my own so had to use catheters. Had no sensation to urinate so had to time my bladder emptying. Even had to set an alarm at night. Thanks to Flowmax urge to go started at about 1 liter.