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Catheter questions - pre-OP and Post
Hello,
I am new to this forum and have read many messages and replies. It seems everyone has a different experience and the conversations reflect that. I am wondering what the catheter experience is regarding post op and I see many leave it in for up to 2 weeks.
My Questions:
1) I thought the catheter had to be removed every day to avoid infection?
2) After 2 weeks are most people generally 'clear'?
3) For pants or pads, what is a geneeral rule most of you follow through the day or night?
I am sure I will have many more questions, my surgery is scheduled for Nov-22
Thank you in advance for any insights,
Gordon
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My post from another thread:
I am 10 weeks post-op. The catheter was a pain in the butt (no, they didn't put it in the wrong place) 🙂
You will get some bladder spasms from time to time. Just be prepared for them and let them happen. Don't fight them, that only makes it worse.
You will bleed from around the tip of your penis a bit. Nothing alarming, but it will be there.
I tried the leg bag, but it was much more trouble than it was worth. I just carried the large bag around in a Target bag.
I also bought inexpensive sweatpants and cut a slit on the left-hand side to put the catheter tube and bag through. You can find them at Walmart or Amazon inexpensively. I used these for the week along with adult incontinence underpants. A side note: I ordered a pair of " pre-slit " sweatpants with velcro, which were a waste of money. Sent them back.
Patience is a big part of having the catheter in. Remember: it's "only" 7 days.
Lubricate the tip of the penis where the catheter is, and don't be afraid to put some in the penis itself. Get a fresh bottle of Vaseline or similar. I used a new tube of triple antibiotic from CVS for this, just in case any little critters wanted to get in there.
Most importantly, we are here for you so if you have any questions, fire away!
Do your Kegels! I had a problem removing my small bag to my evening bag, so they told me I could leave the small one in the entire 9 days. It caused no problems. After removal, I had ZERO incontinence issues! Best wishes.