How to deal with catheter while recovering after prostate surgery?

I can see the benefits of Velcro vs adhesive from the perspective of ability to adjust. Also, it is easier to remove without possibly taking your skin with it. But in our situation (post prostate surgery), I believe we need to use a leg bag or a night bag since the urine has to collect somewhere. I just can’t see (or don’t understand) how a valve can replace the bags.

Thanks @windrider354 . You have provided lots and lots of tips based on years of experience with catheters!

I need to re-read carefully so I can formulate my questions.

Although I have not had prostate surgery, I do have an indwelling Foley catheter for a bladder problem indirectly related to my enlarged prostate. I have been wearing Foley catheters for over two years and have done a lot of trial and error experiments to find what works best (for me). I started like most people with a leg bag, an adhesive "stat-lok" to keep strain off the proximal catheter and a night bag.
I soon decided that the adhesive thing is a bad idea. If it isn't in just the right place you can't change it. I swapped it for an elastic strap with velcro. But the thin ones slide down on your leg, so if you use one get a wide version. One inch should work.
But the most important change I made was to start using a valve on the end of the catheter. I have been getting the Ugo brand from Amazon. (Clever name). It is life changing. You can wear it 24 hours. It just tucks up in your underwear. I like snug fitting boxer briefs which keeps the catheter and valve from moving around. No bags. No elastic straps. Wear whatever you want.
My routine is to change the valve once a month and go in for a catheter change every three months. ( I know - most urologists recommend every 4-6 weeks but a CDC infectious disease panel recommends NOT changing catheters at prescribed intervals, but only if there is an indication - like a UTI). I have not had any infections in 2 1/2 years. With regard to the question about sitting on a toilet, I double a long piece of toilet paper to hold under the catheter and prevent it from touching any part of the toilet. Don't know if this is necessary, but I figure that is the location most prone to contacting bacteria.
Hope this helps some people. Happy to answer any questions.

Hi @josephtj :

In re-reading your response I have a qustion about your comment: " I go to toilet myself, put the leg on the closest, European." Could you elaborate, specially about the comment of putting the leg on the closet, European?

Thanks,

Thanks @josephtj . It is very helpful. Given all the responses I have received and videos I have watched , I have changed my mind about the necessity of hiring a nurse to help me change bags. And I plan to do it by following all the instructions to avoid infection.

After the surgery I am now have the bag. After one day in ICU, I walked. The leg bag is very convenient. I go to toilet myself, put the leg on the closest, European. There is button, press it, the urine go out, press button opsite side to close. It is very easy. It requires no one's help.

Thanks for sharing. It helps me better understand what ot expect and how to prepare.

If you can afford it, I think having a nurse helping the first few days after surgery is a great idea, Everyone reacts differently, but I can tell you you that the way the catheter is placed and attached it will not come out unless you pull it like if you try to start a lawnmower 😊. I got my catheter only for 5 days, and my only complaint was not with the catheter itself, but what the nurse did before removing it, she connected the end that was attached to the bag to a 60cc syringe full of saline , then proceeded to fill out my bladder to test for leakage, and flush the urethra, I am telling you, I saw stars,it was like peeling on reverse.
But at the end she un-inflated the ball that was holding the catheter inside de penis-urethra conection
and I felt NOTHING when the catheter was out , I started peeing by gravity inside a urine collection container , then right after I was peeing with more control, until I was completely empty, What a relief!!!! I used a men diaper to go home from the doctors office, but no leaks.
Best of luck, and let us know how things go with you🙏🏻

Good to know. Thanks. I stop worrying.

This is not an issue. The tubing just sticks out the front of the bowl. I never even noticed it was an issue and I had the thing in for two weeks.