How to deal with catheter while recovering after prostate surgery?

Thanks. Very helpful.

I found it easier to change bags while standing in the shower. Wash your meatus area good, a little antibiotic cream, also. You'll get used to it in a few days. I was fearful of it being removed, but that was relatively painless.

Thanks for sharing catheter care tips as well as for your recovery update :).

Those are great news and very encouraging. May your recovery continue to be this successful and as fast in the following weeks !

It is interesting that in all articles and care tips I never before encountered advice about tube and bag care - one would expect that part to be a mandatory segment of any post-op care instructions (?!).

I have a biology background and took microbiology so know that sterilization is important. Yes, you should clean the bags, I used a bleach solution, and wipe down any surfaces like end of the tubes before connecting. And keep the tube clean. Others here spoke of lubricating the penis tip and some use antibiotic ointment like Neosporin. My doctor said Vaseline is fine. Even in spite of all that, I still got a UTI which I understand happens in 2-3% of cases. The whole procedure and recovery is quite invasive allowing for bacteria to find their way in. The UTI caused some pain and spasms for a few days but antibiotics helped. Just having the Foley catheter in your bladder, along with the trauma to the entire area, upsets the whole system for a while. Everyone recovers differently. I'm glad for time off and the ability to work from home. I'm a 2.5 weeks post surgery and today was a good day - stayed completely dry! Even had a few hints at natural erections without starting Viagra yet. But it takes work to do kegels, stay clean, eat right, keep bowels regular (very important given location of rectum - don't strain).

Anyone contemplating this surgery should have a complete understanding about what's going to happen and how to prepare and recover. I'm glad to have the cancer out. My pathology came back worse than biopsy and my dad was diagnosed and treated at age 58. It was a good decision for me.

No, I don’t mind at all. This is a forum to ask questions, provide answers, exchange ideas among all of us.

I too have seen videos where medical personnel request that we clean the ends of the tubes with alcohol or other cleaners. It is also my understanding the hospital will send the patient with a bag full of needed cleaning supplies.

Sorry to jump in here with additional question, but it is about catheter care also , I hope that Soli would not mind.

I just finished watching one video about catheter care and they said that between each bag change one has to clean tubing and a bag with vinegar/water solution or bleach/water solution.
Is that the correct procedure ? If yes, would hospital provide a big syringe for rinsing tubing or I need to buy it.

Also they mentioned adhesive "stat lock" for catheter. Does hospital provide extra ones or I should make sure I have a spare one at home ?

Thanks in advance < 3

My catheter bag came with an ankle strap. I wear somewhat loose fitting black Levi’s And I went from one client‘s office to another with that thing strapped to my leg for over a week and no one ever knew. It’s really not that difficult.

Amazon delivered my pant with concealed pockets for catheter bags (one on each side) and with zipper access for easy drainage. I tried it on and I kind of like it and I believe it will allow me to walk outside my house with no one noticing the bag. The only challenge - which I think I will manage - is to put the pant on without my legs ending up in the catheter bag pockets which happened several times!

My diagnosis is intermediate unfavorable risk category due to my relatively high PSA. The guideline from the American Cancer society and others recommend definitive treatment in such cases unless one has other serious illnesses which are likely to kill the person before the prostate cancer. Given my good general health expected life expectancy, I am leaning towards definitive treatment instead of active surveillance as recommended by my urologist. But I have and continue to seek second and third opinions from different doctors and institutions to make sure I am making the best decision which as of now is surgery.

I can understand the frustration but both me and my husband would be eternally grateful if we end up with your results - 16 years with no other issues but ED ! But, I guess once one is free of cancer one tends to redirect attention on other problems. I know that we will not, though. We wold be feeling blessed like no person on Earth if there is no BCR in 5 years, not to mention 16 ... *sigh