How to deal with catheter while recovering after prostate surgery?

Without knowing your situation I would hold off on prostate surgery as long as possible. I had mine out. Not the same after. If it is localized do the watchful waiting thing unless it is outside the prostate. Do you own due dilegence.. I am alive 16 years after surgery with not continence issues but ED is the issue. Grateful to be standing pushing 70.

I was lucky to have had 10 days off during recovery. So, I kept the big night bag all the time and did not switch bags. I followed someone’s suggestion and used a small bucket to carry the big bag in it. Did not experience any pain or discomfort. It was easier to empty the big bag once a day. However, I wiped down the catheter twice a day just to make sure it is clean and sanitized. Walking around the house was easier while carrying the small bucket.

Thanks for sharing.

Great tips! Thank you.

What I worry about are #1: infection (UTI) and #2 discomfort and inconvenience. You have great recommendations on addressing both concerns,

With respect to carrying the bag around, I am considering to check out the breakout pants in the coming days, but have already ordered from Amazon a loose pant with a bag inside it to hold the bag and with zippers in front to access the bag for emptying. I will have some idea of if and how that might work when I recieve it.

I am learning a lot from a wonderful group whose members have already gone through the process and are willing and able to help newbies like me what works and doesn't. It is also mentally reassuring to know that carryiing aorund the dreaded cathether is not as bad as I have always imagined it to be.

I did the bucket thing and vowed to never do that again. It was just a nuisance 100% of the time. I mostly used the night bag as well, but did use the leg bag for outings. What I ended up doing the last two days was hang the hook of the bag on my breakaway pant snaps down my leg, 100% more comfortable. I wasn't worry about a leak.

I only had the night bag; was not a problem for me.
I carried or rested the bag in a plastic bucket and walked with it in the house.
My catheter experience was benign; highly recommend daily cleaning and lubricating of tube. Easy to understand online videos, including one from Mayo.
Best wishes.

The catheter is no big deal, really. A few housekeeping things I did made the experience almost unnoticeable, except for when I slept:

• Sterile and lotion infused wet wipes: I used these every time I emptied my leg bag just to keep everything sanitary

• Medical grade lubricant: Again, every time I emptied the leg bag or if the lubricant was drying out. This right at the tip of my penis, where the catheter goes in and on the catheter tube itself kept me from ever having the catheter pull uncomfortably and, in my case, made having an erection much less uncomfortable

• Breakaway pants: A total game changer for being able to manage your catheter, both when you have to maintain it and just for when you are at home and want to be comfortable with the tube running out around your thigh rather than down your leg or over your waistband

@jeffmark often tells about his post-operative time where he was at work pretty soon after RARP, like nothing happened. It seems bizarre, but after having gone through this I could have worked onsite - I wouldn't have wanted to, but I could have. For me, the first few days for mental health and not worrying about anything was just as medicinal as the meds themselves.

Great advice.

Thank you.

I too wish your husband the best possible outcome with the surgery.

My husband is also waiting for surgery and I just want to wish you super successful RARP and zero issues afterwards.
Also, if hiring somebody for help is going to take some weight off your mind and ease your worries just do it ! It is nice to have somebody available even if it is just to have that someone confirm that all looks normal and can bring you food and all other necessities. We should never forget that body heals much faster if our mind is not stressed. Do what will make your life easier and especially if you can afford it - why fret ;).

I hope my experience is similar to yours! If not, I will have to deal with the pain and soreness with neosporene etc.