Post operative urinary retention

i had a similar issue, and the thought was to do a TURP operation. However, we did a Bladder test 1st to see if the bladder can push urine out. My bladder was weak, so the choice was to do TURP and try pushing or live with a catheter. In my case i picked Cathing as TURP can have other side effects that I did not want to deal with right now. I am 70 and healthy and very active,,,

@ellenru I am female (so no experience with prostate issues). Never had a hip replacement either. What I have experienced was a couple of abdominal surgeries about 20 years ago (other long story). These resulted in fairly long periods of catheterization. When the catheters were removed I experienced a period of urine / bladder retention. I was told that my bladder just needed to wake up and start working. I was put on increased fluids and given a supply of adult diapers and disposable bed pads. When it did wake up I had incontinence troubles for a bit. Then I needed a crash course in potty training! I don’t know what TURP is so I recommend asking a lot of questions about all the proposed options available to help you.

I had a complex urogynacological surgery. Released from hospital with indwelling/foley catheter. After failing 2 bladder function tests was given disposable straight line catheters to use. Only minimal guidance given: to use about 5 times a day. Asked surgeon if there were any guidelines, instructions, esp. written, to follow to promote more self voiding and the answer given by her nurse was negative. Keeping a self-catheterizing diary and sending to surgeon weekly but the only comment the surgeon made is that I may need a surgical repair. Well, I developed an upper extremity DVT from the IV site, am on Eliquis and may need referral to vascular surgeon so surgery is not an option at this time. I have been reading a lot online but getting suggestions like relax, listen to running water, smell peppermint, etc. surely there is more that I can do! Any comments? Please.

@cehunt57 How long did your bladder retention last? I am 5 weeks past surgery and can self-void a little but then need to cath. Has anyone recovered after such a long time?

@martha26 that was going on 21 years ago! As I can recall the initial post surgical bladder/urinary retention problem was 1 - 2 weeks. Once I got rid of the catheter, got back to eating & drinking normally and gradually increased walking exercise things worked out.
How are you doing regarding the DVT and do I understand correctly that you ended up having vascular surgery that you are now 5 weeks out from having? It sounds like that is your top priority. If it were me the bladder issues would be a secondary concern. Have you expressed these concerns to your providers? What do they think?