Post-Op

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Hi,

Well my husband finally had his RALP last Thursday.  We’ve just had the “Well, this time last week….” conversation.  Small streaks of blood in the leg bag the last two mornings after we’ve come back from a walk, but I don’t think that’s anything to worry about.

All went well on the day.  Hone the next day and got used to the routine of catheter management/bag emptying.  Night one I was VERY glad we’d used a bucket (no stand provided) as the valve of the night bag was left open - oops.

Next day a large box arrived that we weren’t expecting containing 30 single use night bags, 10 single use day bags and a stand for the night bags.  He’d already been given a couple of spares of each (reusable) so not quite sure why the money has been spent on this, but better to have than not I suppose.

The night before last the bag was over the 2 litre mark when he woke up (that’s probably about 10pm to 7am).  I’ve suggested he uses this week until the removal to experiment with drinking more earlier in the day and a bit less towards the end of the day as I’m not sure where 2 litres of urine is going to go with poor bladder control!

Despite being told by the hospital not to buy much incontinence stuff in advance, I think we’d both feel more comfortable knowing there is a small quantity of a selection of items so we’re going to look at the options in the local chemist,

I’m not sure if I should ask (at least I can filter the replies) but what’s it like having the catheter removed?  He’s still got a week to go and the anxiety for that experience is already starting to build.

  • 'I can absolutely assure you that having a catheter removed is a doddle! I was a registered nurse before I retired and could almost say I’ve removed more catheters than hot dinners! Unless catheters have been changed since I retired, there is a balloon around the tip of the catheter where it enters the bladder. Once inserted the balloon is blown up by sterile water or saline and this is what stops the catheter from slipping out. To remove the catheter, this water is drained out and the catheter literally slips out with the slightest of effort. If I had nervous patients ( more often men because their catheters are longer) I often used to drain the water from the balloon and ask them if they wanted to do the pulling themselves. That seemed to work well.

    i have never, though, removed a catheter from a patient having a prostatectomy but am prepared to stand corrected if it is somewhat different to how I have described! 

    good luck!

  • Hi  

    That's quite an inspiring story and it looks like all is going very well. Long may it continue.

    As for the catheter, I had an indwelling catheter for 10 months awaiting a TURP operation. I had a routine catheter change every 12 weeks - my anxiety levels rose towards week 12..................

    however - no problem, no pain, one out, one in in 5 minutes  The nurse got me on my back, had a bit of a clean round, drained the balloon down and just said "deep breath" - I could feel something but it was out in 5 seconds - and it's painless.

    Hope this helps.

    Best wishes - Brian.

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  • Thank you, that is reassuring.  

  • I get my incontinence stuff from Incontinence choice they are very good and cheaper than anywhere else. Catheter removed after 10 days wasn't too bad. Slight sharp pain on removal.

  • Yes like the comment earlier  having a catheter removed is a doddle

    had my prostrate removed 6 months ago (key hole) and I must say it was no problem at all

    couple of weeks later had my catheter removed 

    I was worried a little

    but there was no need

    no problem at all 

    they sine me up for a ongoing monthly supply of pads so save me money 

    6 months later I don’t need them 

    fully controlled Right facing fist tone1

    had my PSA tested

    and shocked to say my constituent range me to say

    I was very lucky I had a very aggressive cancer and he managed to cut all around it and it is now 0.025 Right facing fist tone1Right facing fist tone1

    in my mind it was the best decision to have it removed once and for all 

    hope this will help anyone 

    dont worry be happy 

    age 72 quite fit for mr age happy days 

  • Very reassuring indeed thank you