Catheter and other post op questions

Hello Amnesiac, sorry to hear about your catheter issues. Some tips but forgive my bluntness in some rather intimate comments!

1. You must be sure to be gently and slightly pulling the foreskin back and cleaning all around the catheter with cooled boiled water and swab.

2. there is no need to fear the catheter coming out! Make sure the nurse withdraws all the water from the balloon which keeps the catheter in place first! Then you can either let him or her slip the catheter out or even pull it out gently yourself. I often used to ask my patients if they wanted to do it themselves as it gave them a sense of control. I have removed or supervised the removal of so many catheters and NEVER had anyone say it hurt!

3. the fact that you are damp , if it is a urine dampness, is because the urine is bypassing the catheter. Perhaps worth mentioning to your nursing team?

4. I have never nursed anybody after prostatectomy. However, after any surgery, the aim is to get patients mobilising as soon as possible  - if only a gentle ‘shuffle’. This helps to prevent post surgery complications such as chest infections or blood clots. I’m sorry I can’t be more specific about abdominal muscles etc

5. re leg bags. If you are positioning it on your lower leg, have you tried using two straps - one above knee and one below?

hth and good luck

Thanks for getting back WW. Sorry, my post wasn’t very clear. I meant I was concerned about the catheter coming out by itself. No real reasons to think it will, I think I just need to secure it better with top leg strap. 
I don’t really have a ‘nursing team’ - this forum is as close as I get to that - just wanted to know if others had experienced a small spurt when getting up and down from a chair. Thanks again for your suggestions. 

Hello Amnesiac, thanks for clarification. I have been retired for some time but when I was working all catheters had a balloon around the end that sits within the bladder. Once the catheter is inserted, the balloon is blown up with sterile water or saline. This stops the catheter from slipping out - hence my comment about making sure the water/saline is withdrawn from the balloon by means of a syringe going into a little bung at the other end of the catheter!  I have very occasionally come across a patient who has pulled the catheter out - either intentionally or by accident- without deflating the balloon. The thought of that makes my eyes water:) with your bag strapped etc I think it is very very unlikely this will happen to you given your slow pace of movements right now, the support strap and your anxiety about it:)

Hello Amnesiac - As you may be aware I had an indwelling catheter for over 10 months and all that Worriedwife has said is correct. In addition:

* Ensure any leg straps go BEHIND the pipework not OVER it.

* When changing bags don't be frightened to put them on tight - you may have to fight to get them off but it's worth it for the security.

* Always have 2 straps on the leg bag.

I hope this helps - it will soon be gone.

Best wishes - Brian.

Perfect. Thanks WW feel immediately more confident. 

Cheers Brian. Great advice as usual. Just done the first change - thought it was never coming off- seems to be working fine. Enjoy Turkey 

Happy Days.  Yes I used to push my bags on so hard it was a great effort to split them for a change - but then with a new bag - it was like having had a shower- you feel clean.

The rain has just gone and the sunshine has arrived so it’s off to our local bar - purely to get my 2000 steps in each way!!  There was a point I wondered if we would be able to go on holiday with a catheter. Flying was an “interesting” experience!!  I must confess sometimes I miss it!!

Best wishes- Brian

It isn't unusual for those abdominal muscles to still have pain seven days out. It just takes time to heal. Don't try to work those muscles much if it causes pain. Don't try to lift much of anything until there is less pain. Trying to do too much too soon will set you back. Ask me how I know. 

If you have a sneeze coming or need to cough, put a pillow on your belly and press up against an end wall or hug your wife. This saved me from much pain.

Things will be much better for you in a couple weeks.

Hi Amnesiac . I am following your progress and rooting for you . Your numbers are almost identical to mine so I guess we are fellow travellers. I am due up on the 20th . All sorts of mixed emotions but essentially trying to stay positive with support of family. I hope all goes well in coming days and weeks and we will both be up and at it by Summertime. 

Thanks Stampede. Absolutely agree with your cough/sneeze thing and love your suggested actions to avoid pain - fantastic advice