On waiting list for op

Hi - I am 12 months post op.  There is so much to share but answering your actual questions:

Pads - you will be offered a choice of NHS ones.  I had the larger size ones and after a few misadventures I cracked how to use them.  One misadventure was walking the dog and the pad slipped out and down my trouser leg.  That meant a change of trousers and a new pad.  You will get a generous supply so don't worry about the odd one that goes wrong.  Two things to be aware of are that when you do go back to driving, don't go long distances (over 30 minutes) as my experience was that as you get out the car, after a long drive, you will empty your bladder all at once and it may overcome the pad.  I always went out with a change of clothing and spare pads.

Rubber sheets - I have been using the one since the op and so far not a single accident so the one was enough, but to be on the safe side maybe get two.  While I had a catheter I did use a puppy pad under my bum as the catheter could leak and this was effective every time.

Coping with a catheter - I had a catheter for 24 days after the op, most only have it for about a week.  It was a real pain as it will move around and mine did leak but never that much.  Take care sitting down as the tube will hit the bladder wall which hurts.  I also had a blood drain for 10 days and if you have one give that the most care as it hurts if you don't control it.  Both the blood drain and the catheter are not too bad when they remove them (done on a day visits to the ward).  Unfortunately, I got a water infection immediately after the catheter was removed and that cost me more than 7 pads a day for three days before it got under control.

A bonus - my operation was in June, I started to regain continence in November and by Christmas I was out of pads.  Everyone is different but it helps to know that the pelvic floor exercises that you should be doing will work.  I did the exercises 4 times a day, every day.  If you haven't been told to do these then look them up online.

I so hope your operation goes well and you have a great recovery.  One last thing, be aware that it can be an up and down experience and I have had three scares for possible spread but am currently clear.

Just to add to Paul65plus1. I only got a few pads. So best to wait and see but be prepared to ask someone to get you some if you find you need them (you may not). Or if that is not an option then you can order them from supermarkets or lots of places on line. I tried lots of different ones but found Tena the best for various reasons. I also had problems after a 30 minute drive and also after a long sit in a chair. I got into the habit of using an empty coffee jar to begin with as I stood up out of a chair indoors and before getting out of the car. I then bought a plastic urine bottle but really the coffee jar was better with the larger opening. I would second a rubber sheet. I have had a few unexpected expiriences and I anticipate using one forevermore, just in case. Keep a bag in the car with pads, wipes, flannel, towel, change of clothes, etc until you know you are ok. I still keep mine in the car but have not needed it for two years.Be prepared to take it easy after the op. Probably no gardening, heavy work, etc for about 6 weeks and you probably wont feel like doing much until the catheter comes out and even then probably only short walks and little work, unless you have to. If the catheter makes you sore ask for some  cream. I asked for some in the hospital,. I forget the name but it numbed the area and I used it until the catheter was removed. Keep doing pelvic exercises. I stopped for a few weeks and I went backwards. Also I have found that coffee with caffine still afects me (tea is ok). Even if I have a couple of mugs in a day now. You may also need to watch alcohol intake. I am nearly 3 years post but still not 100% ok with incontinence. It was a real mental blow and it caused difficulties. But I accepted it a couple of years ago and feel as though I am in control of it and not the other way around. I have absolutely no regrets on choosing the op. Good luck and look forward to hearing about your experience.