Finally got date for surgery - anything I should buy for post surgery catheter care?

Hello Matthew (Tenrickf8fe78) 

I am still the proud owner of 95% of my prostate (the NHS has taken a few bits!) but I did have an indwelling catheter for 10 months for other reasons - my advice:

* Always ensure any leg straps are secured behind any pipework not over it.

* If you are using a night stand (A bucket is just as good) secure the bag at the top with a couple of large bulldog type clips otherwise you will be woken at 4.00 am when the semi full bag drops off the stand.

* Keep everything clean. Every day wash with cooled boiled water the pipe between the top of the catheter and where it enters your penis - poll back your foreskin to clen under it - there will be debris.

* You only have it for 10-14 days so some track suit bottoms are a perfect fit to cove it up.

Yes you will find it strange but it's there to do a job - to be honest after 10 months I was sorry to see mine go as it was becoming part of me.

Good luck with the operation and remember to do your pelvic floor exercises.

Best wishes - Brian.

Many thanks Brian for the sound advice.

As you say, it will only be for a relatively short time. I have my pre-surgery appointment next Friday (not my pre-anaesthetic appointment which I had back in September) and I understand catheter care is one of the areas that will be covered.

I am Stage 2 but have cruciform architecture hence the need for surgery as otherwise might have got away with active surveillance.

I am anxious having never had major surgery before, but should man-up as my 79-year old brother just recently had surgery for bowel cancer diagnosed on the same day as my prostate cancer. He is recovering well and avoided a stoma. He called me twice when he was coming round after the operation, sounding a little drunk.

Matthew

Hello Matthew

I am a wimp when you talk of surgery and needles and indeed the only general anesthetic I have had was 40 years ago to remove a toe nail - everything else has bee either local or epidural anesthetic. Indeed I am not a fan of prostate surgery as I see far too many men opt for it without researching all the possible side effects.

In your case I can see why surgery has been recommended and I wish you well with it. It wasn't an option for me as with my initial high PSA and "dodgy MRI" it was thought my cancer would have already gone "walkabout" (click on my name or avatar for details). If it was an option it would have been a "No".

Best wishes - Brian.

Hi Matthew.  I’m post op 3 months.  My advice for what’s it’s worth is.   Get a cat litter tray for night bag.   Some calamine lotion for the leg straps.   Some antiseptic wipes if your doing the injections     

Also.  I understand you will be anxious and surgery isn’t for everyone     My journey is on my profile and millebob ( bri ) helped massively.     Since surgery and after TWOC I was pad free immediately  and I put that down to pelvic floor exercises and the surgeons skill      I’ve been really lucky and had my recent post op pathology which was undectabls  psa and negative margins.    If I can help anymore let me know.   Cheers.  Simon  

I didnt get on with a night stand.l found a “sink caddy” at Dunelm for about £3.50 which is essentially a small rectangular bucket but with a lid.I made a slight modification by cutting a hole in the rim of the lid to allow the tube in and the lid shuts. It works well and is handy for emptying.I have had no problems with the straps in daily use,and you are advised not to use them in bed.

What does the calamine lotion do?

I got a rash from the rubbed on the straps so I used calamine lotion which eased it 

Rubber 

Thanks. My husband is having HIFU in December so I'm stocking up on things.