Catheter Out !

[jammy]

Hi all,

Well 3 weeks post op and the catheter is at last out . Took 3 goes ( "a bit crusty" said the nurse)- not a pleasant experience. However since then the news on the bladder control has been very good . Much better than I expected, with no overnight problems and only a couple of minor leaks over the last 4 days. Can anyone advise if this should be as bad as it gets and with continuing exercise bladder control can only get better, or is there a danger that this is a "false dawn" and there is worse to come around the corner ?

Jammy

[richard]

Glad to here you are doing well after your op.
Good luck for the future

Hi all,

Well 3 weeks post op and the catheter is at last out . Took 3 goes ( "a bit crusty" said the nurse)- not a pleasant experience. However since then the news on the bladder control has been very good . Much better than I expected, with no overnight problems and only a couple of minor leaks over the last 4 days. Can anyone advise if this should be as bad as it gets and with continuing exercise bladder control can only get better, or is there a danger that this is a "false dawn" and there is worse to come around the corner ?

Jammy

[grumpy]

Jammy, it could go either way mate. I was quite dry at first, and also had no problems at night. It stayed that way for a couple of months, but as I got more active, the minor leaks got more frequent. Keep doing the exercises, as they can't do but help. My worst time was going back to work, and starting to lift stuff, but with experience, you get to know how and when to tighten the muscles in preparation for lifting. All other functions returned over time, and life is not bad, if not quite as good as before the op. Good luck with the recovery.

[sillybilly]

It is now 8 years since operation. I am occassionally reminded that I must do my exercises with a small mishap, this is mainly when I do some heavily lifting, but on the hole I forget to do them. Each monday I go out with friends for a drink they are younger than me and they all have go before me and on occassions make the comment with my history why can I hold out so long. The main thing is to do your pelvic exercises in the first year regularly automatically infact. I am sure you will have no trouble and be like me forget to do the exercises, as I have said before.

All the best catheter out and continued dry nights

[jammy]

Thanks to all for the comments and advcie . I will keep up the exercises. Managing long walks every day now , which helps the boredom of sitting around. I meant to ask the doc when I can drive again. Can anyone remember from their experience?

Jammy

[grumpy]

I was told to not drive for 4 weeks I think, but when I asked the doc, he said it was in case I had to do an emergency stop, and put strain on the scar (I think).
Some people say they were driving after a week, but I honestly think they are telling porkies.

[jimbo]

Hi jammy,
I was driving a week afteI had the catheter taken out without any problems, I was never advised on a time not to drive. I am not in such a fortunate position as you being dry alread but I am coping with the dribbles, good luck and hope your progress continues.

jimbo