Catheter Removal time

Varies greatly from person to person.

I am still not completely continent, 4.5 months after surgery.  Been at one pad a day and counting for over a month....actually a fraction of a pad, but a pad nevertheless.

Some have no incontinence at all, some days, most weeks.

Frank1205,
having the catheter out was an unusual feeling....quick and while not painful, it was an uncomfortable and peculiar experience. As for continence, the early weeks seemed as though every time I moved about I leaked but it started a marked improvement from about week 4. Eight months later I am to all intentional purposes completely continent, only loosing a little on really heavy physical exertion particularly lifting really heavy objects. I had no urinary problems before surgery either.

Cath removal is NOT a big deal. It does not hurt...feels weird is the only thing I can say. NOTHING like getting the Jackson-Pratt drain removed from your side. It is over sooooo fast...then it feels soooo good to be rid of that stupid thing. I was able to hold urine right away - that is different than being continent, however. Some guys are not able to hold their urine it all and it just pours out. I leaked a bit, but was able to get to the bathroom and truly enjoyed the first day or so of just peeing like normal. It is such a little thing that we take for granted. I still leaked, but was dry at night from the first day. I was down to one pad a day at 4-5 weeks, then pad free about 9-10 weeks. I did a really bad job with Kegels. I still have an ocassional "oops" moment, but it is just a drip down my shorts, no big deal...not enough to leak through. Heck, every old man leaks in his pants, so who cares? We were headed there anyway.

Frank,

No, I did not have urination problems before surgery.

I DID have constant leakage the entire 22 days that I wore the catheter, which made wearing it that much more of a nuisance.

Yes, I took antibiotics for a couple of days after removing the catheter, as I recall.

Good luck.

Hi Frank,

Yes... agreed it is a very strange sensation.  My surgeon just warned me that it was about to happen, then she released the bulb and away it went! 

Very weird feeling as it snaked through, but it was quick and so satisfying to get rid of the catheter, that I didn't mind it one bit!

I did not have any problems keeping dry at the doc's office.  You might ask a nurse before you go if they have pads on hand in the office.  My doc had several varieties on-hand so I didn't have to bring a thing.  Usually they are prepared to help you get to your car in a dry fashion.

I'd suggest not to buy a bunch of pads at first, perhaps get some samples from the doc until you know what your "leakage experience" will be.  I found that I needed the pads much more in the daytime compared to sleep time.

By doing Kegels faithfully, I was much better (not perfect) in another three weeks time.

KEGELS link

You should do fine.

Kind regards,

Greetings, Frank.  I went to the surgeons office on the appointed day to have my staples removed and the catheter taken out.  The doctor came in and gave me the pathology report indicating there were no margins and everything was great on the report.  Then he left and the nurse started in - she asked me to remove my pants and gave me a "modesty panel".  I told her "Mam, I lost all modesty several weeks ago" so she just went about her business.  She removed my staples - absolutely painless and a very pleasant surprise.  I think there were 28 of them.  Then she took the fluid out of the bulb and before I knew what was happening she jerked and it was gone.  What a relief!  I really didn't feel much at all.  She had a pad for me to wear home.  We had bought a package of depends and a package of pads.  I never wore a depends and only wore a pad for the first three days.  After that I have been pad free - I do leak very infrequently and usually it is from exertion.  I have learned I can't lift anything over just a few pounds or I need to be ready to leak a little.  Overall I am very pleased with the incontinence issues. 

You will do great - just be patient.  The pads aren't the end of the world if you have to wear them for awhile. Before you know it you will be out of them - everyone is different.  There is no right or wrong but just what is right for you.  David

When they took out my catheter , I didn't know whether I should hit the nurse or hug her , it was quick and somewhat weird, the first 2 days I leaked alot and seemed like I always had to go. If i was just sitting or sleeping it was fine , but if I walked I would soak a pad in 2 miles , that was foe about a week 

   but after that it got better fast and I was running in a month with not much leakage. I wore a pad for about 6 weeks but it was mostly for just in case.

I still can leak a little if i exert, but I have been pad free for10 months . my surgery one year anniversary is next week.

One thing to remember, if you drink alcohol  make sure you empty your bladder before you go to bed. It seems that if I have had a few beers and go to sleep without waiting awhile I can wet myself.

Hopefully things go well for you

Oh yes, saying "Goodbye to my old friend, "Mr Catheter".

This was one of my highlights of the whole experience. Very little discomfort when they took it out, and it felt like I was given my freedom.

I've been fairly stable with 1 pad during the day, and 1 pad at night (which I use for preventive reasons only). Worst times is when I'm fairly active around the house, or when I'm on the treadmill...then I sometimes have to go to a 2nd pad - it is rare, but it does happen.

Mentally, it can get discouraging, because you want to be totally dry - but I know, "BE PATIENT!!!