Catheter - wearing it, and it's removal

Also see my previous topic: "Going into UCLH for Cryotherapy"

[28th April 2014]
6 days wearing a urethral catheter – uncomfortable, and painful! So, a great relief to have it removed today!
Yesterday felt like I had a fever (probably my body trying to reject the catheter, but controlled by the antibiotics).
Catheter removed today – far less painful than I thought .
Very pleased with initial urine control test results – NO leakage! And 100ml retention was considered ok by nurses, and I think it may improve with time. Passing is quite uncomfortable at the moment, but I know from experience [as after my TPM biopsies] that that will disappear within a few weeks.
And again, a great service from all the staff and nurses at UCLH!

Next test: Prostate MRI on 10th May.

Congrats on becoming "un-tethered". It was a day of great joy for me, and I hope for you too.

-Gedman

Congrats on your cathectomy!
Oh what a relief it is!

Bill from Florida

I'm 3 weeks short of my 5 year anniversary yet I can still recall with total clarity the aftermath of my post surgery catheter removal. The actual removal went smoothly, no problems at all other than the expected start of incontinence - leaking. The true and most painful problem began the next day. When I went to the bathroom for the first time to urinate I found that it was a most difficult experience as the flow was severely constricted. This continued throughout the day. Finally had to call my doc to tell him what was going on. He encouraged me to keep on going as I was. I eventually had to urinate badly and while going I ended up passing a sizable clot of blood. Once that had passed taking a leak was blissful. My point is to be aware that a clot can form and block the passage of urine after having your catheter removed. Good info to know. Trust me.

The most important thing after catheter removal is to continue to void. My husband voided at the doctor's office perfectly, but as the days went by the stream was very weak. A few days later he had really strong pains and the urge to go, but nothing would come out. We ended up in the emergency room and catheter went back in. It took 12 catheters (over a seven month period) and two procedures as outpatient, to get it all working again. We had no clue that this could even happen. As it turns out his body produced scar tissue that got in the way. I felt so bad for him when he had to return to work still wearing a catheter with a leg bag, but he was a trooper. I have not read of this happening to many people, so figured I would share.

It wasn’t the best of times ... I could not wait to have it removed after 10 days.

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