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Posted 5/21/2009 8:22 PM (GMT 0)
Hi
Looks like a great place to get information. I'm post op 5 days. The catheter is difficult to deal with and hopefully out by Monday. I don't have much sensation urinating. Just seems to happen. Is that normal? Also, my dr. wants me not to walk, said to stay still and mellow out (which is difficult for an EverReady Bunny). Seems to contradict advice given to most others.
Posted 5/21/2009 8:32 PM (GMT 0)
Mikey13, Welcome to this site. I am a new member also, but I have been monitoring the posts for a while. The wealth of information out there as well as the support from the veteran members is incredible. Catheter is a pain, but you'll get through it. I did not have control or even sensation of urinating with catheter in and for a while after it came out. I walked around, but not much - catheter made it difficult. Greg
Posted 5/21/2009 8:47 PM (GMT 0)
Yes, the cath is a great bother. A nurse told me that the appointment to have a cath out is the one appointment that nobody forgets.

You shouldn't have any feeling of urination because all that is now inside a rubber tube. Do note what others have said about keeping the tip of your p**nis lubricated.

I don't understand the no walking. Generally they try to get you walking in the hospital within a few hours of the operation. Either you misunderstood or there is something quite special about your case. Be a nuisance -- call your doctor's office and ask
Posted 5/21/2009 9:01 PM (GMT 0)
If your doctor is definite about the no walking, then follow his advice -- he may have tailored it for your circumstances.

But most of us here were and are encouraged to walk. I went for daily one hour walks (not my usual pace!) with the catheter still in place.
Posted 5/21/2009 10:50 PM (GMT 0)
Greetings, Mikey.  Welcome to the forum.  I found the catheter to be a royal pain although as my wife (who is a nurse) said - you needed it and it helped you.  I never knew when I was going - it just happened.  One of my favorite days in my life was getting the catheter out.  Make sure you do keep it lubed well where it enters your body!  My doctor told me to take short walks every couple of hours in the house and if the weather was nice I could go outside.  Only ventured out one time while I had the cath in but after it was gone started walking more.  Please keep us posted on how you are doing.  David
Posted 5/21/2009 11:13 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Mikey,
Welcome to HealingWell. When I arrived here I found the brotherhood (and sisterhood) to be amazing. There is a lot of caring and compassionate support going on here. I was able to walk with the catheter in. In doing so I learned it was best done with tight briefs to hold the catheter still. And loose pants like sweats. I did ok. But like our friend Piano says, do what your doctor suggests. If he'd like you to take it easy, then take it easy. In short time this whole part of this will be a memory. Stay with us, and mostly stay positive. A good attitude will go a long way.

Peace,

Tony
Posted 5/21/2009 11:15 PM (GMT 0)
Mikey13, glad you found us. I agree with Geezer99. Call your doctor to verify your are clear with his / her instructions on walking. It seems that many of us were encouraged to walk but You may have a special circumstance. Call your doctor to be sure. yeah
Posted 5/22/2009 1:04 AM (GMT 0)
 

    Mikey 13,

  

    Something doesn't seem kosher here. Usually the physical activity starts

 soon after you reach your bed. (post- op)  Some form of compression stocking

 is in place (perhaps hooked up to a pneumatic device that sort of kneads or

 or massages the legs). You are instructed to wiggle your toes & twirl your ankles.

 When you are up to it they unhook you and get you on your feet do a few laps 

 around the nurses station or up & down a corridor, You return to bed, get hooked 

 again and after some time repeat the drill. You increase your trip distances & times

 with each outing and after all tests check good (urine samples, physical etc) plus

 a bowel movement or gass passage the attending MD will let you go.This proceedure

 or something like this is performed to help prevent blood clot formation. Blood clots

 are a potential threat following surgery and they usually originate in the deep veins 

 of the legs. The most common and simplest prevention method is leg activity in

 some form. Patients who are mobility challenged are prescribed blood thinners. Now

 this is important; clots can form days or weeks after surgery! I find it strange that

 walking is discouraged rather than incouraged as part of your rehab. But what the

 heck do I know? Mebe they Invented a new pill or proceedure since I went this route!

 Regards

 Fogball

 

Posted 5/22/2009 8:25 AM (GMT 0)

Mikey,

I agree with fogball.  Looks like you and I had our surgeries at the same time.  Currently I'm off my feet on the bed more than I would like, and walking less than I would like, but that's because my urine color has been deep pink more often than it's been clear, and my discharge instructions say if that happens to drink more and take it easy.  So I've been balancing the need to exercise with the need to rest and heal.  I also confirmed with my doctor's office that this is the right move, and I suspect you are having similar issues.  Everyone's case is different, and everyone heals differently.  The guy that runs the local PCa support group told me he had his operation on a Monday and was back to work on Wednesday.  But he also said he had zero abdominal pains or cramping, whereas it seems like I've had it since I woke up from the anesthesia.  I would say as long as you have discussed your individual situation with your doctor, then the best thing to do, as usual, is to follow your doctor's instructions.  Having said that, I also believe there is nothing wrong with asking lots and lots of questions, so that if nothing else you can adjust smartly as your situation changes.

Greg

Posted 5/22/2009 2:15 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Mikey and welcome. The catheter without a doubt was a pain. I started walking 2 days after my robotic surgery. I started with 1 mile and kept increasing it every day. After 1 week I was walking 3 miles with the catheter in. By te ebd of the walk the bag attached to my leg will be more than half full. Walikg will help you later in getting your continence back. Good luck.
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