Looking for Post Catheter Removal Suggestions

Hello.

It has been more than two years since my DaVinci surgery; so some of the details might be fuzzy. But I do remember that the first day after the catheter was removed, I went through five Depends. Be sure to bring one along for the removal. The second day I think I went through three Depends, and by the end of that first week I was still at two per day. I noticed a dramatic improvement by the end of the second week. I could usually get by with only one per day, and I think I graduated to a maxi-pad (instead of the Depends) by the end of that 2nd week. I walked twice every day, to get in at least three miles of walking a day. I really think that helped me with my incontinence. While I was actually walking, I seemed to leak more; but overall it seemed to help with the leaking. I do remember that, for the first month or so, I noticed improvement nearly every day. Then it was noticeable improvement every week. I think I was finally down to medium weight pads after about 2 months, and then I got to where I only needed a light pad by about 6 months. By the end of the first year, I was down to only needing a thin pad per day.

Just remember that everyone's story is different. There are some men on this forum who were dry from the moment of removal. Others were still needing Depends after a year. It is really hard to predict what the outcome will be. After 2 years and 5 months, I still use a thin pad just for those occasional squirts that I have. They don't happen every day; but I can never tell for sure when they might, and a thin pad is barely noticeable any more. I guess I have become accustomed to it. I do know that I will still leak if I try to lift something that is heavy. It is an annoyance; but I still consider it a small price to pay for 2+ years in the Zero club!

If your hubby does leak a lot after removal, try to keep encouraging him. It does get better as time goes by. And do encourage him to walk. I think the walking not only helped with the incontinence; but it also helped me recover from the surgery quicker. One other thing - I do remember that there were distinct times, in those first 3 months, where I would have a set-back. For a day or so I would need a heavier protection. It was very discouraging the first time it happened; but then it would improve again, and I would notice daily improvement again; until a couple weeks would go by, and I would have another setback. So just be aware that can happen. It doesn't mean something is wrong. Give it a couple days, and it should improve again.

I hope that helps. Just remember that the important thing is he has gotten rid of the source. That needs to be his focus. Now its just a matter of recovering. That could be short, medium, or long; no way to be sure with any one individual. But it is recovery! I pray that he is one of the lucky ones, and is dry from the moment they remove the catheter. But if he is not; it does improve!

-Bob

Pretty much what dadof12 said. I only wore the depends undergarments to bed for a while. There was no need for the "overall" protection even at night, but until I knew what was going on I used them. During the day I find the Tena men's Guards to be much more comfortable. They are shaped sort of like a rounded triangle so they don't put lots of absorbent material where it isn't needed. They are also much cooler than a full undergarment. Unfortunately they still do not import a light weight pad to the US. Their website says coming soon though. At night now I just wear underwear under PJ's, or just PJ's, or still use a pad if I've had alcoholic beverages close to bed time.

Good luck, and again don't let your husband get too discouraged if it takes months to get to a 90% solution. I suspect many or most of us will always have some unexpected drips even when we consider ourselves 100% done.

edit: I'm about 10 months post open surgery.

The catheter was the worst part for me by far, but I never needed more than one pad per day.

..... exercise is important. Walking is just perfect.

Guards/shields were all I ever needed, but I wore the underwear at night to protect my mattress.
I wore the pads for 3 months - to avoid an accident, but they were dry for the last 30 days.

Oh, don't forget to DO THE KEGALS .... this will help a ton

Good luck.

Don't do like I did and wear boxer shorts to get the cath removed... Have to wear briefs.

The usual rule of thumb for regaining continence after prostate surgery is all about threes. Only one guy in three will still be incontinent after three months. Of those unlucky third guys, only on of them will still be leaking after a year. That third guy (the one guy out of the original nine who still leaks a year after surgery) will need to talk to his doctor about further help.

It is generally best to be a bit pessimistic around the time the catheter comes out. He should take the big bulky pads with him when the catheter comes out and expect to need them for at least a few weeks. There are a few -- very few -- guys who are dry right away and they can donate their pads to the local food bank or similar organization. Pleasant surprises are nicer than crushing disappointments. He should expect to leak for a while after the hateful rubber thing comes out.