Post catheter strategy

So I had surgery last week (detailed in another post), and the catheter is coming out on Tuesday. My thoughts are to start with the Depends briefs to gauge how I'm doing - do I need an insert in the brief as well? Got some of the max absorb pads as well in the hope of being to able to use those with my regular boxer briefs soon.

Also seems like getting a pad to sleep on is not a bad idea.

I know we are all different and recover at different rates, but thoughts? Any input is greatly appreciated!

I used the pads, not the diapers when the cath come out and used a pad on the bed at night.

It's going to weird for a while so hang in there

Stay away from coffee, soda and beer at first and cut off all liquids early in the afternoon.

You will do fine and good luck to you

As stated in earlier post, you are likely to have good days when all seems to be under control, then the great flood. My surgery was on 3/21/16, catheter out a week later. The depend briefs worked good. No pad needed. If I was going to be out for several hours or most of the day, (even on the golf course) I used a pad along with brief. Double protection. That allowed me to get rid of pad when needed with shoes still on and have brief until returning home. I am very thankful to say that for the last couple of months it's a pad only during the day, that remains mostly dry, and use nothing at night. Just an occasional squirt standing, sneezing etc.
It does get better so you will do great.
Mack

I never used the briefs, but used thick pads for a while, then moved down to the thin shields, and by week 4 I was only using shields at night, and by week 6 or 8, I wasn't using them at all.

One thing I've learned, that seems contrary, is that if I let myself get dehydrated, I'm more likely to leak. Keep hydrated, keep your bladder working, and it will recover faster (or at least that's how it worked for me)

I used the briefs exclusively for a while. Just seemed easy and secure. Stepped down to pads for a shorter while before graduating.

I was almost completely continent from day one so it was more of a psychological/emotional process than anything else.

Depends and pads - after a few weeks leaking slowed and only used the Depends and pad on the bed at night. about a month out I was almost dry.
Still have a small squirt every once in a while -
I suggest you get some Desitin Ointment, or similar, cream to prevent rash.

Once the Catheter is out it gets better!!

Bobby Mac

I used the depends briefs and started putting the pad in it because it was easier to change it that way especially when out and about. I always carried a freezer storage bag with some pads in a plastic sandwich bag so it was easier to change in public. I remember changing my depends in a public restroom the first time and quickly realized that was not going to work which is why I inserted a pad. Then the first time I changed the pad in public and had to walk out of the stall with it in my hand I realized the sandwich bag would be better for disposal. At home I used the briefs with the pads eventually also but after 2 pad changes I would just use the brief otherwise it would rip too much and be useless.

When I eventually got down to the shields I followed someones advice from here and used two of them overlapping side by side for better coverage until I barely leaked and one was sufficient.

It's amazing what you get used to when need be. I remember in the beginning it was almost laughable this diaper/pissing all over stuff becoming my new normal, at least temporarily one hopes. All is well now except for maybe a tiny dribble or 2 every day or so....Jim

Thanks for all the feedback guys! It sure seems like we each will have a slightly different path to dryness. I like halbert's idea of staying hydrated and working the bladder. I think I'm going to need to change my evening cocktail habit for a bit though.