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Catheter is a pain in my ...............

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Posted 1/1/2017 11:17 PM (GMT 0)
I have had my catheter in for just 10 days and it is so sore I keep antibiotic on the tip but constant stinging. Also is very hard to go no 2 has anyone else experienced this?

I go in on Tue but I think it is going to sty in as my other tube with fluid is still around 100cc per day. He does not want to take it out because I may have a small leak, Ill know more Tue.

I think this has been the hardest part of recovery, I feel like Im on a tether and not left the house. I have a small leg bag I'm going to try out but as often as I empty the big bag Ill need to be close to a restroom every hour.

thanks in advance Dennis
Posted 1/2/2017 12:07 AM (GMT 0)
Leaks happen, sad to say. Not to scare you, but I had to stay on the cath for 56 days. Had the same discomforts you describe, but not constant. The boredom was more troublesome. Hope you don't take as long as I did.
Posted 1/2/2017 2:51 AM (GMT 0)
It's not unusual to have discomfort with the catheter. Do you have a snap swivel taped to your thigh to keep that tube from sliding more than needed? Hopefully, you'll be able to get it removed soon. Mine was in for about eight days following DaVinci surgery. When I went out of the house, I just used the large catch bag and carried it in a canvas shopping bag while wearing shorts. It was pretty discreet but I wasn't all that concerned about what others might think, anyhow.

If you are having difficulty with bowel movements, that's at least partly from your anesthesia. Did they give you any stool softeners to take? If not, you should get some and that may ease your process a bit. Also drink a lot of water to keep things looser and also keep your bladder flushed.
Posted 1/2/2017 3:42 AM (GMT 0)
I was told specifically NOT to use an antibiotic cream, just vaseline / petroleum jelly at the tip. that worked well (cath was in for 29 days).

I used a walgreen brand stool softner/laxative, took 2 a day for about 2 weeks. Made a huge difference.

Are you taking pain meds? My anesthesiologist said the constipation was from the pain meds, not anesthesia. If you are still taking pain meds, that might be part of the issue with #2.
Posted 1/2/2017 11:29 AM (GMT 0)
I hear you 40 - the last few days with the catheter become a real pain in the d**k! I know I was frustrated, because I was feeling better overall, but didn't feel like doing much because of the tube and bag. It hurt when I walked just from the irritation.

Just remember it comes out soon and then recovery picks up speed tremendously. I'm just over 6 weeks out of surgery and 4 weeks sans catheter and feel great.

Keep the faith man - it will get better

Mike
Posted 1/2/2017 11:55 AM (GMT 0)
Yeah...pain in the dick for sure. sad Mine was in for 14 days after surgery, hurt a lot when I sat on the toilet. Stood in a hot shower a lot until that sukka was gone. Slept on the couch, wore the leg bag under a pair of loose sweat pants so I could do the grocery shopping. That worked well enough. smile
Posted 1/2/2017 3:12 PM (GMT 0)
Dennis - I did not have surgery for my PCa, but I did have open-heart surgery about 6 years ago. After that surgery I was so stopped up for the first 4 weeks post-op that I had to be re-admitted to the hospital to get it regulated again. Wouldn't wish that on anyone, period.

When I left the hospital the second time they told me to take Miralax daily, in the morning. Miralax is a laxative, but not a stimulant one, so it is gentler and won't cause post-op pain or discomfort. They told me to start with it at full strength. Then, once things were "going" again, to cut to half-strength for a week or so, then quarter strength for another week before stopping. That kept things regulated without pain or cramping. Might be worth a try.
Posted 1/2/2017 4:25 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for all the responses. Im using Miralax everyday and does help, I also have the swivel connector on my thigh. I have not taken any pain meds for 5 days now hoping that would help keep me from binding up.

I was told with the leg bag you have to be careful of back flow as there is no one way valve like the large bag.

Its winter here so wearing shorts and caring a bag to conceal my Foley would be odd. I guess I should not worry about that and just carry it.

I think bottom line is I'm getting inpatient I'm not one to sit around and I feel like Im on a tether.
Posted 1/2/2017 7:16 PM (GMT 0)
Check your leg bag - mine had a one way on the top and then a drain valve on the bottom. I don't remember the brand but it was the one i came home from the hospital with.

I found i could go about 2 hours. Sweat pants or loose workout pants were great.
Posted 1/2/2017 7:28 PM (GMT 0)

chris1960 said...
Check your leg bag - mine had a one way on the top and then a drain valve on the bottom. I don't remember the brand but it was the one i came home from the hospital with.

I found i could go about 2 hours. Sweat pants or loose workout pants were great.

I had a similar setup when I had to use a bag for a week after a particularly difficult cystoscopy a while back. I was able to drive a car and even go back to work with it - as long as I kept an eye on its fill-level and emptied it before it got dangerous.

The bottom line is, I guess, if it bothers us enough, we find a way to live in spite of it.

Good luck, and hope you're finished with it soon.
Posted 1/3/2017 12:56 AM (GMT 0)
Upgrade your bag to the big one smile

You can make it man....

I took ambien to help me sleep ... Also, yes, I used antibodic ointment.

Don't forget to pick / flake off the crusty build-up at the end of your penis, make sure that sucker is clean!
Posted 1/3/2017 3:02 AM (GMT 0)
Understand. I was on a catheter for 63 days post surgery. Then due to endless stricture issues, I spent the next 1 1/2 years on 21 different catheters including 51 straight weeks with a Suprapubic catheter coming out of my abdomen. None of it was fun.
Posted 1/3/2017 5:13 AM (GMT 0)
New member as of tonight and wanted to thank you all. Hearing the same issues I'm seeing calmed my nerves. Sure I'll learn more in time. Thank you
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