Posted 12/6/2019 1:00 PM (GMT 0)
Wednesday, we went back to the surgeon's office re: Randy's inability to pee. Once again, they removed the catheter. Once again, they forced liquid into his bladder and asked him to void. He did...sort of. It came out slowly, no stream. They taught him how to self-cath, just in case he had problems later on. We (Randy and I) were quite sure, he still had the same problem, so we waited around until he had to go. The PA agreed this was a good idea. Same as last time, he couldn't, and trying was painful. So, back to the doc's office we went. The catheter went back in, the PA called the surgeon and Randy was scheduled for a supra-pubic cath to be installed on Thursday.
The surgeon thinks that the inflammation and swelling are being exacerbated by the catheter(s) and it's a vicious cycle that won't be ended as long as we keep inserting and removing the cath. She also doesn't want a foley cath in place for too long, since that can cause erosion at the cuff site. So yesterday we left Atlanta (at 5:30...how do Atlantans DEAL with the traffic?) and came home with a catheter coming out of Randy's lower abdomen. By the way, insertion of the Supra-pubic catheter is a rough procedure. Although sedated, Randy said he was awake, aware and in pain.
We go back to the doc on Wednesday. With the Supra-pubic catheter, they can 'cap it off' to see if he can pee on his own. No 'take it out and try'. We're hoping and praying this will resolve on its own, given time. And hoping and praying this isn't a decision we'll regret.
Donna.