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Catheter out today

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Posted 11/16/2021 2:47 AM (GMT 0)
Well, the catheter came out today, and I have to admit I was nervous about what would follow. Would I be sitting in a puddle of urine 10 minutes later? I’ve been producing a lot and I didn’t know what to expect.

I think I must be very lucky. So far I am quite continent with minimal leaking and dribbling. I didn’t think this was possible so soon. Had it out at 9:30 this morning and it’s now 10 PM. I can start and stop my stream, and like I say not leaking or dribbling much.

I don’t know if this is because I had a great surgeon (Dr. Jason Hafron), or because I favored this muscle all along and didn’t know it, or what. But I’m very relieved, and I’m hoping and praying I’m not going to have a long haul in this department.

Any thoughts, comments or advice? I appreciate all the support for Debralyn and me.
Posted 11/16/2021 3:11 AM (GMT 0)
It sounds like you have probably hit two out of three of the trifecta. It'll take a while, probably, to see if you can finish the three. You're doing great so far. Congrats.
Posted 11/16/2021 3:20 AM (GMT 0)
Jeff - I had a very similar experience with the same worries. I did not sleep well for a while as every time I felt an urge at night, I would get up right up rather than risk my no accident streak, never thought I was that light of a sleeper. Get a few nights, sneezes, and yawns under your belt before getting too cocky. Great to hear your first day went well.
Posted 11/16/2021 3:49 AM (GMT 0)
Good advice, Mumbo!
Posted 11/16/2021 3:51 AM (GMT 0)

PeterDisAbelard. said...
It sounds like you have probably hit two out of three of the trifecta. It'll take a while, probably, to see if you can finish the three. You're doing great so far. Congrats.

Thanks!
Posted 11/16/2021 1:01 PM (GMT 0)

Hello, Jeff ----

I had a catheter, after diagnosis --- following lung surgery --- when they discovered the prostate cancer had spread into both my lungs.

My best advice --- healthy hydration is your friend --- and walking is your other new best friend.

If you are inside, walk often around the house.

As your recovery continues ----take short walks outside, and have someone accompany you at first --- just for peace of mind.

My first walk outside was just to the corner & back --- but it was an important beginning.

When colder weather arrived ---- and after I returned to teaching at my school --- I walked the long hallways at my school, after students had gone home for the afternoon.

My strength returned, and I stayed dedicated to my daily walking regimen. If the weather is inclement, find an indoor walking location.

The community recreation center here offers "one day passes" ---- and offers an upstairs walking track. Some shopping malls offer early morning walking times inside.

I find benefits to "getting outside" --- and daily trail walks are part of my day. On weekends, I walk at county & state parks --- or explore trails at favorite lakes.

When you are feeling strong enough --- go for a great walk at a nearby park! Good for the body, good for the soul!

Healthy hydration and walking ---- both of these things help keep one's "waterworks" flowing properly, as your recovery continues.

Here's to your ongoing recovery! One day at a time!

Handshake, fellowship, camaraderie ~~~
CYCLONE --- # Iowa State University
Posted 11/16/2021 2:09 PM (GMT 0)
@jefff: as my uro said to me a few hours after my tube came out, "this is as bad as it gets": you are one of the "immediately continent" club. Congratulations. It is very largely because you had the right surgeon. Well done on that and others please note. That club is growing (about 2 in 3 for top surgeons) as surgical techniques evolve and poor candidates are warned about short urethras etc. So enjoy and relax but be vigilant "semper vigilans" not "semper nervosus".

Were it not for my ductal stuff, looking at your (already well-answered) pathology thread, you and I are almost exact cancer twins. Let's keep each other posted!
Posted 11/16/2021 8:12 PM (GMT 0)
I emptied my bladder before it came out, at least I thought it was empty.

My Uro pulled it out and got pee'd on. hahahahahahahahahaha!!!!!
Posted 11/18/2021 2:50 AM (GMT 0)
Jeff - How are you doing now after a couple of nights? Hopefully doing well.
Posted 11/18/2021 7:19 PM (GMT 0)
A lot of blood today. I'm surprised by this, as I'm feeling good and haven't been over-doing it (I think). Maybe too much time at my desk, but I've been walking a lot and otherwise hydrating and following the directions.

Still pretty darn continent (amazed by this), but very red blood today in my urine, mostly at the end. Not a lot, but not a little, either. I don't know if I strained somehow and opened something up or what. I have an appointment with the surgeon tomorrow for scheduled follow up.

Any thoughts or advice are appreciated.
Posted 11/18/2021 8:06 PM (GMT 0)
I remember that the first month or so, i had more blood when i walked on the treadmill, or outside for that matter. So maybe thats something to consider. I still think its normal and nothing to worry about. With that said, I'm not a doctor. And if it is concerning to you, you should not hesitate to make a phone call, and at least get the Dr or Nurse Practitioners take. They have seen it all and thats what they get paid for.
Posted 11/18/2021 8:22 PM (GMT 0)

Pratoman said...
I remember that the first month or so, i had more blood when i walked on the treadmill, or outside for that matter. So maybe thats something to consider. I still think its normal and nothing to worry about. With that said, I'm not a doctor. And if it is concerning to you, you should not hesitate to make a phone call, and at least get the Dr or Nurse Practitioners take. They have seen it all and thats what they get paid for.

Thanks, Pratoman. I’m feeling fine, it’s just disconcerting. Your experience makes me feel better. I’m seeing the surgeon tomorrow, fortunately, so I’ll check in with him then.
Posted 11/18/2021 11:29 PM (GMT 0)
Good luck Jefff, and keep us posted.
Posted 11/18/2021 11:56 PM (GMT 0)

Mumbo said...
Jeff - How are you doing now after a couple of nights? Hopefully doing well.

Hi Mumbo, I’ve been doing well until today. Much better than expected. Then a lot of blood in my urine today. It had all but disappeared since the catheter came out. But today, it was red blood at the end of my stream. It’s continued all day. Still feeling good, but I’m thinking I must have spent too much time at my desk or otherwise did too much of something. Hoping to get back on track.
Posted 11/19/2021 12:00 AM (GMT 0)

ShawsUnprostatedMan said...
@jefff: as my uro said to me a few hours after my tube came out, "this is as bad as it gets": you are one of the "immediately continent" club. Congratulations. It is very largely because you had the right surgeon. Well done on that and others please note. That club is growing (about 2 in 3 for top surgeons) as surgical techniques evolve and poor candidates are warned about short urethras etc. So enjoy and relax but be vigilant "semper vigilans" not "semper nervosus".

Were it not for my ductal stuff, looking at your (already well-answered) pathology thread, you and I are almost exact cancer twins. Let's keep each other posted!

You’re right. Debralyn got me the very best surgeon and it paid off. I am astonished, truly. I have very little in the way of continence problems. Lot’s of blood in the urine today, which is disconcerting, but I’m hoping it will pass. I have a scheduled follow up with the surgeon tomorrow.
Posted 11/19/2021 2:14 AM (GMT 0)
Sometimes you can’t figure this stuff out. My biopsy caused more blood issues than the surgery. I also had the catheter in for 10 days, my surgeon’s preference, and very little blood was noticed after it was removed. It would seem that it might come from where they stitched the urethra back together but that should have been an immediate problem vs. a few days later. Keep drinking a lot of water to keep it flushed out and deal with getting up at night a few more times. The doctor will have some ideas after getting a urine sample I suppose. Glad your continence is doing well, that is probably the most important issue next to getting rid of the cancer.
Posted 11/19/2021 8:28 AM (GMT 0)
@jefff. YMMV but they had me on heparin for 2 weeks, and my tube was pulled after 12 days, yours after 7 I think. If you’re on anticoagulants, any blood being shed from the surgery is going to be exaggerated. And blood in urine always looks worse than it is anyway. The surgery is not just a snip and reattach: the prostate has to come off the bladder intact and if you had a median lobe as I did, there is an incision in the bladder. I was nervous about that but it has no impact. However it does need to heal, will shed blood as it does so etc. The “mainly at the end” is a clear sign you are not bleeding continuously. Take a peek at your main incision for a clue as to the internal healing, which is supposed to be slower.

Good luck but I would not be alarmed.
SUM
Posted 11/19/2021 2:23 PM (GMT 0)

Mumbo said...
Sometimes you can’t figure this stuff out. My biopsy caused more blood issues than the surgery. I also had the catheter in for 10 days, my surgeon’s preference, and very little blood was noticed after it was removed. It would seem that it might come from where they stitched the urethra back together but that should have been an immediate problem vs. a few days later. Keep drinking a lot of water to keep it flushed out and deal with getting up at night a few more times. The doctor will have some ideas after getting a urine sample I suppose. Glad your continence is doing well, that is probably the most important issue next to getting rid of the cancer.

Thanks, @mumbo. I really do feel OK, so I'm thinking you're right. I'm drinking lots of water and otherwise doing what I'm supposed to. I see the doctor later today.
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