(Non-PC) Post-Op urethral burning and blood from catheter removal(?)

Welcome to the Forum. First, I would expect any catheter to both cause swelling and to cause bleeding in the person who has had it in a short time. We, with our 10 to 14 days catheter ordeal usually will see bleeding to some degree, and may not experience the swelling, as it probably goes down by the time we get it out. You, on the other hand, have had the catheter in for less than a day, I gather. During that time you could have had tearing and swelling, and when the catheter is removed, it will both be more more noticable than what we experience. Bleeding is normal after having a catheter and I am sure swelling initally is also. That you are peeing better seems to indicate the swelling is subsiding. That you are bleeding , maybe more, and it is stinging would seem to indicate that the tube is maybe abraded or torn some, or you may be getting a slight infection. So, given the circumstance, I think that what you are seeing is just a normal after effect of your procedure. That's just my opinion, of course, and not medical advice, by any means. Drinking lots of water will dilute the urine concentration and help with the stinging, maybe. If you continue to bleed more or it continues to hurt or gets worse, or it becomes brighter or more copious, then you should see a doctor or ER. If it isn't , the problem should/may/will resolve itself in a couple days. If not, see the doc. Hope this helps..

Thanks for the replies, folks... I appreciate it, I really do...

My current game plan is to assume that this is REAsponably normal, and also that if the bleeding is still occuring by Monday I'll ask for pyridium when I return for the consult.

I've noticed something... the bleeding is intermittent, and I think I've figured out the cause, if you wouldn't mind my bouncing some thoughts off of you...

I noticed that this time the bleeding and most intense pain occured when I tried to relax my muscles and urinate and normal strength. Later this evening, when I urinated and tried to go more slowly, found that there no bleeding, and the burning was less intense... The logical conclusions (no?) would be that 1) the width of the inflatable foley catheter they used on me during the procedure, slightly tore my urethra. 2) Normal stream is expanding my healing urethra and reopening the wound. 3) Light stream will probably keep the width of my urethra low until its had a chance to heal, and will keep the burning at a minimum...

This sounds reasonable?

(Thanks again! It was such a relief, so to speak, to find this board!)

I had my cath for 9 days.  After which I had some bleeding and some burning for about a week.  My doc said it was irritation on the inside due to the cath.  James is right, drink plenty of fluids.  Also, if you can avoid caffine and alcohol for a week or so, it irritates the inside of the bladder and uretha.

I'm glad you're here for this reason and not Pca!

Good luck.