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Robotic Surgery and length of time with catheter

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Posted 9/23/2013 2:16 PM (GMT 0)
Hello,

I am having robotic surgery out of town (4 hours) and was told by the head nurse that I would need to keep the catheter in for a minimum of 10 days to maximum of 14 days.

My local urologist has said his staff can remove it for me but should I schedule it for a Friday as that would be the 10th day post op or would you wait till the next monday which will be the 13th day. 

I do not think any tests are done to determine whether the uretha has completely healed.  I am leaning toward Friday but do not want to have it taken out too early.

Any advice?

Posted 9/23/2013 2:22 PM (GMT 0)
Catheter time depends on the surgeon, and the condition of the bladder neck to urethra connection.

While most men want it out asap, a few extra days can really help in the healing process.

Some men have them pulled out as early as 7 days, and others up to 14 days. Don't feel bad, due to complications, I had mine in for 63 days (yes, over 2 months).

They can test to see if there are leaks with scans, but many surgeons just wait "x" amount of days and then remove the catheter.

Done fear the removal, I was on a total of 21 catheters, and not one of them ever hurt coming out. It does feel creepy, but in most cases they slip out like a slippery snake. My doctor would have me stand up, over a pile of towels/paper, and once released, most of them just came out by gravity with little to no pulling.

Good luck on that.

David
Posted 9/23/2013 2:35 PM (GMT 0)
I'd wait till Monday. Two reasons: Extra healing time and the Uro's office is likely closed over the weekend. If problems or concerns came up, you'd have to wait till Monday to call. Or if something went wrong you're trying to get the on-call doc or heading for the nearest ER.

Not that I want to interject paranoia into your thinking but it's what I would do.
Andrew
Posted 9/23/2013 2:37 PM (GMT 0)
Maybe I will wait until Monday (13 days post op) just to be on the safe side. 

Man you must have really been up on the catheter learning curve after being on one for so long.  My dad started to like his in that he did not have to get up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom.  (I guess if it is in too long the bladder can get lazy which you do not want).

How was incontinence issues.  I am trying to do Kegals before the surgery 10 reps 3X day, plus exercising (walking and drinking a great deal of water).  From what I hear that is what I should continue doing post op to accelerate recovery.

Thanks

 

Posted 9/23/2013 3:05 PM (GMT 0)
Monday.
Posted 9/23/2013 3:05 PM (GMT 0)
For those men that leak real bad after cath removal, they often long for the days of having the cath and not worrying about urinating.

Yes, long cath time can make the bladder lazy, especially if you have to take lots of bladder spasm meds.

David
Posted 9/23/2013 3:59 PM (GMT 0)
kdeinv,

I had a similar option to wait a few days to have mine removed, and I waited. I believe it may be helpful as healing takes awhile.

Wally
Posted 9/23/2013 4:41 PM (GMT 0)
My surgeon removed it after 6 days but I hear a lot of guys lately who have it in for 12 days recover better with incontinence. Besides after it is removed you have to jump into diapers so what is the hurry?
I carried mine in a canvas bag when I walked. I only used the large bag, less emptying and cleaning.

Are you going home after the surgery or staying near the hospital. My surgeon wanted me near him in case of any complications with the catheter. He said if I lived within 1 1/2 hours, I could go home. I lived 3 hours from the hospital so I stayed in a motel across from the hospital until the day after the cath was removed.This turned out to be a blessing. I didn't have any distractions like lawn mowing or cleaning around the house. Also, you can't drive with the catheter in you, FYI. nono

You are doing everything right preparing for recovery. Lots of water afterwards to flush out your system and walking.

Bill from Florida cool
Posted 9/23/2013 4:52 PM (GMT 0)
Hello

I am staying 3 days after the surgery in a Candlewood Suites about 10 miles south of the hospital.  They have a good deal of walking areas around and also each room has a recliner and kitchennette. 

I figured by that time I should be OK to go home.   What foods would be good to eat right after surgery and how long before you can go back to your regular diet?  (My wife and I wanted to get the groceries before I am released from the hospital).

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks,

 

Posted 9/23/2013 5:08 PM (GMT 0)
You can eat whatever you feel up to eating. Just avoid spicy stuff.
Posted 9/23/2013 5:37 PM (GMT 0)
I was grateful that the team that removed my cath was part of the same team that did my surgery. I had to drive into NYC for that. I was also happy that I was able to camp out int heir offices until I was comfortable leaving (after second trip to urinals) and, extremely grateful I was able to communicate with them by phone/emails the next day when i incorrectly assumed something was wrong. I'd wait.
Posted 9/23/2013 6:27 PM (GMT 0)
I was put on a on a low fat diet until the cath was removed. I was very surprised. I really wanted regular food after the bland diet preparing for surgery. Better check with your surgeons office. We had a hotel with a kitchen and my wife shopped after we got there. She had to scramble to find a lot of low fat foods.
Ex. Chicken noodle soup and crackers, chicken and rice with low fat gravy, case of water.
I found myself watching the Food Channels on TV all week, dreaming of cath removal. tongue

Bill from Florida cool
Posted 9/23/2013 6:59 PM (GMT 0)
I'd have to say Monday also in case there are problems and they are closed for the weekend. Also it would allow you to watch football uninterrupted by bathroom breaks tongue

Tom
Posted 9/23/2013 9:04 PM (GMT 0)
Monday for sure if it were me. By that time it will be second nature and no big deal.  You get used to it real fast. I wore the leg bag during the day and it was a "piece of cake". 

And if something was to need attention after removal, it is easier to scheudle during a week day.  The extra time to heal is important too. 

Bill K. from NJ

Posted 9/23/2013 9:57 PM (GMT 0)
I had it in for 8 days. I vote for Monday, for the reasons that others mention above.

-Gedman
Posted 9/23/2013 11:09 PM (GMT 0)
Agreed on wat the others said...no hurry. Mine was removed on the 10th days.
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