One week post RALF

Hey there - that minor leaking around the cath during #2 was normal for me. I don't think you have to worry about it coming out. It is pretty well secured with the inflatable bulb inside your bladder. I understand your worry - I always adjusted it so I had a little slack when I sat down.

It gets better once that cath is out!

I had open surgery 6 weeks ago, so I can't comment on the surgery questions.

Hang in there!

40buickcoupe,

You will be fine and will improve as time passes -

Drink plenty of water and get rest!

Good luck!

Bobby Mac

Nurse told me to expect some fluid, including small amounts of blood passing around the cath when doing #2. I did for about a week or so. What freaked me out was my first bladder spasm I had while doing my first #2. Very strange feeling, like you have to go pee really bad. Not fun but OK once the doc explained what was going on. Like others have said use the stool softeners and don't push, just let things come out on their own. Doc said any pushing may have been what caused the bladder spasm.

I had very little energy too first few weeks. Appetite was just OK, ate the same food just smaller portions at first.

I got good at the bucket dance or you can empty the big bag and stuff in down by your ankle if you have sweat pants on. I could get about 30 minutes of mobility before I had to sit or empty it again.The leg bag works the best to move around but you have to empty/change it more often. I don't think there is any magic trick for cath comfort other than the normal stuff, keep it clean, lubed on the end etc. It's just a PITA that you will really enjoy having it gone.

So it all sounds pretty normal to me, Hang in there, it will get better. As others have said cath-out is a glorious day. Then things seemed to progress faster.

Did anyone have the bulb to empty? This was the tube that goes in the surgery location and has a suction on it to remove fluids. My case he said it is blood and urine that is leaking after he reattached the ureter.

Just wondering how many had that to do along with the Foley. I think both mine will come out on the 3rd. MAN I cant wait

thank you all for the support

My bulb was removed the morning i left the hospital because i had stopped draining from there.

I had leakage around the catheter. As far as #2, i started taking the tube loose from the leg strap and holding it in front of he while sitting. That relieved some of the pressure and made it easier to relax.

As far as getting around, use the leg bag! I found i could go at least 2 hours and so i wore it almost all day so i could be mobile. I just switched to the bigger bag at night.

Hang in there - every day gets better and easier, its just a new normal.

A new leg clamp placed better ( a little higher on your leg) might help some with the problem of the catheter being stretched when you sit down. I like the "Bard Stat-Lock" best, but they can be hard to find. A velcro strap style of catheter holder is more easily adjusted, but it also slides down your leg when you don't want it to because its not stuck to your leg. A surgical supply store is where you get these things. Good luck! You will feel much better soon. Lack of energy is perfectly normal.