I am going to have PS

[alfredoghi1]

I am going to have PS on jun 14 , at mskcc, New York any advice, I m nervous, the idea of having the cateter distubes me.

[Hidden]

Hi. By "PS" I guess you mean Prostatectomy". If so, Yes you will need a catheter in for a couple of weeks. It's to allow your urethra to heal where it's been rejoin after your prostate ha been removed. I don't know how it's all done in the U.S., I live in the UK, but it should be similar.

They will put it in while you,'re asleep. If it's the same as here it will be 1 tube but with 3 connections. 1 is so they can put irrigation fluid IN, 1 is for letting fluid OUT. The 3rd is for inflating a balloon at the end inside your bladder to keep the catheter in.

For a few hours after surgery they will probably be dripping in irrigation fluid. This is because there will be a bit of bleeding and it's to prevent blood clots forming in the catheter especially, which could block it. After a few hours the bleeding should stop and the irrigation will be stopped.

The catheter outlet will be attached by a tube to a drainage bag. There are 2 types. 1 can be put on a hanger which, when you're at home, you will use in bed. The other you can attach to your ankle, whilst you're awake and doing things. The bags will probably have an emptying tube with a tap. You will have to empty bags regularly. If they get too full a back pressure will build up into your bladder, not good. You will probably be told to change bags regularly and probably not re-use them as this may cause infection. You also need to keep the catheter clean where it goes into your penis. Warm water and a mild soap should do it.

After 1 to 2 weeks, the catheter should be taken out. That's another story.

While the catheters in, you need to drink a lot. Up to 3 litres a day.

The catheter doesn't Hurst. It may be a bit uncomfortable. It's a bit awkward obviously being mindful of the tubing and the bags. You have to be careful not to pull on them or get them caught on something or to get the tube linked, but it's fairly easy to deal with. You only need to worry if the catheter gets blocked. You will know this is happening. No urine will be coming out and you'll start to feel like you want to per. If this happens you will need to get medical help. It's not likely to happen if your urine is clear but if it does, don't wait, get help. It can get painful and isn't good for your healing urethra.

Taking it out is a bit uncomfortable too, but only momentarily.

Really, if all goes well, it usually does, you will manage.

The worst part for me when I had surgery was pain caused by the gas they pumped into me during the surgery, it was really uncomfortable and I didn't expect it. It set tree les when you move about.

[Doofusthefirst]

Timz covered most of what you need to know. It is really not a big deal. During the second week of my experience with the catheter, my bladder decided to expel the balloon which is part of the catheter. It was not successful but the bladder contracted so hard during the attempt that it caused considerable pain during the spasm. Your doctor can prescribe medication for this which will cause the bladder to less active.

When you get home, put a clothes hanger between you mattress and the box spring so that just a corner sticks out. This will give you a place to hang the bag while you sleep.

This is really not something to worry about.

[skillmk]

Hi Alfred. I had my prostatectomy in March 2018 in Atlanta. As someone else said, it is put in place while you're put to sleep. Everyone I know (including me) had the catheter for just 1 week. It didn't hurt but was uncomfortable and annoying. It looks worse than it feels, actually. It can be unpleasant having it removed, but it's quick, and you'll be glad it's gone! Two weeks after catheter removal, I didn't need pads anymore. You'll be fine!!

[alfredoghi1 in reply to skillmk]

hi. thank u for r info!!!!!!!!!and r wishes!!!!!!!!!

[Burnett1948]

Burnett1948.alfredoghi 1. The Cateter is a minor part of the procedure. Although I wish I had of been told about it before my operation. Do you understand why you wake up with a cateter and bag? I have to self cateterise twice a week now following surgery I had a couple of years ago to improve my incontinence.I can explain this further if you wish.