Showering with the snake

[Sparkydog56]

I had robotic surgery 3 days ago and am looking forward to my first shower. Just wondering if anyone has advice about how to do this. Take the bag off? Didn’t get much direction on this before I left the hospital

[Justfor_]

Take off the bag if the connecting tube has a shut-off valve. I think this is a standard accessory, mine had one and used it during detaching the bag for washing. I had the catheter for one month and washed it a couple of times fearing infection by reverse course. Caution: Do not let them remove the catheter without prior confirmation of the anastomosis tightness via cystography (X-raying).

[Tall_Allen]

Just make sure you do not detach the bag. Bacteria can get in the tube and cause a UTI. The bag must always be below the bladder - do not take a bath.

[Justfor_]

The only possible way bacteria can be conveyed upstream is by floating air bubbles in the tube. That is the reason the shut-off valve exists at the termination of the tube, so no air pockets are allowed to propagate defying gravity. If the tube is kept filled with urine there is no danger. Without this shut-off valve there is indeed the danger of infection. Only take care to shower fast (3 min is ok) so that no pressure gets build up inside the cyst.

[Sparkydog56 in reply to Justfor_]

thx

[Tall_Allen in reply to Justfor_]

Bacteria travel in the tube. That's why there are high rates of UTIs with catheters.

[Gl448]

I spent 11 weeks in a catheter last year. Always took the bag off to shower.

I just let it hang usually, until they gave me a plug to cork the tube with.

Probably lucky that I never got a UTI.

[j-o-h-n]

Leave it on but cover it with a plastic bag (from your green grocer) and twist ties when in the SHOWER. They should be removing it very soon, If not call the doctor's office and make an appointment to have the nurse remove it. Hate those foleys.... Again do not remove bag yourself.

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Wednesday 04/26/2023 9:57 PM DST

[addicted2cycling in reply to j-o-h-n]

I've bicycled with Mr. Foley along for the ride, although the farthest was only 11 miles.

I created a PEE TRAP with Mr. Fowley's tubing and showered without his bag.

[j-o-h-n in reply to addicted2cycling]

Good idea, but how do you and your bike fit in the shower? Probably separately is my guess......Keep Peddling...

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Thursday 04/27/2023 10:58 AM DST