RARP tomorrow

An eagerly anticipated event, that didn't disappoint 😂

Arthur 

I have had around 12 trial without catheter and never failed. Mine usually took around three hours. I usually drank plenty of water before getting to the hospital, I find that if i am well hydrated before getting to the hospital the water they give me to drink at the TWOC passes through me far quicker. It is better to leak a bit than have a catheter put back in because you failed the TWOC. The removal is frequently described as weird, it should be pain free. If it gets stuck on the way out ask for a urologist to attend, my surgeon is convinced a swift removal after getting stuck caused my post op stricture issues.

Make sure you have some pads, the hospital will normally give you some, but as a work colleague used to say better to be looking at some than looking for some. I took a towel and cover for the car seat in case of a "major" leak but it never happened. I also had a urine bottle in the car in case of an emergency. The towel is useful if stuck in a traffic jam with a coachload of people at the side of you😀. You could take a spare pair of trousers and pants, again i never needed them. Elasticated waist trousers make it very easy to change the pad in a hurry. 

Once the catheter is removed remember to contract those pelvic muscles as you are going from sitting to standing up, this is when lots of us experienced a leak.

Thanks Chris 

Catheter came out. Wow that was very uncomfortable.
Now in pads. So much better, hospital only gave me one pad so will be using the ones from Prostate cancer uk in their surgical pack.
So far walked 6700 steps, went to pub for tea, no booze... got through zero pads...Still got the one from hospital.
This first night isn't great. Up every other hour to pee. I presume this settles down

Edited by member 15 Apr 2025 at 03:02  | Reason: Not specified

Arthur, I have seen guys say they had a urine bottle next to the bed in the early stages. The idea was  so they could have a pee then go back to sleep rather than getting up and going to the toilet. 

Remember not to over do it , take it easy but keep mobile. That new joint is still healing. Did the catheter get stuck or was it difficult to remove. 

Thanks Chris 

Arthur, looks like I didn't post my pre op advice on your conversation, there are gels that would have helped with the sore penis.

The scratching on the way out doesn't sound good, did you see the removed catheter? Mention it to your consultant at your next meeting. I had issues with hem o lok clips migrating into the water works. You may have a small kidney stone that has got trapped. Sometimes the balloons don't fully deflate ,they can also get calcified but not usually in a couple of weeks. Perhaps go steady with the pelvic floor exercises for a few days.

If in doubt get in touch with your medical team.

Thanks Chris 

Arthur, even better if you can get someone else to fiddle with it. I would not advise asking complete strangers to help , especially in Tesco.

We mastered the technique of flaccid insertion, I always say ,never give up, take anything on offer and have fun finding a solution.

Thanks Chris 

😂 Brilliant, mate. 😂

Have you tried breast feeding? 🤔

Edited by member 20 Apr 2025 at 10:11  | Reason: Emoji

Hello again mate.

It does take time for things to get back to normal. I can remember thinking how few public toilets there now are. From what you've said, I think you're doing very well on the incontinence front. 

Fantastic result, mate! Plus you're still making an excellent recovery. Long may it continue. 👍

I shall have a whisky to celebrate your good news.🥃

Edited by member 19 May 2025 at 22:12  | Reason: Typo