update. catheter out.

I've had three operations and I think the worst part of all three was that damn catheter.

Congrats on getting it out!  And congrats on being off all the pain meds!  If you're in bed a lot, make sure to use the spyrometer for breathing exercises.

I hated the catheter so much i kept asking before the surgery that they make sure i was totally unconcious when they put it in. I cant remember exactly how long after the surgery they took it out (probably due to all the drugs). With 46 staples I dont think I got off all the pain meds and down to Tylenol for probably 10 days to two weeks. I think getting off the pain meds is huge step forward in the recovery and you deserve huge props for that. for me getting off the pain meds signalled my recovery could now start progressing full speed and the narcotics make it harder for your bowels to move freely and everything else just doesnt seem to work as well on narcotics.

when i got off the pain meds and onto tylenol I found that i could walk and do stuff. I bought a cool cain to use for a while, (maybe two weeks). I soon found that I could be active for an hour or two then I needed to nap for a few hours. after I quit feeling week and guilty and recognized it as part of my recovery pattern it was great. Going out to a restaraunt for dinner with my wife 2-3 weeks after my surgery was a huge accomplishment for me too.

Its funny how you remember all these little milestones as you recover.

DAC677 said:

Milestones

I hated the catheter so much i kept asking before the surgery that they make sure i was totally unconcious when they put it in. I cant remember exactly how long after the surgery they took it out (probably due to all the drugs). With 46 staples I dont think I got off all the pain meds and down to Tylenol for probably 10 days to two weeks. I think getting off the pain meds is huge step forward in the recovery and you deserve huge props for that. for me getting off the pain meds signalled my recovery could now start progressing full speed and the narcotics make it harder for your bowels to move freely and everything else just doesnt seem to work as well on narcotics.

when i got off the pain meds and onto tylenol I found that i could walk and do stuff. I bought a cool cain to use for a while, (maybe two weeks). I soon found that I could be active for an hour or two then I needed to nap for a few hours. after I quit feeling week and guilty and recognized it as part of my recovery pattern it was great. Going out to a restaraunt for dinner with my wife 2-3 weeks after my surgery was a huge accomplishment for me too.

Its funny how you remember all these little milestones as you recover.

Obviously there is no good thing about cancer, but you do notice all these little milestones in your recovery. Thats called life, I guess I didnt notice those little moments before my diagnosis, but now I do. Every day is golden. Every moment is for living.

Footstomper said:

After they took mine out

They put it back in without anasthetic (I wasnt peeing like I should). Pretty much #1 of experiences I'd rather not repeat.

Yes, this happens. It's common. My husband got put on prostate medication temporarily and things started flowing. The catheter can be cause trauma. 

Steve, you are doing very well! I think I am safe to say the worst is behind you! You even got up to shave. Good for you!!

Take care and try not to over do it.

Hugs

Jojo

Steve.Adam said:

one good thing

When you were a kid did you ever dream you were peeing and wake up to find you had wet the bed?

I had that dream the morning the catheter came out but woke to find I had Not wet the bed.

So there's one plus I can chalk up to a catheter...

I kept grabbing my end of it protectively. Couldn't help it. That probably looked funny from a distance.

Steve.

Perhaps you should have a litlle flag to wave with your catheter.