Advice on four hour trip home after surgery

Hi Chris

Depends on how soon after surgery, in many ways.

I was just over 24hrs from op. and 45 mins journey was enough, not in pain though.  Loose fitting trousers, seat belt you can 'clip' , it's mainly discomfort sitting. My son's car is quite low so just getting in and out was actually the more delicate manoeuvre.   No problem with urine,lol and you will probably be constipated.. lol.

Again any sickness, should be cleared if you have any reaction on your first drink/meal.  Ideally a larger vehicle, maybe couple cushions and sit in the back. You probably have 'DVT' stockings on.  Looking back I probably run on adrenaline and post op aesthetic. Not much more to add, as long as urines flowing, no alcohol though. Wounds are very small, mine were glued, and gave no pain.  You'll probably nod off, hopefully not if it's your turn to drive..  lol 

Regards Gordon

Chris

Even with a Catheter you can still leak or bypass slightly, so a small pad may be advisable. If you are having a Suprapubic catheter it can definitely leak more. A seat covering is unlikely to be needed but useful to have. A sick bag is a definite if you have had poor reaction to painkillers etc.

As already said bumps are a nightmare, a cushion to protect the abdomen is often mentioned. I never found sitting to be uncomfortable.

May have mentioned my favourite subject before, get some instilagel or hydrocaine for the eye of the penis, snug but not tight underwear to keep the Catheter and bits from moving around. Make sure joints are tight on the Catheter and bag. Nurses don't always appreciate how easy they come apart and don't always have the strength to push them together properly. A empty pop bottle would be useful if you need to drain the leg bag on the way back.

Is the Catheter being removed local to your home ? If you have a Catheter problems speak to your urology team.

Hope all goes well.

Thanks Chris

Added

Just a thought, some of us create a conversation and keep adding questions or comments, it keeps all your info in one place and makes it easy to look back at previous events.

Edited by member 04 Feb 2021 at 09:09  | Reason: Added thought

It involves deflating the liquid-filled balloon inside the bladder which holds the catheter in place, then removing the tube.

Then they will ask you to drink some water and to pee into a device that calculates your flow rate. If they are happy with that you are discharged.

Ask the urology nurse where you are having the surgery to liaise with your local hospital to arrange what they call a TWOC procedure where you live.

Why are you travelling for four hours for your op? Have you found a renowned surgeon as I did?

Cheers, John.