Practical preparation for surgery

- proper Y-fronts or jockeys, not boxer shorts ... one size larger than you would normally wear. Boxers don't hold the continence pads in place properly and your scrotum / pubic area may be very swollen at first so balls will appreciate the extra bit of support
- peppermint tea - if you are having keyhole surgery, they fill your abdomen with gas which can be quite uncomfortable for the first few days post-op
- pyjama bottoms or track pants in a soft, dark material - ideally with a drawstring waist rather than just elasticated / button up. M&S do a decent one https://www.marksandspencer.com/cotton-straight-leg-joggers/p/clp60506118?color=BLACK#intid=plpnav_pid_pg1pip48g4r7c2 
- try to get a mattress protector with a 100% cotton cover - the polyurethane side can be quite sweaty https://www.dunelm.com/product/staydrynights-mattress-protector-1000023523 
- if you can't get a mattress cover, puppy training pads from a local pet shop will do nearly as good a job
- books / puzzles - it might be boring sitting around resting but you may feel exhausted post-op as recovery from abdominal surgery uses about 5000k calories per day!

Re pads - before spending a lot of money, ask at your pre-op appointment whether the hospital will provide you with pads when the catheter is removed - or whether your local district nursing team / incontinence service will provide. If not, Tena for Men are the best known and widely available in supermarkets, many do regular buy one get one free deals. Boots men's pads also seem popular on here although my husband found then papery & uncomfortable. Whatever pads you buy, check that they are men's pads - ladies pads won't do the job you need. Also, don't spend a fortune stocking up on a lorry load of pads at this point as you may not need them for long.

Curious, instilagel or hydrocaine are available from a pharmacist without prescription at most chemists except Boots, who require a prescription. The hospital may give you some, it is a couple of pounds a syringe, you may not need it. Slight leaking of urine and blood from the penis can happen even with a catheter in, particularly when passing a motion. I wore a pad even when I had a catheter, easier to swap a pad than the underwear.

Get a packet of your favourite biscuits for a midnight snack in hospital.

A bucket is often suggested, but medical advice is that the catheter should be supported not just left in the bottom of the bucket. I have never had a night bag leak, but did once disconnect the night bag before turning the leg bag tap off. Get an extra thigh strap from the hospital, attach the night bag tube to the leg bag outlet then attach the night bag tube to your ankle with the strap, it helps reduce the risk of pulling on the joints. PJ bottoms as suggested also help save any tangles. I wore snug but not tight underwear, it help keeps the catheter from moving around and rubbing in the eye of the penis.

Hospital should provide ear plugs and eye mask.A ward can be very noisy at night. The guy opposite me had the noisiest carry bag in the world.

Try to avoid constipation.

Hope all goes well.

Thanks Chris 

Thanks Lyn for the really detailed reply.  Some really useful tips there, and I’ll be sure to stock up on y-fronts and peppermint tea!  Much appreciated.

Chris, hadn’t thought of earplugs and a mask.  And I suppose an iPad and biscuits might help to get me through the night.  Many thanks