What do I need?

Hi Steve,

Good luck with the op.   There are other posts on here about that although finding them isn't that easy and I've been on here for years.

You're right about the pads.  You leak without knowing it.  I went out for a first walk and suddenly found water going down my leg.  I should have known with the weight of the pad.  After that I took spare pads although it soon improved.  It improves by getting later in the day when you start to leak.   The hospital should give you some pads for starters but then you need your own, especially when the catheter comes out.  You might need 2 pads a day in the early days.

One of the things I was glad I had in the hospital is ear plugs.  The beeping and snoring with nurses coming round as well was hard work.    I also found the hospital food appalling so I'd sneak in some pies although I'd try not to, you're better not going to the loo if you can help it so liquid is the best.  Protect your wounds especially the one inside by not straining anything.

Some people say you might need an underlay beneath your bedsheet, although I never had any leaking at night.

I'm sure there's more but someone else will come along.

All the best, Peter

Steve, the following is probably more about the hospital stay rather than coping at home on your own. 

I wore snug but not tight elasticated short type underwear, it stopped the catheter from moving around to much, I also had a pad in my underwear to pick up any bypassing of urine.

Just in case the catheter makes the eye of the penis sore, instilagel or hydrocaine are available from a pharmacist without prescription at most chemists except Boots, who require a prescription. The above gels are designed for catheter insertion and maintenance they contain , anesthetic, antiseptic and lubrication. 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.

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 also help save any tangles. 

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

The following conversations has lots of ideas.

https://community.prostatecanceruk.org/posts/t29021-Practical-preparation-for-surgery#post278042

https://community.prostatecanceruk.org/posts/t29907-RP-surgery-tomorrow#post287726

Thanks Chris 

You can get the free surgery support pack from PCUK with samples of pads, wiped etc - good to get you started when you come out.

You can order a pack by calling 0800 074 8383 and selecting option 3

https://shop.prostatecanceruk.org/surgery-support-pack