Information re catheter

Catheter is put in under anesthetic.

It's a bit awkward to manage at first but you soon get used to it. 

When in bed I stuck mine in a bucket at the side of the bed. 

Fortunately I did not get sore on the tip of the penis so did not need to use anything to help. I did get a bit of an infection which the nurses said is common and is caused by the catheter irritating the ureatha. No action required. 

The nurses took me through how to manage it. They recommend emptying it often though so it does not get to heavy. Once it's removed I found my recovery to speed up.

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 ask the nurse for some instilagel, optilube or hydrocaine. They also 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.

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.

The extra thigh straps are also useful for showering. Drain the bag, make sure the thigh strap is secure, remove the leg bag straps. Have a shower ,dry yourself put the spare thigh strap on the other leg, transfer the catheter and bag to the dry strap. Refit the leg bag straps. Remove the wet strap and leave to dry for the next time.

Try to avoid constipation.

Thanks Chris

I had prostate removed in November. After surgery I felt uncomfortable with the catheter but on waking the following morning I was barely aware of it.Because of a slight tear in the bladder I had the catheter in for 7 weeks. I was given spare bags and leg straps and a frame to hold the night bag. I can honestly say that I slept better in that 7 weeks than I had in years. No getting up 3 or 4 times a night. Showering was no problem. The hospital arranged a seminar a week before for all prostatectomy patients where they demonstrated catheter use and that was very helpful.Others may have a different experience but my advice is ask if any problems and take it a day at a time.Your partner may be surprised at how easy it is to adjust to a catheter.

Good luck.