Had eurolift 2 days ago. Removed catheter but could not void. It was put back in so depressed

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When I was 22 I had surgery for a bladder neck obstruction. I finally needed an operation immediately when I could not void. Although very painful, it proved to be a success that lasted until the age of 47 and then slowly I started to retain urine, until my bladder stretched and 500 mm was the point i would get an urgency to urinate. Lately it has been getting harder to pee. I have to strain to get a stream started and I would stop then start, stop and start until i felt i was finished. I Never felt completely relieved. I seems that my bladder has stretched through the years to except it. I just turned 72. I was also diagnosed with Pelvic Function Disorder after a Uro Dynamic test and was prescribed physical therapy with a pelvic function specialist at the age of 59. It did help making urinating easier and only getting up once a night and not having the strong urge to pee all day.

I am assuming I still have pelvic function disorder, making my urinary symptoms worse..maybe.

I had a cystoscopy recently and was told my prostate was not terribly large but that it was pressing on my urethra. They suggested i could try the urolift procedure and that it would move the prostate away from my urethra and bladder neck and make it easier to void. I had the operation two days ago. I did not do a local.

I was sent home with a foley catheter. I removed it yesterday as per their instructions but was unable to void. Just blood and clots. I was in a lot of pain and went back to the doctors office on Friday to have another catheter put in for three more days. The office is closed on Saturday and Sunday. I guess it will be removed Monday. I can't stand the discomfort of the catheter, especially when I move and I feel it in my urethra/penis. So I stay mobile on the sofa as much as possible. I could not be any more depressed then I am now. And Im so uncomfortable I can't stand it. I pray when the catheter is removed I don't have any problems. The nurse said it was due to swelling but are they right. Has anyone here had this happen after a urolift. I have always been a caring father, husband and strong man. I am now writing this and crying.

0 likes, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • Posted

    I had a Urolift in 2015 but it didn't work for me because I have a median lobe blocking my bladder opening and at that time the Urolift procedure was not approved (and doctors were not trained) to address median lobes. If your prostate is only pressing on the urethra and not the bladder opening I think that it has a great chance of working. In my case, and many others, recovery from a Urolfit is much more difficult than doctors pitch it to us. I had the Foley in for two days and when I removed it myself as instructed I kind of wish that I had still had it in because passing all those clots and blood was no fun at all. Try to hang in there until Monday and then see how you pee when they remove it. You can gauge pretty well how you are healing by what you see going thru the tube and collecting in the bag.

    You are still a caring father, husband, and strong man it's just that all these prostate surgeries and procedures go over really sensitive territory that normally doesn't see the light of day. Don't beat yourself up, it sounds to me like you are on the right path. Try putting some lubricant where the catheter enters the penis and it might help with the sensation of the catheter moving around. Hang in there my friend, better days are coming.

    Rob

    • Posted

      Rob,

      I'm sorry to here the procedure didn't work for you. I pray when it is removed..hopefully on Monday there are no complications.

      I'm more sensitive to the these procedures involving the urethra because of mental and physical damage done from age 15 on.

      Many barbaric (to me) instruments that were used by doctors to temporarily fix strictures and not being able to void. I remember in particular having a metal curved rod inserted to stretch the urethra without any numbing medication or local and my fear of catheters from a bad hospital experience at age 29.

      I want to thank you for your encouragement and kind words. I am not getting any from my urologist or staff. They were glad to take my money though. I will post what happens Monday. Thank you Rob

      Best

      David

  • Posted

    If you still can't void in Monday have the doc show you how to self cath (cic). You'll have no catheter pain and can live normally until you can go on your own

  • Posted

    I can't stand the discomfort of the catheter, especially when I move and I feel it in my urethra/penis. So I stay mobile on the sofa as much as possible

    I had six Foleys in and out in 2014 after radiation for prostate cancer and learned how to make the situation comfortable. I recently had a TURP and had a large Foley in for a few days.

    Here's what you can do to improve your comfort: make sure the Foley is securely taped to your leg so it doesn't move or tug. The uro nurse gave me small white butterfly patches that I used to tape the drain tube to my leg. Then, I had my underwear padded with toilet tissue so the penis was lying on its side. This also prevents tugging and movement. Make sure to keep the drain tube point of entry well lubricated with some antibiotic like Neosporin, or the gel that is used for self cath. The antibiotic also prevents infections and crusting of any blood. You have to keep the tube lubricated.

    The whole point is to make sure the drain tube is not tugging or wiggling around. I think that once you do these steps you'll feel a lot more comfortable. I was able to completely do my normal activities once the Foley was secured as mentioned. Also, when having a bowel movement you might have to do this standing up over the toilet. This also reduces movement of the drain tube. After a few days your tissues will get used to the Foley and the level of disomfort will be reduced greatly.

    Best of luck to you...

    Tom

  • Posted

    Your right Tom about movement of the penis. I will try your suggestions. I have been washing the area where the catheter enters the penis with soap and water once a day but I will put neosporin around that area afterwards.

    I have been on the sofa the whole time with this. less movement the better for me. I can't imagine going through what you went through in addition to the cancer. This is a horrible area for a man to suffer. I hope you are getting better each day and thank you for your advice it is much appreciated.

    My best goes out to you and everyone on this forum.

    David

    • Posted

      You absolutely have to keep the point of insertion lubricated. Soap and water don't make the tube slippery, but lubricating gel or Neospirin are slippery. This makes a big difference. Once you get everything secured and the tube is stable you will feel a lot more comfortable. I can't imagine just being on a sofa for hours on end. I have to be living my normal life and this is why I figured out how to make the catheter comfortable.

  • Posted

    HI, I had the Urolift done 2 years ago. The bleeding and discomfort is normal afterwards, give it some time and should clear up soon. Everyone heals differently . I have had good results for the first year after the Urolift but still getting up often at night to void.Hang in there brother, with the right drs. it will improve.

  • Posted

    I would like to thank all you guys that took the time to give me encouragement and advice. It really helps.

    I think its pretty bad that we have to suffer with this disease. I never thought anything like this would be a problem in later years.

    There still are good and caring people in this world.

    God bless you all. You really helped me through this.

    David

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