My trial without catheter

This is another “for the record” post and can be skipped by friends, especially squeamish friends.  Following my HoLEP operation on Tuesday, today was an opportunity for my trial without catheter (TWOC), as the jargon goes.

We arrived at the Urology unit in the hospital quite early.  At first it was all quiet, gradually staff and patients started to arrive.  I reckon I was the youngest and least grey patient there!  A nurse removed my catheter (seemed like a flippin’ hosepipe) which I can tell you was an eye watering experience.  However, being without it seemed very odd.

Next some tasks for me

1. Drink plenty of water gradually, or perhaps coffee, walk around for a bit and when ready to pee, take a receptacle into the toilet.  This is so the volume can be measured.
2. Repeat the above but with drinking a little more quickly
3. Tell the nurse when ready to pee for a third time and then a special machine is used to measure the flow rate (this now is starting to sound a bit strange but I could see the point of it)

I failed at stage one.  I had drunk two cups of water and Rachel had brought a lovely large coffee from the hospital cafe for me.  After 45 minutes I was wanting to pee but I couldn’t. Believe me, I did try.

Feeling like a little schoolboy, I reported this to the nurse “please Sir, I did try…..”. So he sighed, thought about it for a few seconds and then arranged for a quick ultrasound of my bladder.  It was confirmed; there was about a litre in my bladder.

I was starting to feel rather uncomfortable and had a feeling I knew what was coming.  Yes, another catheter.  This one is an ordinary size one, about 4mm, thankfully not the giant hosepipe again.   Instead of a leg bag, I have a flip flop tap, the same as what I use for running with.  The idea is that I can get my bladder used to filling up and then, when I’m ready to have a pee, using my normal muscles to make things work.

Then I’m back in a couple of weeks to see how things have progressed.

Although a little disappointing, I see this as half a step forward.  I have had the operation, I am feeling 95% clear of the anaesthetic and, if I’m honest, still a little delicate. I am still passing quite a lot of blood and with the occasional blood clot but I’m assured this is normal and may last for a few weeks.  Nevertheless it is progress.

I can’t help but wonder if this situation could have been prevented if my operation was carried out sooner.  I think back to the time I was in hospital 6 months ago and they said it should be done urgently. I also wonder how long I would have waited if I hadn’t submitted a formal complaint.  I’ll never know.

We are where we are, as they say.  I have so much to be thankful for and I’m sure these health issues are going to be teaching me a valuable lesson.  Onwards and upwards…..

Related: Flip I’m in hospital   Admitted into hospital   My HoLEP operation