8:15am. Arrived and checked into Urology for my second “trial without catheter” (TWOC). These are just some rough notes to show how the visit went…..
I sat in my “regular” seat in the waiting room, by the only radiator which is just lukewarm. The staff are beginning to recognise me and I’m remembering them too. That’s possibly a bit unsettling.
8:40am. Just had my catheter removed. Told to drink plenty and they’ll measure my pee a few times to see how it goes. Will be here for a few hours. I go and buy a coffee, the caffeine should get things moving a bit!
Quite a full and busy waiting room. Mostly men with thinning grey hair. Several men, myself included have been issued with green hospital carrier bags, each containing the receptacles for peeing in. We give each other a knowing nod, so we all know why we are here.
Wishing I’d brought my iPad with me.
I’m not sure if this TWOC is going to work today, nevertheless I have really been looking forward to this trial.
9:50am. My catheter has been out for just over an hour. Not needing to pee yet. It feels great not to have this tube inside me.
10:00am. Since here I have drunk 800mls of water and a coffee from one of the outlets in the hospital. Maybe, just maybe I could have a pee soon….
10:25am. Still waiting but I’m going to hang on for as long as I can. Getting a bit bored. Again I wish I had my iPad with me.
10:45am. Thought I’d have a go. Success! First proper pee in 7 months. As instructed, I handed in my urine filled receptacle so the time and volume could be noted. This is now a vast improvement on the first “trial without catheter” so things are looking hopeful, I’m so pleased!!!! Celebrated by buying another dose of caffeine.
11:45am. Feeling a bit peculiar (light headed, feeling a little weird) and I’m putting this down to my second coffee, not used to having too much caffeine. Also a bit cold and shivery; I’m the only one sitting with my coat on. Will have another go at having a pee soon, this is so exciting!
11:50am. Second pee also successful! I think this is a good volume albeit a little slow. Definitely a step in the right direction! Next stage is the flow test, that’ll be the deciding stage I think.
12:25pm. Been here just over four hours. The waiting room is almost empty. I’m feeling a bit washed out having had lots to drink. Still waiting for the urge!
12:30pm. Nurse who measured my output says I’m doing really well. As we were standing up I kind of jumped on the spot saying “I’m really wanting this to work”. She laughed and just said to let her know when I was next ready.
12:45pm. Still waiting for some action and still feeling cold even with my coat zipped up and sitting next to the radiator (which is now almost stone cold and everyone else appears warm).
12:50pm. Afternoon patients starting to arrive and check in, I’ve been here for nearly 5 hours!!!
13:20pm. Been here just over five hours and getting bored. Even the afternoon patients are thinning out. I didn’t think I’d need to bring any lunch, starting to feel a bit hungry now. But I must be a patient patient….
13:30pm. I think I’ve drunk about 2.5 litres of water plus 2 coffees and have peed twice. What’s going on?
13:45pm. Spoke to a member of staff: I could be ready for my flow test!
13:50pm. Flow test done. You sit down on a sort of commode, underneath is a gadget for measuring the rate at which you pee. Apparently mine was quite good and the next stage is to use an ultrasound scanner to see how much is left inside me. Turns out I have I still have 750mls left and this is far too much. Staff discussing what to do next.
14:10pm. The suspense!
14:30pm. Still waiting!
14:50pm. Seen by senior nurse. Issues me with self catheterisation kit, to use once a day if <500mls residual pee inside me. If >500mls, self catheterise twice. This is to avoid infections.
As she was so helpful, I said I was very grateful for all of their care today and I mentioned I was seeing the kidney consultant tomorrow. She kindly looked up my blood test results on the computer – about the same as last time, so that’s not too bad.
15:40pm. Left the hospital, what an epic appointment! As I walked away I felt so pleased and I’m so thankful things are now heading the right way! It feels so good without this tube inside me and now I think I’ve recovered from my operation, I can start running properly and also have a bike ride – yay!
Related: My first trial without catheter