- Do NOT start your pelvic exercises until 1 week after the catheter is removed.
- You will notice increased frequency of urination, urgency and getting up at night for a few months after the surgery. This is in addition to the incontinence (leakage of urine) that you will experience.
- You will notice blood and possibly some discharge for several weeks after the catheter is removed. This is normal and expected. Don’t be concerned.
- Do NOT ride bikes or horses, use a riding lawn mower or other activities where you have pressure/bouncing to your perineum (area under the scrotum where the bladder and urethra were sutured together) for 3 months. This is to allow the area to heal and try to prevent scar tissue formation.
- You may experience discomfort in the perineum for 10-12 weeks after the procedure. You may also notice bruising or swelling of the scrotum/penis/perineum. This is not unusual. If this occurs, try taking naprosyn or ibuprofen as this usually helps the pain and inflammation that occurs with the healing process.
- You may resume sexual activity 4-6 weeks after the catheter is removed if you are able to. You will experience little or no fluid with ejaculation; however, you may initially have urine incontinence. You will be able to experience the sensation of orgasm even without an erection. This was/will not be affected by your recent surgery.
- You may gradually resume normal activity 4-6 weeks from the date of surgery. Up until that time, you may walk, go up stairs, etc. No heavy lifting, strenuous exercise until the 4-6 weeks is up. This is to allow complete healing.
- You may resume driving 2-3 days after the catheter is removed if you are no longer requiring narcotic pain medications. Do NOT take narcotic pain medications and drive. We would recommend that you initially drive short distances and make sure you have no pain. Use common sense and be safe not only for yourself but the others on the road as well.
- Return to work will be dependent on several factors—type of work, pain, incontinence, etc. We will be glad to give you or fax a work release when you are ready to return to work.
These suggestions are only meant as guidelines. If you should have any problems or questions, please feel free to contact us.