CATHETER CARE: Your catheter is very important to allow healing of the bladder and urethra. You may use either leg bags or external bags. Drain before the bag gets too full. The tip of the penis may get sore from the catheter rubbing it. Use plain soap and water to wash this area daily or more often as needed. You may apply Neosporin or bacitracin ointment daily and as needed. You may notice blood around the catheter or in your urine and may also leak urine around the catheter intermittently. Don’t worry, this is normal. You may want to wear the pull up protective diapers/underwear to protect your clothes, bed, etc.
WOUND: Your incisions are sealed from outside bacteria within two days of surgery. Nonetheless, you should protect it from dirt and soiling for the first ten days or so. The incisions will be tender for the first week and the edges should NOT be pulled apart. If a NEW area of redness or swelling occurs, please let us know.
DIET: You may return to your normal diet. Alcohol, spicy foods, and drinks with caffeine may cause some irritation or sense of the need to void despite the fact that the catheter is emptying the bladder. If these foods do not bother you, however, there is no reason to avoid them in moderation. More importantly, keep your urine flowing freely. Drink plenty of fluids during the day (8-10 glasses). The type of fluid (except alcohol) is not as important as is the amount. Water is best, but juices, coffee, tea, soda are all acceptable.
ACTIVITY: Your physical activity is to be restricted, especially during the first two weeks you are home. You are encouraged to walk as much as you can tolerate. During this time use the following guidelines:
- No heavy lifting greater than 10-15 lbs. for 4 weeks
- No driving or machinery while having pain and taking narcotic pain meds. Usually until foley catheter is out.
- Limit long car rides.
- No strenuous exercise.
- You may climb stairs, but be careful.
BOWELS: The rectum and prostate are next to each other and any very large and hard stools that require straining to pass can cause bleeding. You may take stool softeners (i.e. Colace, Surfak, etc.) as needed. A bowel movement every other day is reasonable. Use a mild laxative if needed and call if you are having problems. (i.e. MOM 2-3 tbsp. Or 2 Dulcolax tabs). Patients sometimes develop diarrhea probably secondary to antibiotics. You may use Kaopectate as directed (avoid Imodium). Eating yogurt with active yeast cultures can help. If it persists, please call. DO NOT over strain to have a bowel movement as this may break the sutures connecting your bladder and urethra which may require leaving your catheter in longer (3-4+ weeks). You may also feel “gassy” for the first several days. Use Maalox 1 tbsp every 6 hrs as needed.
MEDICATION: You should resume your pre-surgery medication(s) unless told not to. You may be discharged with Iron tablets to build up your blood count. These may cause constipation, and will cause dark stools. You will also be discharged with pain pills (i.e. Darvocet, Demerol, Percocet, Vicodin) for post-operative pain control from the incision and catheter. Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Advil (ibuprofen) which have no narcotics may be used if the pain is not too bad (and you can tolerate those medications!).
HYGIENE: You may shower upon discharge. Avoid baths for 4 weeks.
PROBLEMS YOU SHOULD REPORT TO US:
- Fevers over 101 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Heavy bleeding or clots. You will notice blood in and around your catheter and in the bag which is normal, but if the catheter becomes plugged and not draining, please call. You will also leak around the catheter, this is normal.
- Drug reactions (hives, rash, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea).
- CALL IMMEDIATELY IF THE CATHETER FALLS OUT OR STOPS DRAINING.
FOLLOW-UP: You will need a follow-up appointment in approximately 1. Call the office to schedule an appointment. Most people will not have good urinary control at first. Come to the office with a small supply of adult diapers or pull ups (ATTENDS or DEPENDS) that can be purchased at many stores (i.e. Walmart, Walgreens, Kmart, drug stores, etc.).