After 2 full weeks of self-catheterizing due to inability to urinate (began day after Foley came out, 3 weeks post RRP), I went to my Uro's office today for a cystoscope to see what's going on. He had ruled out a UT infection last week. The scope procedure wasn't fun but wasn't horrible - nothing to be feared if you need one. It started on a weird note as the sweet nurse who's been so discreet in all my exams pulled the sheet back, grabbed my penis and started the lidocaine on its way up my urethra, saying 'this will burn a little'. She's a pro and did a good job, but it was a little abrupt given her usual manner.

The Uro said he saw that the opening from the bladder to the urethra was narrow, and there may be a little scar tissue developing. He said he could see the stitches he put in and it looked 'raw' in there and he could see that would cause things to close up. His recommendation: put Mr. Foley back in for at least a week. He tried to put one size in (I think he called it a '20 French') but it wouldn't go and he went with a '16' I think.

Oh well - I needed to do something. Hopefully this will work. I'm a little sore from the scoping but getting used to the feeling again.

So out of the 30K or so people who will be at the Marshall - William & Mary football game Thursday night, I'll be the one with the catheter......

Oh, James, I am so sorry you are having problems. As you know, my husband had a similar experience. I have been thinking of you and wondering how you are doing, so please know that you aren't alone in this. Glad you are well enough to go to the football game, and I'll bet you aren't the only one with a catheter! How would you ever know?! (My husband's was a "silastic #16 French " if that means anything to you.)

James:

sorry to hear you're having the problems with the scar tissue. I know you'll get through this and get things flowin' again soon.

Best of luck,

Ken in CA
RLRP May 9, 2005 (NY)

James,

So sorry to hear of your set-back, sure hope things improve quickly. Until then, have fun at the ballgame---GO HERD!!!!

Hi James--Just wondered how things are going. Keep us posted--Liane

An update on Labor Day:

Life with the catheter this time is much better than the 3 week stint right after surgery. The urine in the bag is very clear, compared to very bloody before. This hasn't slowed me down at all - I went to the football game Thursday evening (and 2 hours of tailgating just before). Friday afternoon we packed up and the wife, Sheltie and I went 2 hours west to Lexington KY for 2 days of outdoor dog shows at the Kentucky Horse Park campground. Our Sheltie finished her Companion Dog obedience title (my wife is the handler) and we had a great time shopping, going out to dinner, etc thru today when we drove home.

I see my Uro tomorrow morning and I hope Mr. Foley goes away for good this time. My own uniformed hypothesis is that maybe the Foley he had in right after surgery was a little too large for the opening and there was constant friction which never allowed things to heal - that's why there was blood. Once it came out now 3 weeks ago things started to heal but unfortunately it healed the urethra closed. Now maybe things have healed with a good opening left behind and I can get through the regaining continence stage and find my new 'normal'. Maybe when Marshall plays Kansas St. this Saturday on ESPN2, I'll be the one of the ones in the crowd with a diaper instead of the one with the catheter.

Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers and interest. I share in case anyone else finds themselves with this problem in the future.....

I love your positive attitude, james_wv. Hopefully by now, you've seen your uro and all is well. Self-catheterization sounds about as much fun as chewing glass. I also had scar tissue and had to go back three times to be "dilated". The third time resulted in irritation of the urethra, and the rascal swelled shut about midnight. Having to go and not being able to go is one of the thrills that should be saved for our enemies! I went to the emergency room where a nurse put a catheter and Foley bag back in place. Fortunately, it was removed the next day, and I haven't had a problem since. I pray you're going to be this fortunate!!

Saw the Uro this morning. He wants to play it safe and keep the Foley in for 2 more weeks. I talked him down to 10 days - my existing appointment on Friday 9/16 for my first PSA test.

He says he wants to make sure it heals well with no scar tissue. If he has to go in and widen the opening it increases the chances of leaking/incontinence. I'll go along with him since I'm having no real difficulties, no blood, etc. I'll probably even go back to work THursday & Friday and see how that goes....

I can only imagine how tired you must be with all of this. I must admit I enjoy your spirit with all that you have gone through. At this point I would go with the Dr. about keeping the old cath in 14 days instead of the 10. You have gone this far, so play it safe and give it the full duration that he felt you need. My husband had his in for 15 days. He sure was tired of it, but wanted to do everything the doc advised. He has had it out for 7 days now. He is going through alot of depends, but now that even seems to be slowing a bit. Thanks to boards like this we have found out some tips on how to manage life with the mens guards. That in itself has been a challenge, but he has kept up his spirit and humor which is an absolute must. He is 3 weeks post op with the robot RLP. I can tell he is beginning to feel real good. He went back to work full time 7 days after surgery. I think that was too soon though. He is back on the treadmill also. I guess we are begining to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Good luck and keep us posted on your road to recovery.

Peg