Catheter?

[Joiebean 53]

Okay, my surgery is January 17th. I am not a prude at all, but I'm really uncomfortable with the idea of a catheter being put in. It just feels like being violated....I know its a doctor and all...and its normal and to them its like an elbow...but to me...that's the only part I'm really nervous about. Can anyone provide some help here with how to handle this part? I talked to the doc's assistant and i don't really have an option.

[KeepPullinThatRipCord 0]

First, You'll be asleep when it's placed. Kind of a "what you don't know won't hurt you" thingy. Then, You'll have your "yellow purse" with you for a day or two. I actually thought it was a cool item. I even asked how to use it. Thinking when you felt like you needed to "go" you released into the bag. Nope, it constantly drains on it's own. (isn't gravity great?) I was thinking this would be so nice for watching the Super Bowl. Any-a-who...within 24 hours of surgery it was removed. Being a guy and having female nurses was supposed to make it an uncomfortable thing when it was time for removal. Nope again, a deep breath...hold...push and it was out.

Buck up and realize it's an everyday item for the professional nursing staff that will be there for all your needs.

[goldenraisin214 142]

I haven't been sleeved yet, but I had surgery last year and had to have a catheter inserted. Like RipCord said, I was asleep when they put it in, and a female nurse took it out the next day. It was a little weird for me, but it was really quick--she told me what she was doing and there was this really quick stinging sensation, but that was it. They're professionals and surely will be careful and respectful, but I think if you tell the nurse that you're anxious about it, they will probably be extra kind about helping you relax.

[Kristin 34]

Yep, I was already under anesthesia when they placed it in. Once surgery was over the most awkward part about the catheter was walking around with it hanging. But everyone was so nice at the hospital , and the nurses know exactly how to make you comfortable. The sooner you can get up and walking, the sooner they will remove it. I know it is the worry of the unexpected but I wouldnt be too concerned about it. Good Luck!

[Lissa 2,631]

I got a drain, but no catheter. I asked at my post op appt. I had one after both my c-sections and hated them.

Don't let modesty worry you, though. The nurses are not checking out your hoo hah. To them it is just another part of the job.

IMO, having to use a bedpan after my filter install and removal was way worse!!

Lissa

[LGoz 4]

I just had surgery a few weeks ago and that did not bother me at all. Don't get me wrong I was SO ready for it to come out after a day and a half. But they are filling you with so much fluids that it would be far worst to get up to use the potty or bed pan every few hours then to have that in... Don't stress.. you will be fine

[Becca 108]

I had one and it really wasn't a big deal. The drain is what drove me crazy!

[Amanda 3.0 140]

I didn't have a catheter for my VSG. I think because it was only 1-1/2 hours. My breast reduction was eight hours and I had one then, but it was really no big deal.

It's a short surgery in most cases. Ask them not to do it if it makes you uncomfortable. I doubt that it would be a deal breaker for them.

[circa 333]

I'm quite glad that I won't be dealing with a catheter - I mean, isn't getting up to go to the bathroom part of the deal? I don't think a cath makes much sense. We're supposed to be getting up and moving, no?

[favoredone 590]

It wasn't so bad for me... In fact, I appreciated not having to get up the first day because I was drugged!!! You'll be fine.. Removal wasn't bad.. a deep breath and as you are exhaling, it's out!!

[Joiebean 53]

thanks everyone. I talked to a friend about it and she said you could request a female nurse to do it too which makes me a little more comfortable. I suppose if I'm not even awake for it, I won't be able to be embarrassed. I know it seems weird, cause usually I'm not really modest (I played sports and changed on the field-Rugby players don't get locker rooms, lol), but this just gives me the heebee-geebees!

[Tlmiller2971 10]

I keep thinking its no different than my annual exam.

[Bypassjourney 88]

Unfortunately I have more experience with a catheter than I would like. In 2009 I had a hysterectomy and the doctor sliced my bladder by accident. I had to have a catheter for two weeks! Then in 2010 I had a bladder suspension. Yep, that went wrong also! The suspension worked too well and I couldn't go at all. Two days after the surgery I was running a fever and in severe pain. I went to ER and they inserted the catheter and I had to have it for five days. When the problem didn't correct itself I had to have surgery again 10 days later. The catheter is uncomfortable but bearable. I think if you do have one in the hospital you will probably either have so much stomach pain you wont even think about it or will be on pain meds and wont care. :-)

[illgeturhairdid 176]

Like you I was more freaked out by the catherter then I was by the thought of having 80% of my stomach removed. However, upon waking up and realizing how uncomfortable I felt I was SO happy for it! In retrospect if I had known I probably would have had them leave it in a little longer. I didn't mind moving around with it and I didn't feel it at all- even when it came out. I assure you I am a VERY modest woman and when it came time to remove it I didn't even care... Open went the legs and out came the catheter.

[ladymacwhiz 42]

I don't remember them putting it in..or taking it out ..I think I was under for both..But the only thing I do have to say is that they warned me some patients get there period with the surgery and sure enough it brought my period on....