I just found out my surgeon uses a catheter...apparently inserted when I'm out and I will wake up to it. Of all the things to be nervous about, I have to admit catheter removal is right up at the top of that list! Having never had one, all I can imagine is extreme discomfort while in there (how the hell am I supposed to walk the halls with an effing catheter coming out of my crotch??), and removing it...oh god...removing a catheter!!?? Is it as bad as I am imagining it? I am not picturing pain exactly, but very weird nerve pain that will last long after the deed has been done....with ghost pain days after

Has anyone successfully lobbied their surgeon against giving them a catheter? It's an hour long surgery for cripes sake....stick a puppy pad under my butt if they are that concerned.

If you had the unfortunate experience of waking up with a catheter, would be willing to possibly describe the process so I am not so completely freaked out?

And if they are going to be down there sticking tubes up the hoo-ha...should I be considerate and groom? I, frankly, was planning on keeping things au natural down there for a while

Thanks for a place for a frank question and thanks in advance for the frank answers!

Edited February 18, 201412 yr by SparkleCat

I had a catheter. It was fascinating to watch pee go down the tube when I totally didn't feel like I had to pee at all! I had no issues walking with it. It was attached to the base of my IV pole and I just wheeled it down the hall with me. It was uncomfortable to have it removed, but it was only a minute. I was happy to be able to put on underpants though. I'm a lady, damnit.

If I had one for VSG, it was in after I was out and out before I was lucid! I had one with a previous surgery, and it's not a party, but not as bad as you're imagining either. Typically, once you're up, they'll remove it as they WANT you to pee on your own and they WANT you to walk. You could request to have it removed before they take you out of the recovery room to your room. You may not even remember you had it if they do that! Either way, they WILL pump you full of LOTS of Fluid during the surgery and having your bladder bursting before you're ready to be up to the bathroom would not be a party either!