That time of the month...and catheter?

[dashofsunshine 876]

So, I have seen several posts about being on your period when surgery comes around - I know about the no tampons thing, the menstrual pads, the granny panties, etc. However, no one has said anything about the catheter. If I'm on my period...will they still put one in? ???? I don't mind a catheter and I know nurses have seen it all, but...that seems like it would get really messy really fast. Just wondering what to expect! My surgery is the day after tomorrow ???? thanks guys!

[hillgirly 228]

I didn't have a catheter...for the VSG or the gallbladder surgery 2 months later.

[finediva 979]

They have seen it all and done it all. They'll take excellent care of you. Just take your nap and wake up on the looser side. Best.

[Jersrose43 837]

No cath here. Doc wanted me up and walking no excuses

[finediva 979]

Sometimes they do put a CAT in after you are under and remove it at the end of the procedure. I had a CAT during my 5 1/2 hour surgery, but had no knowledge of it.

[Quest4TheNewMe 225]

I didn't have a catheter.

[rachel_b 5]

it will bother you more than the nurses and other hospital staff..... dont worry about it!

[BitterSweet* 835]

What @@finediva said is accurate. Just because you don't wake up with a catheter does not mean you didn't have one during your surgery. To the OP, they have seen it all and they are used to it. Good luck.

[dsmith_rn 186]

I'm a nurse and I've had catheters before (childbirth). If you had a catheter, you will know it when you wake up. Your urethera will tell you!

I did not have a catheter, and yes, we nurses have seen it all. That should be the LEAST of your worries.

[tamg26k 479]

Same as @@Jersrose43, no catheter for me. I had to be up and moving less than an hour after surgery.

Best of luck!

[Introvert 53]

Don't worry. Just inform them of your concerns and everything will be fine. I came down with a cold the day before surgery and kept telling every person that came in my room, just in case it would call for a different treatment. Woke up with no cold symptoms at all and worried for no reason... You'll be fine!????

[gigim84 34]

nurses have seen it all its not a big deal honestly most skilled nurses can do your cath without going near your actual period. .. I mean it's what we do and I can put one in very quickly. No reason to worry also they will give you the provisions needed for your period. Most likely a pair of disposal undies and pad

Edited November 24, 2014 by gigim84

[mnmlst 249]

I was on my period at surgery time and used a diva cup / menstrual cup. I know that grosses some people out, but for me it worked great. I didn't have a catheter.

[Forsythia 882]

I had a catheter, but was not on my period. The catheter was not an excuse to not walk. They just hung it to my IV pole and made me take laps around the hospital with it. LOL. Once they took it out, it was nice to put on underpants and not worry about giving the floor a view of my butt!