Steve
I am doing well. I am a few says away from my VCUG. I go back this thursday and have my catheter removed and tested for leaks. I am hopeful all goes well. I have done everything as suggested and not strained or tried to do anything that would possibly damage the graft. It has been incredibly boring, but if all goes well completely worth it.
Clayton is spot on about the suprapubic. I have only had mine since may (short yet very long time in many ways). I had discomfort early on (spasms that felt like urine was going to shoot out my penis uncontrollably). It was especially bad when they upsized it. The ER docs put a small one (14mm I think) and on the first change my urologist’s nurse decided I needed a larger one (15 or 16). I had discomfort for 2 days after with no meds. Oddly enough when I had the Uretroplasty they changed it back to 14 and it has been like it isn’t even there. The traditional catheter however is another story. It does not hurt as much as it is annoying. I was instructed to keep it taped up to my stomach and that pulls sometimes depending on how I twist. Wisely folks here advised me to keep it lubed up with antibiotic ointment and that helps with night erections and general movement.
I have some really nice hollister 9814 leg bags that have some very nice straps that work well for me. If this was going to be a longer issue, I would look into the belt that ken shows here. I get them on amazon for around $10. The cleveland clinic has a nice little page about care of bags that I follow:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/care-of-the-urine-drainage-bag-and-leg-bag
The only different thing I do is I also rinse my tubes etc with alcohol and leave a little in the bag overnight. I have had some issues with MRSA UTI’s and had a couple trips to the ER before surgery. I use paper tape and probably go a little crazy with it. I also get some split bandages to cover the stoma. Without sounding like a wimp (like anyone reading here is???) my skin a sensitive and the paper tape is about all I can use without breaking out.
The other issue I have is none of the paper tape holds up to a shower. I need to keep the regular catheter up and on my belly, so I wrap a piece of parachute cord around the end and my waist. It looks really odd, but it works.
I am so looking forward to walking out the door without having to think about backup supplies, tube etc. I also can’t wait to roll over in bed again!
My problem all started over my poor drinking habits (way too much soda) and lack of going to the doctor. I have since cleaned my act up and drink mostly water. I don’t drink much alcohol, but promise that I am going to raise just one small Mexican coke to you, Clayton and myself to improve and get our lives back!
greg