Barry,
I completely forgot to update because he is back to life as usual like it never happened. His recovery continued to go smoothly and relatively painlessly while the catheter was in. He got uncomfortable and annoyed by the end, but that was always to be very expected. He was able to completely eliminate the serious pain killers as well as advil and tylenol after about a week and a half.
The catheter removal was a complete non-event and he has returned to peeing standing up with absolutely no issues. He said his stream has never been stronger and he’s able to empty his bladder so quickly. The doctor was very impressed with the flow rate at his follow up appointment and he doesn’t have another follow up until November (a year from the surgery). Six months later and he still says the stream is perfect.
Sexual activity returned to normal pretty quickly. Erections stopped being painful and uncomfortable as soon as the catheter was removed. I believe we were told to wait 4 weeks from surgery for any activity which we did. He initially had a little discomfort when the incision area was directly touched (with masturbating or foreplay) but never had any pain with actual intercourse. I think it was about 3 months post op that the over sensitivity went away and we really haven’t thought about it since!
Would love to continue to help anyone who is looking for answers and support!