I went for my VCUG today and got the good news that the repair is healing successfully. I’m tube free! The VCUG wasn’t too bad. They pumped the X-ray contrast fluid into my bladder through the catheter, so I didn’t have to have anything new inserted. Once the fluid was in, the doctor took my catheter out painlessly. I had a little bit of hesitancy when it was time to urinate on demand, but once it happened it was glorious. My restrictions? No sex or ejaculation until tomorrow. (I was pleased to hear this.) No swimming or tub baths until the sutures reabsorb. No straddle activities until I’m specifically cleared for them.
My doc said that some guys experience stronger ejaculations, some weaker, and this is due to the multiple factors involved. The muscle that pushes out semen during orgasm is one that is cut through during the surgery and sewn back together, so that can lose strength until it heals. At the same time, the stricture that obstructed flow through the urethra is gone. The doctor said that by 6 months post-op, most guys find their ejaculations are similar to how they were pre-op. He said that erections might continue to be a little uncomfortable for awhile and I might have unexpected urinary urgency for a few days. I’ve got a new script for a week of Cipro to sterilize my urine now that the catheter is out, but otherwise I’m not on any other meds. My follow up appointment is in six weeks. I feel great!
Thanks to everyone on this forum for your help, openness and support. I hope my story is useful to people faced with this type of surgery.
