The catheter is gone, the catheter is gone, the catheter is gone!
Went for VCUG today. The PA put 2 bottles of contrast into my bladder. I felt the urge to pee so she pulled the cath out. Shy bladder then kicked in. She said that it was fine for me to use the restroom in private and then immediately get scanned. I definitely got the smile when I did first go. No burning or blood or anything. Strong stream. She(attractive PA) x-rayed things and all was good. Water tight urethra.
Dr. Chen had a special X-ray machine that allowed you to stand and hold a urinal in front of you while watching multiple monitors. It was very neat.
I am released to return to normal life. No sex for another 3 weeks. Return visit in 3 months. I honestly have no pain or swelling at all now. Still tired, but exercising will help that.
I have had the same stream strength each time I had a DIVU. My skeptical side is having a hard time not thinking about how long until things tighten up again. I guess only time will show me that things are permanent.
What a crazy but worthwhile experience!