Update: been 3 weeks since my operation, I had an end to end urethraplasty which was very successful. I have had my 3 week post op appt and Urethrogram imaging study to show the stricture has been fixed. In terms of recovery, things really weren’t that bad! I spent 3 weeks at home with 2 catheters: one suprapubic which was connected to a bag, and a Foley catheter in my penis which was capped.
Surprisingly, the site of the incision was not that sore once I was discharged. The suprapubic catheter site was more sensitive and took longer to get used to since it was around my belt line. I slowly but surely became more actives and tried to walk at least 12 blocks a day as I recovered.
I was off narcotics and the Valium I was prescribed within a few days of discharge. Some days the pain was more pronounced than others but not to the point where I couldn’t do chores around the house. After the 3 weeks at home, MD said Urethrogram looked good, removed the Foley catheter and I could urinate normally again! My stream was very strong but they left in supra pubic catheter and capped it in case I had trouble urinating normally. In a week, they should be ready to pull that catheter.
Getting back to work hasn’t been too bad, but I have to be careful with how I sit. I wore tight briefs for 3 weeks post surgery but have been wearing boxers more because it’s easier on my supra pubic catheter. I never used a donut pillow, just was careful how I sat down. Now that I am urinating with a strong, steady stream, it’s such a relief to know my stricture days are gone!