Catheter??????

Uh, I doubt that you'll find anyone running in to request a catheter...but it'll save you the head ache from having to get up and go to the bathroom right after your surgery. I had to pee a lot at first, so I was glad to just lie there and let it drain. It's not so bad, and in the long run, it's better for you. Just ask the nurse to be gentle when she removes it.

Hi!

I had my TAHBSO on the 26th of this month. I specifically asked to not have a catheter. My doc made me have one anyway but it was gone within a day. I was able to pee on my own but he left it in just in case.

Ask your Dr to avoid one if possible, if that is in fact what you desire. I had to have one anyway but you may fare better than I did.

Monica,
As a nurse, I think you will need the catheter. Besides keeping you from having to get up, during the surgery it keeps the bladder empty and therefore out of your docs way. If it is out of the way, it will be less likely to be nicked, and therefore damaged.
I too, hated the thought of the catheter, but my doc took it out the evening of my surgery, and I was up to the bathroom within an hour. I was up going about every 3 hours, but I too, counted it as my walking. I found it hard to sleep with the staff coming in every 2-4 hours anyway, so I just got up when I was already awake.
You will be asleep when they put it in and pretty out of it most of the day, so it shouldn't bother you too bad.

Good Luck, and try not to worry too much.

Seems silly, but when I had one I was fine until I looked at it. Don't, and also try not to talk about it. My fear is of having dry heaves.

Well, I know how you feel about that Catheter, because I would rather not have one either, but I think that it would be easier for you if you do have it. You won't be able to get around right after the surgery, and the Catheter is the best bet. I don't like it either, when I was having my daughter, 15 years ago, I had one inserted and I think that the nurse put it in wrong, because it hurted so badly. She told me that it would feel better in time, but it hurted so bad, and when I would pee, I could feel it burning, so I made the nurse take it out, and I just would run to the bathroom when I had to, mind you, that was worst, but I hate the Catheter thing too. But I'm sure that when it's over, they will remove it. Holla!