Catheter Use

Hi,
I'm new to this board - just signed on today. I'm going in for a TAH on Monday, January 26th. I'm obviously scared to death but I have a question about the catheter. I've read that some women go home with one and others don't. What are the chances of me going home with one? Also, is there alot of work with keeping the stitches clean. I'm a 45 year old single woman and I need to know if I'll need help with that. Thanks for helping one scared sister out. Sandy

I'm single and I've managed fine with just help from my mom fine for a couple of days after I got out of the hospital. I think the folks that come home with a catheter are the ones that had bladder repairs at the same time for the most part. I got well prepared ahead of time (things that I could prepare quickly to eat myself) and had everything nice and clean and placed appropriately before my surgery. I'm a week postop and am doing fine. Now, my Sunday School class ended up blessing me with all of my meals so far, so that was an added blessing. Be sure to take people up on those offers gratefully! That all helps out. Really, taking out the trash is the only thing I've had to ask someone to help me with (I got lots of paper goods so I wouldn't have to wash dishes but I'm still not supposed to pick up stuff yet).

Sandy,
I had a TAH/BSO with a bladder repair on 11/17/03. Like most everyone else, I was petrified. All I can remember is getting prepped, being in the OR , and before I knew it, I was waking up in recovery- I remember feeling "loopy" and asking the nurse if it was over all ready? Wow- I made it through! Pain was handled well, and the nurses were (for the most part) very good. I was in for 5-1/2 days, which is longer than many US princesses stay, these days. Everyone is different, but when I came home, I only took tylenol for pain, because it wasn't too bad at all.
I did leave the castle with two "attachments" - a catheter and a drain thing called a Jackson-Pratt drain. The catheter gave my bladder time to heal. The drain thing drained pinkish-red fluid out of my abdomen. I was told by DR's office to put peroxide on a couple of places that opened up-staples popped up-this was prior to my first visit. I took it easy when this happened, and the areas healed up fine.
I went to the DR about 1-1/2 weeks after I got out of the hospital. He then took out the drain, and the staples in my vertical incision. I was hoping to lose the catheter too, but no, DR said to leave it in another week for my bladder to heal longer. So, it came out the following week. So far, I have not had any problems with my bladder working. Recovery has been pretty good. I was lucky that my DH and DD were able to take good care of me. I hope there is someone who can help you out when you first come home. Best wishes to you, think positive, and remember this site is here to offer comfort and help.
Hugs,
K.