Released with Catheter

[Kristi L 2]

Hello! I'm three days post sleeve surgery. I was just released last night, with a Foley Catheter which has to stay in for a week. I was having difficulty emptying my bladder after surgery. I'm terrified that this won't resolve after a week, and it's making my anxiety sky rocket. Not to mention it's extremely uncomfortable. Any over have similar issue/ advice? I'm really scared. 😢

[darnlochnessmonster 40]

I had a catheter until right before I was released. My nurse told me that it's pretty common after anesthesia and with some pain medications. I used very little of my pain meds while in the hospital, and stopped them entirely as soon as I got home (I hate the "balloon head" feeling way more than I hated the pain in my abdomen, it *really* freaks me out) so those things worked out of my system pretty quickly. Your experience may be different because bodies are different, but keep positive because it definitely won't be forever! Congrats and best of luck to you.

[Kristi L 2]

Thank you!

[MSinger 348]

I had urinary retention after surgery too but was not sent home with a foley. I was straight cathed 5 times after surgery - 0/10, would not recommend They wouldn't let me go home until my post-void residuals was under 250cc, and then I had to come back to the ER because I stopped peeing when I got home. Probably a mix of post op urinary retention and dehydration. Anyway, all this to say it's a common issue after surgery. It takes time for anesthesia to work its way out of your system, but your plumbing will bounce back soon. Hang in there!

[forgetmenot 27]

I had the same experience and had to be discharged with a catheter. There is no need to worry, you will be back to your old self in no time.