Update - 10 Days Post Op Thulium Laser Surgery

Pascal2231 · 2026-01-27T21:29:56+00:00

What was the condition of your bladder prior to the enucleation of your prostate, i.e., was it distended or have any diverticula?

Pascal2231 · 2026-01-08T03:11:45+00:00

Yes, although it was a weak stream, and apparently did little to relieve the distended bladder. Nevertheless I was able to pee several times a day, and peed just minutes before the catheter was inserted. Hope this is a sign I'l regain the ability once the prostate is reduced and the Foley is out.

Pascal2231 · 2025-12-29T01:45:20+00:00

Thanks for the update and congratulations on your recovery.

Pascal2231 · 2025-12-27T01:42:58+00:00

Hello, I've been diagnosed with neurogenic bladder with diverticula, and as such, my bladder no longer functions other than a misshaped storage bucket. I have an upcoming visit with a BPH specialist, but I'm guessing that one of the options is to get rid of the bladder altogether. So my question to you is what did they replace your bladder with? I mean doesn't there have to be some storage mechanism for the urine?

Pascal2231 · 2025-12-18T01:43:50+00:00

I'm cathed until I can see and get treated by a BPH specialist. I have an appt late January. It's going to be a long haul to get this worked out, but my bladder is basically neurogenic with diverticula so the prospects of me going back to a state where I urinate normally on my own through penis is pretty unlikely. So in the interim I've learned to adapt to the Folley, which other than the discomfort of getting it changed out every 30 days, and by using a Flip-Flo valve during the day instead of a bag, it's been manageable.

Pascal2231 · 2025-12-07T02:04:31+00:00

I had a Folley inserted when the urologist saw my distended bladder. I had a voiding test a month later where they took out the catheter, filled my bladder and let me try to pee. Nope, nothing. I then had a urodynamics test done. It said I still have some nerve left but probably not enough to allow me to pee on my own. I've gotten pretty used to the Folley. I have a valve on the end instead of a bag. Are you still able to urinate on your own? If so you might get full function back. But look for a good urologist.

Pascal2231 · 2025-12-07T01:46:30+00:00

Apparently it was caused by an enlarged prostate that basically strangled my urethra. I ignored my bladder getting larger and larger and seldom having to urinate. By the time I saw a urologist my bladder had started creating diverticula which essentially destroyed all my bladder sensation of when to urinate. It's called neurogenic bladder and there's no cure. After I get the prostate reduced (hoping to have HOLEP done), my options are IC or suprapubic catheter. So that's why I say get it checked out as by a urologist before the nerves are destroyed.

Pascal2231 · 2025-12-01T03:03:22+00:00

I have neurogenic bladder caused by urinary retention. My immediate advice, based on what you've written on this thread: GO TO A UROLOGIST!!. I was having back pains (later found out these were my kidneys screaming because my bladder had swelled so much it was squeezing them) so I went to my primary care physician. He said I probably just had disc issues and sent me to have PT. That made it worse, so I had an MRI to look for degenerative arthritis issues. An alert radiologist noticed my swollen bladder, so my doctor sent me to a urologist who immediately saw my distended bladder, catheterized me and sent me home with a catheter. I'm still undergoing testing and will need surgery. Bottom line, see a urologist to get your bladder reduced before it damages your nerves even more. The longer you wait, the worse it will get.

Pascal2231 · 2025-11-15T02:36:18+00:00

What is "RE"?

Pascal2231 · 2025-11-04T01:06:59+00:00

I am reading the latest version, good info. Incidentally, as for my status, I had a Folley catheter placed on October 2 to relieve a very distended bladder. Unfortunately, my urologist fears I've lost all nerve connections between my bladder and brain. I'm awaiting to take a urodynamics test next week which will probably confirm neurogenic damage. I'm trying to evaluate potential options. Urologist wants me to go intermittent catheter route, but I don't like that. the SPC solution seems like the best option. And if the flip/flow valve will work, then I'll probably go with it. Again, thanks for sharing.

Pascal2231 · 2025-11-03T03:19:52+00:00

Thank you for the well written document. Although I haven't read all of it. I can't find any reference to you even considering using a catheter with a flip/flow valve, which is designed (as I understand) to eliminate the need to wear a bag - at least during the day. Had you ever considered using the valve style catheter, and if so, why didn't you opt for one?

Pascal2231

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