jake
Well-known member
With many of what most would consider minor complications considering the surgery I underwent behind me, I am finally looking forward to the future with some unbridled optimism.
This last Friday, I finally got my answer regarding the much labored urination post surgery and I wanted to share it with you folks. What I found out floored me on several fronts.
First and foremost, I am not mad that the nurse in the ICU who removed my catheter forgot to deflate the balloon that holds it in severely damaging my urethra. It kind of bothered me, however, that they tried to make it sound like pissing blood for three days was actually normal!
Second, going to the urologist was a trip! The first urologist had no interest in hearing my medical history, after telling him I was having difficulty urinating, he ordered CT scans, prescribed multiple medications (alpha blockers) and attempted to net his hospital about 10 grand in tests. After having some concerns about this course of action, I went to another hospital system to get a second opinion and what occurred was shocking. The 2nd urologist strongly objected to taking an alpha blocker (flomax) when the prostate was clearly normal by all accounts. He became angry that a licensed doctor went right from Jump Street to a CT scan, knowing how many I have already had. He prescribed a single ultra sound and a cystoscopy. Sure enough after listening to my history, and looking in the urethra, it was clear that there was damage done from the catheter removal. Fifteen minutes of manipulations in there and I am back to pissing like a 20 year old again!
Bottom line folks, as if there were not enough to think about in the ICU and step down unit, ASK QUESTIONS! Do not sit back while folks poke, prod and yank stuff in and out of you. I knew something wasn’t right about the removal of my catheter when she was pulling on it like she was starting a lawn mower, but I sat quietly and let that idiot damage my body! She risked infection and caused me a great deal of distress. According to my second urologist, this type of mistake happens quite frequently and most think they have to live with it.
Also, for Gods sake, if you have insurance that allows you to get a second opinion, GET IT!
This last Friday, I finally got my answer regarding the much labored urination post surgery and I wanted to share it with you folks. What I found out floored me on several fronts.
First and foremost, I am not mad that the nurse in the ICU who removed my catheter forgot to deflate the balloon that holds it in severely damaging my urethra. It kind of bothered me, however, that they tried to make it sound like pissing blood for three days was actually normal!
Second, going to the urologist was a trip! The first urologist had no interest in hearing my medical history, after telling him I was having difficulty urinating, he ordered CT scans, prescribed multiple medications (alpha blockers) and attempted to net his hospital about 10 grand in tests. After having some concerns about this course of action, I went to another hospital system to get a second opinion and what occurred was shocking. The 2nd urologist strongly objected to taking an alpha blocker (flomax) when the prostate was clearly normal by all accounts. He became angry that a licensed doctor went right from Jump Street to a CT scan, knowing how many I have already had. He prescribed a single ultra sound and a cystoscopy. Sure enough after listening to my history, and looking in the urethra, it was clear that there was damage done from the catheter removal. Fifteen minutes of manipulations in there and I am back to pissing like a 20 year old again!
Bottom line folks, as if there were not enough to think about in the ICU and step down unit, ASK QUESTIONS! Do not sit back while folks poke, prod and yank stuff in and out of you. I knew something wasn’t right about the removal of my catheter when she was pulling on it like she was starting a lawn mower, but I sat quietly and let that idiot damage my body! She risked infection and caused me a great deal of distress. According to my second urologist, this type of mistake happens quite frequently and most think they have to live with it.
Also, for Gods sake, if you have insurance that allows you to get a second opinion, GET IT!
