Activity

• Limit physical activity for the first week after surgery. This will give your body time to rest and heal.

• Ask your healthcare provider before going back to your normal activity level.

• Don't go for long car rides. Don’t drive until your provider says it’s OK. This is often after your catheter is removed and you're no longer taking pain medicine.

• Don’t lift anything heavier than 10 pounds until your provider says it’s OK.

• Don't climb stairs or do any strenuous exercise. Also, don't do chores such as mowing the lawn or vacuuming until your provider says it’s OK.

Other home care

• Finish all of the antibiotics your healthcare provider prescribed to you, even if you feel better. Antibiotics help keep you from getting an infection.

• Eat high-fiber foods to prevent constipation. Also use laxatives, stool softeners, or enemas as directed by your provider.

• You should receive an information sheet about caring for your urinary catheter. Ask for a sheet if you did not receive one. Follow the sheet’s instructions, some of which should include:

  • Keep the catheter well secured to the leg or belly (abdomen).

  • Use leg bags, external (straight drainage) bags, or both.

  • Empty the bag when it’s half full. You may see some blood in the bag. Don’t be alarmed. This is normal after surgery and while the catheter is in place.

  • Use plain soap and water to wash the head of your penis daily. Or wash it more often if needed.

  • Wash the catheter daily with plain soap and water to prevent infection.

• Return to your normal diet.

• Drink plenty of fluids during the day (enough to keep your urine light colored). This will help keep urine flowing freely.

• Shower as normal.

• Wear loose-fitting sweatpants while the catheter is in place. Sweatpants are more comfortable than other pant styles. 

Follow-up

Make a follow-up appointment as directed by your healthcare provider.

Call 911

Call 911 right away if you have:

• Shortness of breath

When to call your healthcare provider

Call your healthcare provider right away if you have:

• Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as directed by your provider

• Shaking chills

• Hives or skin rash

• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

• Catheter falls out or stops draining

• Foul-smelling discharge from your catheter or urethra (at tip of penis)