Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Recurrent Retention Of Urine And Enlarged Prostate?
Question: 6 weeks ago I had a multiple herni operation, which seems to be recovering O K .
On the day after the operation, my urine stopped flowing, and after 9 hours a catheter was inserted, and I was sent home the next day.
Three attempts were made to remove the catheter, but each time it had to be re-inserted, each time after a period of agony while the bladder seemed to be bursting, as suitable medical help took a long time. Each time it was the worst pain and situation I have experienced in 80 years of a healthy life. (In many ways I am lucky compared with people wounded in war or accident, I realize !).
However, on the fourth occasion, On Monday at 9.30am It appears to have been successful so far. An infection is being treated with an antibiotic, and 72 hours after the first dose on Tuesday at 10am. urine appears to be clearing (not cloudy).
Although advised by an experienced TWOC nurse to attempt urination only every 3 or 4 hours to develop a good habit, for the first time in my life, there is URGENCY to urinate, stinging when passing urine, and I need to consciously relax the sphincter, a thing which normally is done unconsciously. By doing this I pass weak streams rather than droplets, and I record quantities. On the first day 2 litres, but on subsequent days average 1.6 litres.
At night, sleeping in bed,when I attempt to pass water (in the toilet!) it is more difficult than day-time. However the URGENCY to pee is quite intense, and when I leave it too long, things really slow down, producing only a few drops, which is worrying.
I am sure that the four insertions of the catheter have made abrasions on the urethra, which may take time to heal and may produce scars. On a few occasions there have been minimum amounts of blood in the urine, tingeing it slightly pink.
I have now survived four days of this rather intense concentration, not getting worse, but not obviously improving yet. How long should I expect for things to return to normal. Perhaps you can tell me the % of people where some permanent scarring may cause problems in future. On trying to pass urine I have HESITATION ( not usual) and sometime two or three streams.
I am normally in good health and prostate enlargement, normal for a man of my age, has never MADE me urinate at night. I just got up in order to empty the bladder, which made it easier to return to deep sleep immediately.
On the first day, after I had started to pass urine, I returned to hospital, as a routine, for a scan, and was reassured that there was not much urine in the bladder. Over the last few days I have consciously tried to empty the bladder, as retention is a problem with many people, apparently. I know my body pretty well, and I am sure that I am doing this at present.
I am certain that, when the urethra heals, I should be back to normal soon. Is this being too optimistic? Although I am convinced that my problem does not originate from the prostate, which has caused no problems before, I shall be seeing a consultant in a few weeks time about the whole area. I would like to have everything working normally before this consultation, if possible.
On the day after the operation, my urine stopped flowing, and after 9 hours a catheter was inserted, and I was sent home the next day.
Three attempts were made to remove the catheter, but each time it had to be re-inserted, each time after a period of agony while the bladder seemed to be bursting, as suitable medical help took a long time. Each time it was the worst pain and situation I have experienced in 80 years of a healthy life. (In many ways I am lucky compared with people wounded in war or accident, I realize !).
However, on the fourth occasion, On Monday at 9.30am It appears to have been successful so far. An infection is being treated with an antibiotic, and 72 hours after the first dose on Tuesday at 10am. urine appears to be clearing (not cloudy).
Although advised by an experienced TWOC nurse to attempt urination only every 3 or 4 hours to develop a good habit, for the first time in my life, there is URGENCY to urinate, stinging when passing urine, and I need to consciously relax the sphincter, a thing which normally is done unconsciously. By doing this I pass weak streams rather than droplets, and I record quantities. On the first day 2 litres, but on subsequent days average 1.6 litres.
At night, sleeping in bed,when I attempt to pass water (in the toilet!) it is more difficult than day-time. However the URGENCY to pee is quite intense, and when I leave it too long, things really slow down, producing only a few drops, which is worrying.
I am sure that the four insertions of the catheter have made abrasions on the urethra, which may take time to heal and may produce scars. On a few occasions there have been minimum amounts of blood in the urine, tingeing it slightly pink.
I have now survived four days of this rather intense concentration, not getting worse, but not obviously improving yet. How long should I expect for things to return to normal. Perhaps you can tell me the % of people where some permanent scarring may cause problems in future. On trying to pass urine I have HESITATION ( not usual) and sometime two or three streams.
I am normally in good health and prostate enlargement, normal for a man of my age, has never MADE me urinate at night. I just got up in order to empty the bladder, which made it easier to return to deep sleep immediately.
On the first day, after I had started to pass urine, I returned to hospital, as a routine, for a scan, and was reassured that there was not much urine in the bladder. Over the last few days I have consciously tried to empty the bladder, as retention is a problem with many people, apparently. I know my body pretty well, and I am sure that I am doing this at present.
I am certain that, when the urethra heals, I should be back to normal soon. Is this being too optimistic? Although I am convinced that my problem does not originate from the prostate, which has caused no problems before, I shall be seeing a consultant in a few weeks time about the whole area. I would like to have everything working normally before this consultation, if possible.
Brief Answer:
Prostate gland enlargement is cause of your problem.
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX and welcome to HCM.
As an Urologist, i can fully understand your concern.
You do have an obstructive prostate gland, expected normally at your age.
That's the reason for recurrent retentions. Check your PSA.
However, passing a urethral catheter, doesn't cause abrasions and scarring, like you imagine. You've started Tamsulosin once daily, which is the first step in treatment of prostate gland symptoms.
If your kidney function tests are normal, you should maintain drinking 8-10 glasses liquids daily. Avoid drinking more than one glass after dinner.
Hope your hernia surgery wounds have healed.
If needed, continue the laxatives, to avoid straining to pass stools.
That way, you'll feel comfortable.
If Tamsulosin alone doesn't give you a good stream of urine, inform the Urologist.
He may prescribe other alternative medicines, which are very effective.
Wishing you good health.
Prostate gland enlargement is cause of your problem.
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX and welcome to HCM.
As an Urologist, i can fully understand your concern.
You do have an obstructive prostate gland, expected normally at your age.
That's the reason for recurrent retentions. Check your PSA.
However, passing a urethral catheter, doesn't cause abrasions and scarring, like you imagine. You've started Tamsulosin once daily, which is the first step in treatment of prostate gland symptoms.
If your kidney function tests are normal, you should maintain drinking 8-10 glasses liquids daily. Avoid drinking more than one glass after dinner.
Hope your hernia surgery wounds have healed.
If needed, continue the laxatives, to avoid straining to pass stools.
That way, you'll feel comfortable.
If Tamsulosin alone doesn't give you a good stream of urine, inform the Urologist.
He may prescribe other alternative medicines, which are very effective.
Wishing you good health.
Note: Consult a Urologist online for consultation about prostate and bladder problems, sexual dysfunction, kidney stones, prostate enlargement, urinary incontinence, impotence and erectile dysfunction - Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
