In your pre-op consult, you need to mention your incontinence. You should find out how long the surgery is going to last. If it's longer than 2-3 hours, you'll probably be getting a foley. You should also ask about the recovery time and whether you can expect to be admitted to the hospital. If you are a heavy wetter or very partial to your usual diapers, bring a supply of them with you. If you're not a heavy wetter like I am not, the cheap hospital diapers will probably work for you. I have come home in a hospital diaper before after a surgical procedure. Of course you can ask whether they plan on catheterizing you. They won't leave the foley in any longer than is necessary, it is a huge infection risk, especially in the hospital. And catheters aren't supposed to be used just because you're incontinent and its more convenient for the staff than changing diapers......they will let you change yourself should you be able to. But they will change you when you aren't able to do so. The nurse offered to diaper me in the recovery room when she brought my diaper in, I told her I was all set, my wife is a nurse and she was going to do it for me. I don't remember much of it as I was certainly unable to diaper myself. So my wife put my diaper on for me.
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