Aftercare

Your recovery process varies depending on the type of anaesthesia you received.

If you’ve had a general anaesthetic, you may feel different for 2 or 3 days, with fatigue or difficulties with your memory. If so avoid driving, drinking alcohol or making big decisions until you feel better.

Drinking water

To reduce the risk of painful urination, it’s important to drink plenty of fluids for the first few days.

Managing pain and other symptoms

You may find urination painful for a few days and may notice blood in your urine, but it should also reduce during this time. You may not have much pain, but talk to your doctor about pain relief, as aspirin or other pain medication may thin your blood and increase the chance of bleeding. Your surgeon may prescribe antibiotics to reduce your risk of infection and suggest medication to make your urine more alkaline. This will reduce discomfort when you urinate. A warm bath or a hot pack may also help alleviate urinary discomfort.

Resuming normal activities

Usually, you can resume your usual diet and activities when you're able to do so, as advised by your doctor.

Follow-up

If you’ve had a biopsy, you’ll need to make a follow-up appointment with your surgeon to check on your results.

Watching out for problems

Call your surgeon immediately if you experience fever or chills. Other signs that you should contact your surgeon are:

  • unpleasant-smelling urine
  • cloudy urine
  • difficulty or inability to pass urine
  • increased urinary frequency or urgency
  • continued burning with urination
  • blood or clots in the urine
  • dribbling or leaking urine
  • lower back pain
  • pain or a heavy feeling in your lower abdomen.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Information is provided by HCF in good faith for the convenience of members. It is not an endorsement or recommendation of any form of treatment nor is it a substitute for medical advice, and you should rely on the advice of your treating doctors in relation to all matters concerning your health. Every effort has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information, however HCF takes no responsibility for any injury, loss, damage or other consequences of the use of this information.