How to retrain my bladder after a foley catheter?

[justlisa1972]

I had a vaginal hysterectomy back on May the 13th. Along with the hysterectomy my doctor also did some extensive work on my bladder. As a result of all of the swelling I was unable to urinate when the hospital took the foley catheter out and I had to wear it home. Since then we have tried to take it out, and every time I do I do start peeing on my own but my doctor is unsatisfied with the amount that is coming out because I pee 100 ml every 30-40 min, but then I go to the office and then they straight catheter to see what is left and it's normally around 300 ml. After having it out and back in 3 times in the past 2 weeks I had enough so when it was taken out this past Friday and the same result I refused to have it put back in. So, instead he gave me a few straight catheters and said to do that at night before bed and then in the mornings for 2 days and if it was still the same I really needed to have the foley back. I do not want it back so my question is, what can I do to strengthen or retrain my bladder and the muscles down there to make it start pushing out more urine at a time? I know there has to be something that I can do WITHOUT the foley catheter to help myself. Kegels? exercising? more water? I could see it if I wasn't able to pee at all, but I am. He told me the biggest concern was possible infection, but I am on 2 very strong antibiotics and I am drinking a lot of water, and honestly I feel that there is just as much risk of me getting an infection if he keeps reinserting a catheter as there is if I go without and just try to make my bladder strengthen and do it's job finally. Please give me some tips advice that I can do to help my bladder get back to full strength. thank you!!

[jeemy95]

A related discussion, clean intermtten catherization was started.

[cupid2012]

A related discussion, bladder training was started.

[cricket3991]

I had rectoceal, a sling for uretha last of Dec. with catheter in for 3 days.  I could not void very much at first but noticed if I stood to wipe I felt the urge again.  I went in the shower and stood up and tried and it worked.  This is probably a long shot as you may have a different problem but it is worth a try.  they would not let me go home from hosp. before I could go a certain amount.  I don't know if exercises would help but I'd try everything you can think of as I know it is frustrating and uncomfortable.  good luck hope you find something soon.