Question

[fusion]

I am not a nurse but I have a question that I am hoping someone here (being a nurse) would be able to answer. I apologize if I am out of line in posting here since I am not a nurse.

I am scheduled for a two-level spinal fusion on January 5, 2005. I am very nervous about the surgery but I have accepted that I need it and am anticipating feeling much better once I have fully recovered. The thing I am mostly nervous about (and this is really stupid I know) is I know I have to have a urinary catheter in for a while after the surgery. My pre-op appointment with the surgeon is this Thursday (12/30) so I haven't had a chance to ask much about it. My main concern is that they don't put it in until after I'm knocked out for surgery. Is that possible or do they have to put it in before I'm out? I'm a male if that makes any difference.

Also, any advice or experiences anyone can give me about this?

Thank you!

[fusion]

I want to thank everyone who responded to my question. It makes me feel much more relaxed knowing that I will most likely be able to wait until after I am knocked out to get the catheter inserted. It's still not a pleasant thought but I can deal with it.

I will definitely post an update when I am up to it after the surgery.

[kids]

I've had multiple back surgeries including a 4 level fusion in April.

Every time the catheter was placed after I was under.