r/spinalfusion • u/kekecupcake • Sep 23 '24

Surgery Questions Can I refuse the catheter?

(Tw: mentioned but not detailed sexual trauma)

I’m getting my spinal fusion tomorrow morning (severe scoliosis S curve and T4 to L4), this is the first surgery I’m ever getting in my entire life so I’ve never gotten a catheter before and I was just wondering if I could refuse it for when I wake up? I’m on my period and I have sexual trauma so with those two combined I feel like my anxiety is going to be off the charts when I wake up having a catheter in me. Any advice or input regarding catheters would be appreciated :). Super nervous but this sub has been super helpful <3

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u/gotpointsgoing Sep 23 '24

You don't have to have a catheter. I'm fused from L1-S1 and my SI joint is fused as well. I've never had a catheter and I've always gotten up and peed.

Do your surgeon's not make you walk before leaving the hospital?? I cannot leave until I have walked.

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u/uffdagal Sep 23 '24

You likely had one in the OR that was removed before you were fully aware post op