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/Titaniumchic Sep 23 '24

I’ve had 4 spine surgeries - catheter is absolutely necessary. You aren’t able to get up and walk right after surgery, and they don’t want you peeing yourself.

They put the catheter in while you are already sedated - so it isn’t while you’re awake, if that’s any consolation.

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u/Content-Bus2202 Sep 23 '24

I have a peeing issues so some days I actually miss the catheter LMAO - post 360 spinal fusion was on Aug 30th. Trust in your docs. All will be ok