Self catheterising 4x/day doesn't sound like fun. I hope that's going to get better for you over time.
Out of curiosity, when you were ignoring bladder retention for a long time, were you aware that's what you were doing?
Reading my post again it's misleading and needs to be explained.
I had enlarged prostate for many years.
GPs were aware. PSA ok. No action/meds recommended.
A few years ago I noticed sediment at the end of urine flow including occasional small stones.
At this stage there were long gaps between referrals to consultants, MRIs etc, but eventually I was informed I had bladder stones and bladder diverticular caused by chronic urine retention, no doubt the result of the enlarged Prostate.
Some time later I had a procedure to remove the bladder stones.
I was also prescribed tamsulosin and finasteride for the first time, and informed that I would be reviewed in OP in 3 months.
So I suppose when I say I was ignoring the urine retention, it's more correct to say everyone was ignoring it.
I wasn't aware of it as I had no unpleasant symptoms apart from occasional discomfort, until I spotted the stones and by then the damage was done.
Despite the usual symptoms of enlarged prostate for many years there'd been no suggestion from GPs to have an MRI scan.
The 3 months OP review never happened and only after asking my GP to chase things up I got to see the urologist about a year later.
Scans and tests confirmed still significant urine retention.
Put on the the waiting list for TURP, and fortunately offered a short notice surgery date due to a cancellation.
I'm always optimistic and hope I'll get a decent outcome from the surgery, but I suspect that because of the bladder being somewhat knackered, I may need to continue with some level of intermittent catheterization.
