I was admitted to hospital with what was described by one consultant as a "humungous" prostate and was on the brink of kidney failure.
After being catheterised and stabilised I was then released from hospital three days later.
While waiting to see another consultant, due to the catheter and bag I was unable to sit on a saddle. However, due to owning a recumbent trike I was able to continue riding.
When meeting with the consultant I was offered either a TURP or HOLEP procedure. Both procedures are similar but the HOLEP gives a permanent prostate reduction, whereas with TURP there is the possibility of the prostate re-growing and requiring further surgery after around 10 years. I opted for HOLEP.
I waited 8 months for my appointment, all that time with a catheter and bag fitted.
After my procedure I spent two nights in hospital and was released, still fitted with a catheter, but one of a larger bore. Also still had the bag fitted.
Two days later I was back on my trike.
After 10 days I went back and had the catheter and bag removed. Still carried on riding the trike for a week and then tried a test ride back on my normal bike. A bit uncomfortable, but managed 20 miles.
Eight months since my catheter removal I'm now doing rides of up to 100 miles and hope to build up to longer rides once the weather improves.