This topic is about Ed's recent experience with dehydration and a hospital stay, which led to him needing a catheter. He shares his journey and some helpful advice for others who might find themselves in a similar situation.

Ed had a tough week that started with needing to drink a lot of water for an ultrasound. Unfortunately, he couldn't urinate properly, which led to frequent emptying of his ostomy pouch and not much urine output. This resulted in dehydration, and by Sunday, he felt dizzy and went to the Emergency Room. After a long wait, he was catheterized and diagnosed with dehydration. He underwent several tests, including X-rays and a CT scan, and was given antibiotics. Thankfully, doctors ruled out a fistula. Ed was discharged after five days with a urinary catheter, which his family doctor will remove soon. He is relieved that no fistula was found and is hopeful to feel better soon.

Here are some pieces of advice and insights from Ed's experience:

1. Catheter-site care:
- Apply Lidocaine gel or cream at the urethral entry point to ease pain and reduce inflammation.
- Use an antibiotic ointment like Neosporin or Bacitracin around the tube to prevent irritation and infection.

2. General catheter guidance:
- Be patient with the catheter; removing it too soon can lead to another ER visit, while leaving it in too long might cause an infection. Follow your doctor's advice on when to remove it.
- Expect some sleep disruption and discomfort. Keeping a sense of humor and a positive attitude can help you cope.

3. Managing very high ostomy output and dehydration:
- Severe "water" output, such as needing to empty your pouch more than 20 times a day, can lead to serious dehydration and stress on your organs.
- Hospital treatment might include multiple IV fluid lines, central line access, and Octreotide injections to slow down stoma output.
- Seek medical attention promptly if your output is excessive, as delaying a visit to the ER can lead to critical issues with your kidneys, liver, or heart.