Melbourne

Accommodation

You will have to be in Melbourne for a couple of days before your operation. And at least 7 days after when your catheter is removed. Our recommendation is that you rent an apartment, as opposed to a hotel / motel room for the duration. If you are travelling with your partner then the extra space allows you both to spread out without getting in each other's way.

The kitchen will enable you to eat at home. The washing machine means you can wash your clothes, especially items and underwear associated with the catheter. The weather might be warm and humid so AC is good.

We had a private balcony which was useful for drying off the night bag and spare straps. And giving them all a good dose of UV to help with reducing infection. An apartment is money well spent.

You will probably not want to go out much, especially in the days after your op when you're getting used to wearing and using the catheter and leg bag, so the wifi and plenty of space, and a TV will help.

A bucket is helpful to put the leg bag into beside your bed at night. You can then sleep with confidence that it isn't leaking onto your accommodation's carpet.

Undo the bottom strap of the leg bag and loosen the top to enable the leg bag to drape over the side of the bed, so it drains more easily into the night bag.

I found the more I walked the more blood appeared in my urine. i.e. turned slightly rose to looking like a bag of blood, not that I've seen any bags of blood.

Transport

Trams and Uber

There are phone apps you can install to show you where you are in Melbourne and help you navigate. The trams and buses are excellent.

Our apartment was an hour's walk from the clinic (for pre and post op meetings), and the Cabrini hospital where the surgery was to take place. The walk was easy enough without and with the catheter.

We used Uber a lot and enjoyed our rides and the humour of most of the drivers. Uber drivers were timely and reliable.