Tips/experiences with perineal urethrostomy (PU) surgery

My wife and I had to bring in our Caesar for PU surgery this week. His recovery is coming along slowly and this will be his third day home.

He's eating a little throughout the day and drinking plenty of water, but is having problems with wanting to use the litter box with Yesterday's News litter. It seems he's in great discomfort immediately after he goes pee and even has thrown up some clear liquid the after the last couple trips to the box. He has collapsed on the floor or in his bed and stayed prone for about an hour to recuperate. He did have some anemia at the hospital, but he's eating now and I hope that helps.

The last two times he's peed, he hasn't gone into the box, instead peeing while he was standing (over a towel, thank goodness) and on my wife while she was holding him. He's confined to a bathroom by advice of our vet, which is good since we haven't had accidents around the house.

Have others had similar experiences? I'm assuming it's somewhat normal behavior, but I fear we'll need to retrain him to use the litter box or something.

Welcome to TheCatSite.

Was Caesar already using Yesterday's News litter before his surgery, or is this a change made since?

There is no speedy recovery from anemia.  Caesar should be encouraged to take near-total bed-rest for at least a few weeks.  He should not engage in any (needless) activity that would make his heart work any harder than necessary.  Continuing confinement to a small area with all his needs provided therein (bedding, food, and water at floor level, and only a shallow litter tray) will help about that.  It would be even more conducive to his recovery if you also keep his environment at the cooler end of the temperature range comfortable for him. His Veterinarian may be able to provide something to promote hemopoiesis.

Caesar was using normal, clumping litter beforehand. The doctor told me some bladder problems were normal, but part of me thinks he doesn’t like the stuff and/or was so upset the first few times he used it because of the feeling that he doesn’t want to get back in.

He’s set to stay in his temporary bathroom home for another week, although the vet said we may be able to take him out in an adjacent bedroom for short periods, so long as he’s with me or my wife and calm, most likely on our lap.

The good news is while his energy ebbs and flows, he does perk up quite a bit and has eaten more today than he has the previous few days. He's still drinking water regularly with longer-than-normal trips to his water dish. I'll also give him water via dropper if I haven't seen him drink in a bit.

Urine has looked OK, no more spotting or bloody marks. Surgery area looks like it's healing. It's just this bladder control-then-vomit thing that has me worried.

Ideally, we would make a (mixing, phasing) transition from one litter type to another, but crises such as Caesar has had to necessitate his surgery do not permit us so much time.  I think you made an excellent choice for his post-surgery litter -- nearly no dust nor other teeny debris bits, and having only a light scent.

I think he will adjust to the new litter on his own, or you can re-train him to make a habit of using it.

His throwing up has likely been from discomfort or feeling unwell.  Any recent changes to his food?

One of my fellas got this surgery today. Vet said it went okay but she's worried he'll muck with his stitches, he HATES his E collar.
Worrying myself sick about his recovery!
I'll be following to hear about Caesar's progress. Sending him happy healing thoughts!
It's so nice to know there are other kitties working through similar situations.
I get to visit my boy at the vet tomorrow (well... today). Can't sleep, too nervous!
But as long as we don't have to do the obstructed bladder business again. It was truly horrible!
Is Caesar recovering okay?