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recovery time for energy and stamina

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Posted 12/18/2008 10:32 PM (GMT 0)
 

I have heard a number of different times, for full recovery, of energy and stamina for our type of  surgery. I have a few  times during each day that I just run out of energy, even if I don`t excert myself. It has been 12 weeks since my surgery. Some guys tell me it can take up to a year for full recovery. I`m curious how others are doing, about recovering back there energy and stamina again. I don`t know if my recovery time is slow compared to others

Thanks

Fred

Posted 12/18/2008 10:55 PM (GMT 0)
Fred, did you have open rp or robotic, can't tell from your signature. I am 5 weeks out from my open surgery, and I would say my day to day energy is perhaps 25-30% tops of normal. I feel fine from the incisions and the internal stiching part, but sadly still on a cath. Hope you feel better soon and get your strength back soon.

David
Posted 12/18/2008 11:01 PM (GMT 0)

My surgery was RP and my age is the same as yours. I was at about the same energy level as you were at 5 weeks. You should notice more improvements at about 8 weeks

Posted 12/18/2008 11:11 PM (GMT 0)
The chores/errands I do around the house to keep me busy and to help my working wife is done in carefully planned spurts, when I do have the energy. I plan lots of water intake when busy, and make sure I rest properly after completing something, as opposed to working till I drop. I also purposely won't lift anything over about 5 - 6 lbs as suggested by my surgeon, even though I feel I could lift very much more, don't want to have a major set back by doing something stupid on my end.

David
Posted 12/18/2008 11:41 PM (GMT 0)

I had a open RP on 10-1-8. Went back to work on 11-5. I have a somewhat physical  job. At 12 weeks I am 100% energy wise. I work out 4 times a week also. I am a young 63 years old. It took a couple of months to get over hump.

Posted 12/18/2008 11:49 PM (GMT 0)
wow jersey, you are amazing. you got 6 years on me, no way i can duplicate what you have done, congrats to being in such good shape
Posted 12/19/2008 1:21 AM (GMT 0)
Fred

It seemed every day I could tell it was 3:00PM without my watch because I ran out of steam. After a few more hours my staminia came back. This went on for several months. It too shall pass.

Good luck to you

Mika
Posted 12/19/2008 1:22 AM (GMT 0)
One of my surgeons told me that one of the major factors in recovery time is blood loss. That's why, she said, non-robotic surgery typically has a longer recovery time than robotic surgery--there's more blood loss. When my wife was facing anemia from chemo years ago, her docs recommended she eat red meat. With that in mind, starting a few weeks before surgery, I started eating more red meat, which I would otherwise normally avoid. After surgery, like everyone else, I was off my feed for a few days. But now that I'm back to normal, I've been picking up on beef again. Still need to get some pomegranate juice--wish I'd known about that earlier.
Posted 12/19/2008 1:39 PM (GMT 0)

Thanks Purgoatory, I've always been very active. I feel being in good shape going into surgery has been a great benifit post surgery.  Today we are being hit with 12 inches of snow in Milwaukee. I was up at 4:30 to snow blow followed by shoveling. I would go to work but roads are terrible. My wife and I are about 80% vegatarian. I do have to supplement due to a low iron count. I have run 13 marathons including 2 Boston Marathon's. I had to stop running 2 years ago due to a bone spur problem in toe and foot. I now use epilipticle machines and due light weight work outs. I am 5'5" and weigh 140.

I am dealing with incontinence, 4 pads a day plus depends. On weekends when not working it is less than that. Pretty much dry at night. There has been a slight improvement in last couple weeks.

Well I'm going to lay down for awhile then get back to snow removal. Yes it is a very white christmas. This site has really been a help to me. In zero club as of 12-10. Carry on.

Posted 2/6/2009 5:15 AM (GMT 0)
The more I read the more I see there is no such thing as typical. There are too many variables.

I'm 59 and except for the prostate cancer, I'm otherwise in good health. During the work week, I walk the hallways and stairs of a four-story courthouse all day. When given the choice between elevators and stairs, I almost always take the stairs. I also hike, bike ride, kayak and play tennis.

During the one and a half months before my surgery, I embarked on an exercise/conditioning regimen, consisting of bike riding (generally 10 to 40 miles), hiking and walking. If a weekday was nice, I would leave work early to take advantage of the weather and exercise, knowing that the surgery was impending.

I had a robotic prostatectomy on January 22, 2009-- exactly two weeks ago.

As soon as I got home after the surgery, I resumed walking on my treadmill, on a level setting, at a slow 2 mph. The catheter tube was taped to my outer thigh, and the Foley bag rested on the floor next to the treadmill. Because the tube leading to the bag was taped to my thigh, there was no pulling on the catheter at the penis. Instead, all of the play ended at the thigh. That first day home, I walked one mile, a half hour at a time. Each day, I gradually increased the speed and distance, though never going over 3 mph. Today I walked 4.5 miles on the treadmill. While treadmilling, I watch TV and DVDs. It is my belief that the walking is vital for increased circulation and strength.

I drive and shop locally with no problem. My catheter was removed on Thursday, yet I was able to visit friends and family on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. I was at a Superbowl party for four hours and did not tire. I am amazed at how strong I feel. Like I said, I did 4.5 miles on the treadmill-- without tiring. I'm almost at the point where I could return to work, but for the incontinence issue. I think I need another week to ten days to improve on that before I go back to work.

I would ask your doctor about the value, if any, of getting a personal trainer/conditioner or getting into a physical conditioning program, bearing in mind your circumstances.

I don't know if any of the above has been helpful. Everyone's journey is different. I wish you the best.
Posted 2/6/2009 4:41 PM (GMT 0)

Sorry to hear your energy is not coming back so fast Fred.

Ironically, the Prince and I had our surgeries the same day.  I didn't set up a tread mill like him but the first week after surgery I did walk the dog quite a bit.  My wonderful wife customized a pair of pants with a slit on the side to get the Foley catheter out.  That way I coud walk pretty well and carry the bag.  The dog is well behaved and heals without a leash. I had my surgery 1/22.  On 1/28 I went to work fo 3 hours.  I used the smaller catheter that straps to your thigh.  Yea, I know I shouldn't have drove there. 

I started back to work 2/2 and have worked all this week.  Was I/ am I tired? Walking the dog was not tiring but I certainly noticed the cold more than I would have normally.  And I did spend more time in the easy chair that week.  I can't say this first week back to work has been really tiring.  But going to work is all I've done.  Normally, during the winter months, I play basketball 4 times a week.  During the summer I commute to work by bicycle, 20 miles one way and do a club ride on Saturday of 100 miles.  Sateruday is a day of rest.  Although its too early to tell if I'm going to be tired when I get back into my regular routine, I feel confident enough to say I WILL get back to that routine again.

I think there is a correlation between being fit before treatment and how quickly one recovers afterwards.  Although its very anecdotal, I would point out that Prince, Jersy, and I fall into a more active group and our recovery has been faster.  

Hang in there Fred.  Go for some brisk walks. Make it a routine.  Once you are used to it, doing other activities won't be as tiring. 

Posted 2/6/2009 4:49 PM (GMT 0)
Jersey, your story gets better with each post, amazing athletic you are. Me, lol, when I was in school days, I was more like in the Chess Club, Debate Club, etc.

On the stamina, I am closing on the 3 months mark since my open surgery, I run out of steam by 2 pm at the latest. But should add, pre-surgery, ran out of steam by 4 - 5 PM. I never fully recoup from radiation treatment from my prior cancers which ended in the year 2000. It took a toll on me and left me with a certain amount of chronic fatigue. I mostly plany any thing heavy duty in the morning and early afternoon hours. Guess we are all different there too.
Posted 2/6/2009 7:31 PM (GMT 0)

This is an excellent subject. I was always a very physically active guy pre-PC. I'm 6"4 and my normal summer weight is usually between 235 -240lbs, normal winter weight hovers around 250lbs. I run, lift weights, train in MMA kick boxing, swim, just all around active. However, after I received my biopsy results in July I was so dumb struck I stopped everything cold. I went on a eating, drinking, cigar smoking, all out binge.  (I thought PC was a death sentence and I was going to enjoy the time I had left).

Had robotic surgery at the end of august. After surgery I was still weirded out.  Kept eating. I went up to 269lbs (first time in my life). I have just recently begun working out and training again. Let me tell you the punishing workouts I'm doing now I would've laughed at last year. I don't know if it's due to my weight gain, physical inactivity, or a combination of both.  I don't think the surgery has anything to do with it at this 5 month stage.

George

Posted 2/6/2009 7:48 PM (GMT 0)
George (Jersey) Again, shows what opposites people can be, from the time of my 3rd biopsy in early Sept, I have lost 54 lbs. Only in the past week, did I start gaining again, picked up about 2 lbs. When I had my dx, I smoked as many cigs as I could, just didnt care any more, figured what difference would it make. Your reaction is probably typical of many too. But as I quickly learned what it was I was fighting this time, I started getting smart. I quit smoking the day before surgery (11/13) and have never smoked since, never plan to ever again (though I had only smoked from ages 50-56, long stupid story). Decided to make this PC event a life changer for me. Since I am not a real physical person, most of my weight loss was probably nerves and stress. I did the same thing when I went through radiation years ago. Want to start walking regularly soon, beautiful town track like 2 blocks from my house.

Don't beat yourself up George, I do that sometimes to myself, and trust me, it never helps. I think all of us here do the best we can, in our way, in our own time frame. I have had a couple of numb to cancer in general people here in my r/l that seem to think I should be doing better. I just smile, and tell them that they should having PC hanging over their heads, and go through all that I have gone through for the past few months. Usually shuts them up real fast.

My best to you brother.

David in SC
Posted 2/6/2009 8:12 PM (GMT 0)

Purgatory, you are all over this forum. Very good, as I've read your posts you appear to be a very knowledgable, truely caring person and WE (the PC brotherhood) appreciate that, thanks.

Actually, my head is totally straight again. (other than my hypocrondria) lol I am now getting good at being the old me. I know I shouldn't smoke cigars after receiving this dx but I did cut back, quality of life thing for me, I enjoy a good cigar.

Keep up the good works brother!

George

Posted 2/6/2009 9:12 PM (GMT 0)
I'm 60 yo and had robotic surgery on January 6. Prior to surgery I was at the gym 5 times a week. Two times a week doing pilates, two times a week aeobics and once a week the circuit machines. I went into the surgery in good physical shape. Having said that, for the first three weeks after surgery I had little energy in the afternoon and needed a nap or two Changing my own diapers took a lot of energy. I'm now at 4.5 weeks since surgery and can walk 3 miles with a good energy level. I still take an afternoon nap but my energy level is returning to pre surgery levels. My post op doctors visit is scheduled for February 20 and I'm looking to get back to a more normal routine after that. Everyone is different. The guys here have told me to be patient when it comes to leakage. I will say to you be patient and your energy level to return to normal.

Sam

Posted 2/6/2009 9:45 PM (GMT 0)
Sam - sounds like you are recovering fine for only having had surgery on 1-6-9. Nothing wrong with that afternoon nap, wish I could sleep by day, but that has eluded me all my life.

George - enjoy your cigar, nothing judgemental in my remark about any of that. I use to enjoy a good cigar myself and a good pipe, my big mistake was swtiching to cigarettes, so now I am glad I don't do any of it. We all enjoy certain quality of life things, whether they be healthy or not so healthy, that is why we enjoy life. One of my weaknesses is still a love of good quality dark chocolate.
Posted 2/7/2009 2:15 AM (GMT 0)

Timely subject for a lot of us.  Had robotic on 1/19 but had to stay in the hospital and extra week due to a bowel that wouldn't wake up.  Walked the halls every day 5 to 6 times, 6 laps at a time, still no response until they shoved a myriad of tubes up me and in me until walking was no longer posssible.  Once out I started back on the treadmill, slight incline at 2.2mph.  Did fine but noticed that about a half hour after finishing I felt like I was beat and needed to sit awhile.  I have also heard that it can take several months to finally feel like my old self, not particularly athletic anymore, but still find time for golf and to play catch with the grandkids.  Lost 13lbs. since surgery and quit the fried foods (don't really miss them yet) and feel less sluggish.  Lots of fruit and salads.  Time will tell.

Bob

Posted 2/7/2009 3:39 AM (GMT 0)
Three weeks post surgery and I think that my energy is about 80% of pre surgery
Posted 2/7/2009 7:48 PM (GMT 0)
My surgery was December 8. 2 days before that, I ran a 5k (3.1 miles) in slightly under 8 minutes per mile, pretty easily. As noted elsewhere, my post-surgery exercise consisted of walking around the house, back and forth, for maybe 30 minutes at a shot, once or twice a day. It still amazes me that I didn't find this boring at the time. Sometimes the walking caused catheter irritation and I had to skip a day. After 2 weeks the catheter came out for good, and I started walking outside, around a mile and a half. At 6 weeks I started jogging, and occasional Wii Fit. Today, nearly 8 weeks, I can do 3 miles, but quite a bit slower than 2 months ago. Also gained 5 pounds that looks like it's all centered at the surgery site. Weird. In the process of losing some weight, down about a pound from 2 weeks ago. Immediately after surgery I had food cravings. A lot of my usual favorites were no longer appealing. I had more hot cocoa in the last month than I've had in the past 20 years. But now the cravings seem to have subsided, and my food preferences are more like what they used to be.

DJ
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