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Day 59: Concerns about tommorow's procedure

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Posted 1/12/2009 1:48 PM (GMT 0)
It's been a week since my doctor "scoped" me up the penis, and it is still sore and feels weird up there at times, and all he was doing was looking around.  We leave at 0930 in the morning Tuesday to go back to the hospital.  I am not thrilled about being put under so soon after my open RP, but realize that I can't handle the pain of what they are wanting to do.  Just worried in general, how much pain will I be feeling after when they stretch the urethra and snip and trim and whatever else they do up there after I get home and the meds where off.  And of course, I will be on cath #5, he didn't say how long, but I would imagine at least a week or two.  And then I tell myself, great mental torture game, what if I go through all this, and still don't have good natural opening to urinate on my own, or if it is too large, end up wetting my pants forever.  In this area, I just wished my original surgery had been completed without a snag.  My wife has been wonderful through this whole process, but I think she is tired of seeing me more like a patient then a recovering person.  Sorry for the gripe, but I really am tired of the whole scene.  I mostly wish I would just wake up from this nightmare that began as PC.

David

Posted 1/12/2009 2:06 PM (GMT 0)
Good luck to ya I'd guess that the pain won't be much worse then what you just went through with the scope.
Posted 1/12/2009 2:08 PM (GMT 0)

David:

You have been through a lot but, hopefully, this will be the last big hurdle on your way to recovery.  Please accept my best wishes for success tomorrow and we will all be here waiting to here how it went.

Good luck!

Tudpock

Posted 1/12/2009 2:24 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks, guess just feeling a bit depressed. It's, as every man here knows, dealing with something like PC, when you had no symptons and were feeling great. Except for my always rising PSA, my personal dr said I was in excellent health for 56. And I felt good most of the time. At least with my previous cancer bouts, once it was cut out properly on attempt 3, and I went through radiation, I've been clear for 9 years, and I didnt have to make any tough choices about lingering side affects or quality of life issues.

David
Posted 1/12/2009 3:20 PM (GMT 0)
David, We will be thinking of you tomorrow....Just think next week at this time it will have been a whole week since you had it done, and you will be way past it! It will go fast.....Di
Posted 1/12/2009 3:24 PM (GMT 0)
Good point Diane, what's another week or two at this point. Feel bad for complaining, but even I get overwhelmed at times. Hope Pete had a comfortable night.

David in SC
Posted 1/12/2009 5:15 PM (GMT 0)
David,

A spinal is a good alternative. You get movement back in no time without side effects. Add that to a mild something (like valium maybe) and you'll be feeling pretty good shortly after its all over with. I've had both myself and prefer a spinal without a doubt. Good luck and hoping for a quick recovery.

Paul
Posted 1/12/2009 5:54 PM (GMT 0)
Swim, I had a very, very bad experience with a spinal tap several years ago when they thought that I had MS, I vowed I would never do that again. I've been through enough pain the past 2 months, don't want to heap more hot coals upon myself so to speak.

Davdi
Posted 1/12/2009 7:22 PM (GMT 0)
David

I just want to wish you the best tomorrow.

For what it is worth . . . I did not want a spinal either . . . the anesthesiologist "talked me into it." Looking back, I am extremely happy she did. After the surgery the strongest paid med I had to take was Extra Strength Tylenol, and that only for a couple of days.

Again, all the best tomorrow.

Cheers,
Rich
Posted 1/12/2009 7:51 PM (GMT 0)
David,

Just want you to know, you will be in the thoughts and prayers of my dear wife and I tomorrow. We wish you the best. She reminded me last night that I seemed to know as much or more about careing for myself after leaving the hospital on the 10th than the Nurses were teaching or telling us. Well, I have learned so much from "you" and others on this board. I don't know if I can repay it all but perhaps I can make a difference for someone else, like you have for me.
Posted 1/12/2009 8:16 PM (GMT 0)
There aren't many choices so general it is. You'll do fine.

Swim
Posted 1/12/2009 8:34 PM (GMT 0)
Swim: I am sure I will on the general, just rather not be doing it at all.

sandstorm: Thanks, but I like to think we are all here for each other in our own way, appreciate your contributions as well.

Thanks, Mike and Rich.

David
Posted 1/12/2009 8:35 PM (GMT 0)

Good Luck David!

for what it is worth I had a spinal on for a hernia repair..........I was awake the entire time and I was cold, shaking, felt like throwing up and it was not a good experience.  the next hernia repair I elected to go out completly.  it was much easier for me to go that route. 

your mileage may vary. 

Posted 1/12/2009 8:38 PM (GMT 0)
I am with your thinking califost all the way
Posted 1/13/2009 1:32 AM (GMT 0)
Hi, David
Well,partner, good luck tomorrow. I'd go with the general. I can always use a good nap.I've got to believe that after all you've been through that a change in luck is in store. Time to get along on this bumpy road, but maybe I hope you've seen the last of the problems.

Bob
Posted 1/13/2009 2:52 AM (GMT 0)
David,

Arriving late, as usual these days.

Funny thing about the anesthesia question. The one time I had a spinal, over a decade ago, I fell asleep anyway and missed everything anyway. BUT, the other unexpected effect was, of all things, that when I awoke, I was unable to pee (sound familiar?). So I begged and pleaded for a catheter. But they didn't believe me, they thought maybe I was just reluctant to pee into a bottle. So first they had to put mint drops in my pee bottle. OK, I humor them for a minute, then begged for a catheter again. Finally a guy came with a catheter kit. The kit container doubled as the pee tank. I filled it up completely, and then he pulled out the catheter, and although I felt I had a bit more inside, I had enough relief to fall asleep. By the time I awoke, things were flowing again. The nurses came by and said they were amazed that I had put out a whole liter.

So avoid that spinal at all costs!

Good luck tomorrow. And the days following.
Posted 1/13/2009 4:13 AM (GMT 0)
David,

I've been reading your posts and have felt terrible about what you've gone thru. Obviously alot of people on this board are also hoping things work out well and fast for you. Add me to the list and let us know how it goes. Best of luck.

Rich
Posted 1/13/2009 12:43 PM (GMT 0)
Leaving for hospital in about 2 hours, will report back as soon as I am able, hopefully later this afternoon. Had an uncomfortable evening with lots of spasms, even the med didn't help for those.

David in SC
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