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One week before Da Vinci syrgery

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Posted 2/2/2009 11:30 PM (GMT 0)
Well, I'm counting the days and getting very nervous about the surgery, what will the Dr. find, what will the biopsy report be and what kind of recovery/future I have. This site has been very helpful. I have learned a lot from all of you. Some of messages scared me others gave me hope.
I need help in formulating a set of question to ask my doctor before the surgery, after the surgery and after the biopsy. Pleas help. Thanks
Posted 2/2/2009 11:38 PM (GMT 0)
old67,

I was a basket case leading up to my surgery (1/22/09). My doc gave me a Xanax script that helped tremendously. Everyone is different - don't read too much into any one message here... Get one of those pocket sized spiral bound notepads and keep it in your pocket to write down those questions that pop into your mind in the middle of the hallway... (you'll forget them otherwise).

Drink more beer and keep your chin up.

cheers & beers,
Chris
Posted 2/2/2009 11:50 PM (GMT 0)
old67, heres a link to a thread on what to ask your doctor:
www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=35&m=1300628

Here's some tips for before surgeryz;
www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=35&m=1070160

Instructions for care after surgery:
www.med.umich.edu/1libr/urology/postcare/rprostatectomy.htm

Shopping List before surgery:
www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=35&m=586391

Supplies-post surgery: www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=35&m=961219

What is the first day home like?:
www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=35&m=934032

The thing to remember is each person had an individual course of recovery, and not like anyone else's, and so will yours be. However, there's enough common things that you can learn from and prepare for by reading these threads. Hope this helps.

I suggest you come home from the hospital with a prescription for bladder spasms meds, just in case. Also, stool softener. Some general after surgery questions is:
what are my weight limits for lifting?
When can I safely have an orgasm?
When can I have intercourse again, if able?
What is your plan for ED rehab, time schedule, etc.
How long until I resume normal activites or work?
When do I get my first PSA test?
Posted 2/3/2009 12:00 AM (GMT 0)

Old 67,

I know what you are going through!  Be praying for you.  I am fine, my surgery was 7 months ago. You should only be in the hospital for overnight.  They put me on clear liquids before the surgery, someone told me about a clear protien drink, you can get it a vitamin stores.  That helped me when I had to fast for a few days.  take care

Posted 2/3/2009 12:03 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks you. I'll check those websites and start a list so I can remember what to ask.
Posted 2/3/2009 12:05 AM (GMT 0)

Hi old67

Take time to reflect what you have been through so far.  Then think good thoughts and surround yourself with your family and friends, then go into surgery knowing you will get rid of this thing so you can live the rest of your life.  When you get back to the computer after surgery, let us know how you are doing.  All the best to you and take care.

Mika

Posted 2/3/2009 12:15 AM (GMT 0)
Old67,

I am also a new member having just gone thru an RRP rather than the robotic approach on the preference of my urologist. I am not as experienced/well versed as most on this forum but I have one pertinent observation to make. The post-surgery catheter is nowhere near as bad as I thought it was going to be. I had never had one before so I had no idea what to expect. My take is that there is little discomfort but a fair amount of inconvenience. Cleanliness is critical and, for me at least, involves twice daily washing and an application of an antibacterial ointment to avoid infection. My biggest fear was that our three year old German Shepard would see a new "toy" and I would be dragged around the house trying to avoid a disaster! :-) That has been avoided and I am three days away from being untethered and am definitely looking forward to it. That said, it is No Big Deal and nothing to get worked up over. Just take it a day at a time.

Good luck on your surgery/recovery and I hope all goes better than expected! No matter what, this is a good group of people so stay in touch.

See ya...
GarthK
Posted 2/3/2009 12:28 AM (GMT 0)
old67,
you should do fine with your upcoming surgery. for curiosity, is it your first major surgery, or are you an old pro? once they put you under, you won't feel or know a thing, then you are coming out of it in the recovery room. will you have wife/spouse and any family with you? that can be a big help, after my open surgery, my entire local family was waiting outside my hospital room waving at me when I came out of recovery. it made it all worth it for me. we will be here for you before your surgery, and when you come out the other side, on the recovery side of things. hang in there brother.

garth ,hello and welcome here, glad you found us too. so you had an open surgery like me? perhaps you can put up a signature here so we can see what your stats and path have been so far. my 66 days on different catheters is the thing of legends here, it is amazig what you can get use to. Glad you are losing yours soon. keep us posted please, here for you too.

david in sc
Posted 2/3/2009 12:48 AM (GMT 0)
Purgatory,
I thought 2008 was a bad year for me since I had a colon sigmoid resection due to diverticulitis. I had 10 inches removed in June 2008. So yes, I'm a pro at having surgery. I'm married (40 years) to a very loving and caring wife. I have 4 children (3 of them live in town) and 11 grand children. I'm blessed to have a loving family and a lot close friends from church as well as golf buddies.
Posted 2/3/2009 12:51 AM (GMT 0)
Hang in there. We are here for you!
Posted 2/3/2009 12:56 AM (GMT 0)
old67:

Least you won't be new to surgery, I hope that makes things a little easier for you. 2008 wasn't my greatest year either. was in 2 car wrecks (had never been in any prior). lost the job I loved to this lovely economy, and that got dx for PC and had my surgery this past November. Really hoping 2009 will be kinder, lol.
Been married to my lovely wife for 35 years in April. 3 children all living within 20 miles or so, and 2 grandchildren so far. I hope you do very well. the day your surgery is scheduled is the day i am suppose to get the results of my first post surgery psa, so i will be thinking about you too.

david in sc
Posted 2/3/2009 1:51 AM (GMT 0)
Purgatory,
I'll say a prayer for you to get a clean PSA. We all need help going through this. I wish you well. Please keep us posted.
Posted 2/3/2009 2:50 AM (GMT 0)
old67,
will do the same for you, and we will all be anxious here in the "waiting room" till we hear back from you after your surgery.

david
Posted 2/3/2009 2:50 AM (GMT 0)
old67...

As you can see from my signature, I'm just a tad bit older than you are. Our height & weight are the same and I'm three months post surgery da Vinci.  2008 was also a bad year for me, failed a pre-op stress test and had to have a cardiac stent put in before urologist would do the da Vinci surgery, which was a blessing, since I had 98% blockage.  I spent many hours on this forum reading and the web looking for anything pertaining to PCa. Talked to many relatives, friends, ex co-workers and I was directed to folks I didn't know, for they had already journeyed this well beaten PCa path we are on.    James C has given you some excellant web sites to get you started and the more you learn the more questions will come to you.  If you want to talk, my e-mail address is open.  I don't know much other than what I've traveled.  Will have you and all the PCa travelers in my prayers.  Good luck to you and your family.

"FOR THOSE DON'T BELIEVE, THERE IS NO EXPLANTION, FOR THOSE WHO DO BELIEVE, THERE IS NO EXPLANTION NEEDED" 

durantlion 

Posted 2/3/2009 2:55 AM (GMT 0)
durantlion, nice to hear from you again. see you just got a nice zero psa test, great for you! btw, your quote at the bottom of your post sounds familiar, wasn't that from the movie, "song of bernadette"?

david in sc
Posted 2/3/2009 3:49 AM (GMT 0)

Purgatory...my typing skills are just "so-so"...it should have said...

"FOR THOSE WHO DON'T BELIEVE THERE IS NO EXPLANTION; FOR THOSE WHO DO BELIEVE THERE IS NO EXPLANTION NEEDED"...I remember it from an old tv progran from about 1956 or so, "Science Fiction Theater"

Yes, I'm grateful and thankful to my Lord for the BIG ZERO PSA test

old67...sorry for the chit-chat on your thread, needed to correct my quote...

durantlion

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