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Posted 8/30/2009 2:31 PM (GMT 0)
Today is 18 days post robotic surgery. Overall doing well and getting more stamina each day. The last two days I've noticed that the pain's I have been having have shifted from a skin outer type pain in the lower abdomen to being more of a deep inside pain. Almost feels like things inside are trying to perhaps stretch from a knotted position. Best I can do to describe it! If I push in deep on my abdomen It will cause a pain in deep. I'm assuming this is all part of the internal healing. The incisions are itching more now but not bad.

 

Posted 8/30/2009 3:06 PM (GMT 0)
lew,

most of that sounds normal, and of course varies from person to person. while its a good thing to be walking and doing on the physical front, its not a good thing if you are overdoing it (not saying you are). Pain is one way the body is talking to you, some guys push it too hard, you are not that far out of surgery. Know you had robotic, but I feel they oversell the recoup time a bit much, you still had a major complex surgery, and your innards have gone through some serious changes. The internal sucturing and stiching can take time to get adjusted and to heal. Are you still on any pain meds? If not, perhaps you need to talk to your doctor. Some seem to think its some badge of courage to ditch the pain meds immediately. Wrong approach, untreated pain just retards your natural healing process, any nurse in the world knows that. Hope you feel better soon.

David in SC
Posted 8/30/2009 3:17 PM (GMT 0)
I know when I had my surgery about 3 weeks out I had pains in the abdomin and pubic area, I went to see my uro and it ended up being bladder spasms, they put me on a med can remember the name turns your pee day glow orange but will help suppress the spasms. Doc told me that the bladder takes a while to adjust since they do have to do some repositioning once the prostate is removed to reattach the urethra

I would check it out with your doc though to be sure it isn't any thing but normal healing

Gary
Posted 8/30/2009 3:33 PM (GMT 0)
THe med that turns things orange is pyridium, usually a cheap generic one, helps with spasms but usually issued for urinary burning. With my long stints on catheters, ditropan was the best thing going for bladder spasms. How do you know if you are having one? Easy, feels like someone let off a small grenade in your bladder and there was no escape path for the charge, lol. Trust me, I have had hundreds of them literally being on 7 caths.

david
Posted 8/30/2009 3:46 PM (GMT 0)

Thanks all for your insights. I think I over did it some on Wed, Thursday. Took it more easy Friday and saturday. I think it is just normal healing type pains. I take over the counter extra strength tylenol and it helps. I only take the heavy duty presciption pain meds about 2 times a week now at night.

I'll see how it does until Wednesday and see if it gets better or not.

Thanks again,
Larry

Posted 8/30/2009 4:35 PM (GMT 0)
Greetings, Larry.  I'd just echo what others have said - you are just a few weeks out from surgery and pains are a normal part of the healing process.  Listen to your body - when it speaks to you, you need to listen and take it a little easier.  We all want to get on with things, but listen to your body.  That is my wife the nurse speaking - can't live with someone for 36 years without it rubbing off just a little (and I heard it pretty regular after my surgery).  Glad you are making good progress and look forward to hearing continued good reports. David

Posted 8/30/2009 5:08 PM (GMT 0)
Remember that no matter how small the incisions, a prostectomy is major abdominal surgery. You will be having various pains for another couple of months. Typically the last pain to go is on the lower left because that was the largest incision and was where they had the drains which is to say it got the most trauma. It is sometimes a fine line to figure out what is normal healing and what is not. If you have any worry, do not hesitate to call your doctor. They are still treating you and would much rather head off something rather than have it become major.

As others have said, don't over do -- but by the same token, keep with an increasing program of moderate exercise (walk, walk, walk) Your body will heal much better as a result.
Posted 8/30/2009 5:17 PM (GMT 0)
RE: pain deep inside when pushing deep inside-------

Man: Doc, it hurts when I do this...
Doc: Then don't do that.....

(Thank you, thank you, I'll be here until Thursday. Try the veal, It's great!!)
Posted 8/30/2009 5:21 PM (GMT 0)
James, you should get a doctor's fee for that advice, that was choice.

David/CPA - its scary some times: both named david, both accountants, both married to nurses, you 36 years, me going on 36 years.
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