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Two weeks post surgery

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Posted 8/31/2009 4:04 PM (GMT 0)
Hello:

I am a new member.

I did the Robotic surgery to remove the prostate on 8/18/09.  (please see stats below).

Incontinence was my major concern. I was told that at my age, I should not worry about incontinence or ED since I had none pre-surgery.  Two weeks after the surgery and five days after the catheter was removed, I still have NO bladder control except when laying down on my back.  I suppose it's too early to assess ED.

I called the RN three days ago.  She said that some people regain their continence slower than others.

Most of what I read appears to indicate that two weeks post surgery, there should be al least some control of the bladder.  That's not my case.  I have none. I mean what goes into the bladder comes out directly. I am looking for anyone who has a similar history of "no control" in the first few days/weeks?  How was recovery, if any?  Is there hope?

Stats:

Age: 47

PSA (2007)=1.8

PSA (2009 pre-biopsy) = 9.4 and 8.4

Biopsy on May 19, 2009

Diagnosis at end of May 2009

One (1) out of twelve (12) cores was positive.

Gleason Score = 3+3

Stage: T1C

Surgery (robotic prostatectomy using Da Vinci): 8/18/09

Removed Catheter: 08/26/09

5 days later (8/31/09):  No bladder control except when laying down

 

Posted 8/31/2009 5:09 PM (GMT 0)
Hi AML,

Welcome to the other site.

You are only a couple of weeks out from surgery. Most of us take a couple of month (some a little quicker; most a bit longer) to get closed to what is considered normal continence. Do as much walking as you can comfortably manage, do your kegel exercise and I'm sure you will improve very soon. Patience is absolutely necessary for this darn disease.

Wishing you a quick and complete recovery.

All the best to you

Magaboo

Posted 8/31/2009 7:34 PM (GMT 0)

Thank you Magaboo.

I have indeed been walking about one mile per day since removal of the catheter, and I find that this has helped me at least with the pain.  The only lingering pain (sharp at times) is on the left lower side of the abdomen, sometimes shooting to my scrotum. 

My surgeon indicated after (a 5.5-hour) surgery that my prostate had an unusual shape, which caused him to cut into the bladder a bit higher than usual, and do some reconstruction to narrow the bladder.  This knowledge combined with the reality of 8 pads per day is what is making me a bit nervous about regaining continence.  Yes, this is only 2 weeks post surgery ... so patience and hope at this point.

Thank you for your words of encouragement.  

AML

Posted 8/31/2009 8:29 PM (GMT 0)
Continence is something with large individual differences. In addition, sometimes there is slow progress and other times sudden improvements. That said, the vast majority do experience return to continence without further intervention. At only a week after catheter removal a lot of guys would still be using 5-8 pads a day and using the "two finger clamp" to get to the bathroom after a period of lying on their backs. I was pretty much going through one bag of pads a week for the first three or four weeks after catheter removal.

It is hugely frustrating and makes normal life a bit difficult, but for now have confidence that your path will be the one that about 90% follow.

Pain on the lower left is a frequent complaint and is likely to continue on and off for months. At four months, I still have occasional tenderness there. This is where the biggest incision was and where a lot of pushing and poking occurred. Pain is very different for different people and if over the counter meds do not give you enough relief, talk to your doctor about more prescription ones. No points are awarded for "bravery."
Posted 8/31/2009 8:41 PM (GMT 0)
2 weeks is kind of soon. At 2 weeks my cath was only out 2 days and not much control at all. Each week you will see an improvement

At 3 months I had 100 percent control
Posted 8/31/2009 9:00 PM (GMT 0)
Greetings, AML.  Glad your surgery went well - trust your post surgery path report will be a good one - you might add it to your signature when you have an opportunity.  As others have said, 2 weeks post surgery and just a few days post cath is not much time.  Continue to get your walking in but don't overdo it.  Your bladder control will come.  This is one of those times when we all need patience and as the saying goes, we want it now.  It will most likely take some time, but you should begin to see some improvement in the next few weeks.  David
Posted 8/31/2009 9:06 PM (GMT 0)
Ho AML,
Welcome to HealingWell. The guys are chiming in quite well enough. You are very soon after surgery and things will likely improve quickly. Stay with us and keep us posted...

Tony
Posted 9/1/2009 8:07 AM (GMT 0)
It was about three months before I attained better control of by bladder - so each of us is different.  I've never heard the projection that two-weeks is an expected period of waiting before that happens (control, or stronger control).  We read reports here from guys who come out of daVinci with little or no incontenence problems at all, and others who continue problems for months and months.  I'm just about one-year post op (9/10) and I still need one to two pads (the light absorbancy strength) a day.  Don't expect too much too soon, and be surprised, pleasantly so, when the flow stops.

Posted 9/1/2009 10:45 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks to all who have shared their experiences. This is surely a great support group.

Good new s from my doctor earlier today. The pathology reprot is good. Cancer was contained within prostate. I will post the details when I receive a copy of the report.
Posted 9/1/2009 11:04 PM (GMT 0)
AML:

Welcome! Had mine taken out in May. Leaked a lot after cath removal. And then it got better and better. A few relapses along the way. Like you, I wondered if I'd ever fully recover. Today, I can say I am about 99.9% continent. I used a thin female pad just for protection. Here is my advice:

1. Know that you will regain continence (albeit it may take time)

2. Do not focus too much on it. Just change your pads as needed and take it all in stride. Just take it as part of life (for now)

3. One day sudden progress will just happen and you'd get better and better after that.

4. Do your Kegels and do some walking

5.  Dont let this affect your confidence or composure...

6. And just be happy that this is nothing compared the stress of keeping your 'suspect' prostrate...

Posted 9/1/2009 11:23 PM (GMT 0)
Hey, good news on the pathology. I was your age at surgery. Your doctor may have raised your hopes unrealistically for continence - why is it that they tend to downplay any and all side effects! At two weeks, I was certainly no where near having control of any kind. Lying down I was was thrilled to be dry. I was eight weeks before getting hint of control. But once it started it progressed rapidly. ED takes one year. That seems to be the benchmark from most of the guys in my PCa support group. You are right on track. Welcome to the club.
Paul
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