Home from Corrective Surgery #6, Hello Catheters #18 & #19

Geez, boys and girls, what a day.  Was at hospital 2 hrs prep, 1 hour in OR, and 2 1/2 hours recovery.  Due to dehydration, it took 2 nurses 4 attempts to get in an IV.  Usually they can get it on the first attempt.  2 were very painful, but last 2, they used liberal amount of pain killers to accomplish. 

Of all 6 of these surgeries, this was the most painful in recovery, thus the extra time spent there.  They couldn't get me to keep from shaking so bad, with 4 heated blankets, they still had to put a heating unit through a hose to stabilize that.  Did wake up to two new caths, the new SP didn't really hurt, but the foley was a killer.  It had to pass through the heavily enflamed urethra and bladder neck.  Took 3 doses of morphine to even begin to cut the pain.  The SP is the active cath, and the foley is there to keep the bladder neck open so that it can heal, and it is plugged off.

My dr. told my wife, that the scarring wasn't as bad as he thought, but he did clear it back open best he could, but reported, even 7 full months after radiation has ended, that there is severe swelling and inflamation from the radiaton, and saw very little if any improvement there.  That is the bad news. He discussed for the 1st time with my wife, the possibility of advance urinary bypass or reconstructive surgery, and still may set up a meeting the expert from Duke in a couple of months.  He feels that a natural healing solution is growing unlikely at this point in time.

Put me on a strong antibiotic, re-newed my normal pain meds, and wrote a script for a much stronger pain med, to be used as needed for the next 36-48 hours.  He wants the foley left in as long as I can stand it, 10 days if possible, but realizes that the spasms will be more severe with both in place, and may have to be removed in 3-5 days.  Since my wife is a nurse, gave her the ok to remove it if needed.

Wants to see me Tuesday in person, and see how I am doing at this point.  Had excellent care once again at St. Francis, scary how many of the staff knew me from prior surgeries, a certain comfort in a twisted way.

Glad to be home.  Wife was a real trooper for me, again. The doctor and all nurses treated me like royalty, it was just a rough OP this time, further convincing me that this is definitely the last of the corrective ones like this.

On meds, resting, need to stay off my feet the rest of the weekend, need to heal from this.  Will still be getting my next post radiation PSA test within the next 2 weeks, but thats a whole other worry.

Thanks for all you guys prayers and supports.  Who would have ever dreamed of being on cath nineteen?

David, very sore, in SC

Thank you much, Don. Despite all this, I must still be a tough old bast*** inside, lol.

David,

Hope that you get some rest this weekend and also hope is that your days with a catheter are numbered. Looks like the Dr. has a plan if needed. My cath # 1 was enough for me. Take care.

Michael

David
- so sorry to hear of the latest ordeal, but glad you are through it ..
... very disturbing to reflect on how far they had to push the envelop to get the job done - convulsions (shaking) are not a simple matter and sadden me that you had to go through that emotional and physical trauma..... ( I had that happen due to reaction to medicine (1980's) - and it still haunts me to this day)...
-am pleased you mentioned the doctor talking to your wife about urinary bypass and such ... from your previous cancer history and lack of healing from radiation burns.. it may be you next option ..
-you deserve a better quality of life....
-and as always, whatever you decide, you have my support.

-wishing you and your family a very happy 4th of July - may this be the start of your independence day !

healing hugs,
Bronson and Steve

logo - thank you, that was a great reply, feel you understand where i am coming from :)

michael - when i think back to my original 63 days post open surgery on caths, it seems like nothing, thanks.

zufus - no denying, today was a rough one start to finish, but it had to be done. when i got home, got to eat after a forced fast of almost 24 hours, that six-dollar burger from hardess hit the spot, healthy - no way, but was dying for a protien fix. thanks for your encouragement too

bronson and steve, as always thanks for your kindness and friendship, if i ever make it to canada, would love to meet you guys. you have been a great asset here at HW

mal, my mate, always appreciate you and your remarks too, my best to you, brother

Thank you Jeff and Pat. When will you be home from your extended trip? Would love a phone call from you this weekend if you wish. Keep safe, brother of Cajunland

David, get some rest and don't be shy about taking the stronger pain meds the doc gave you. You've had enough pain already. Squid.

magabo, thanks a heap. the question now, was the radiation clinic correct subjecting me to so much radiation with a catheter in place. they said i was the first one to be done that way. all the other men here that underwent SRT, I believe, had to drink and hold various quantities of water prior to each zap treatment, in order to protect the bladder and rectum areas. In my case, no water, as it would have passed through the bladder via the cath without stopping. they told me it was safe and that they compensated for that, but even my uro/surgeon is question that call.

subic, took one of the a couple of hours ago, with my wife keeping a close eye on me. i get spooked real easy on meds i am not use to, this is the infamous hydromorphone, according to info, one of the drugs that killed michael jackson, and is the same drug that the state of ohio uses to execute prisoners with lethal injections, kind of a scary thought. it is 10x stronger than morphine. trust me, it will only be used sparingly to get me through the worse of the pain, then back to loratabs for the normal daily pain.

tim, thank you much for your kind thoughts too.

what i really need is some solid sleep, since i got home from the hospital, havent even had a small nap, almost like i am totally wired out, hoping some deep sleep will come later. thanks one and all.

david in sc

Thanks Barry, for your kindness too.

David.
I've no advice to give, as you really are a special case here, but hope all is bearable and offer you and your wife all the best.
I also agree with the comment that your posts never indulge in self pity. They almost go to the other extreme and make it sound like you uro visits and ops are just the most routine of excursions like going to the barbers.
If I was wearing a hat I'd take it off to you!
Alf

Oh, David it saddens me to read of your latest ordeal.  It sounds like your wife is doing a good job of taking care of you.  Rest and do whatever you have to do to ease the pain.

Aimzee

I hope you had a good night and hope there is some relief soon for you. I never had a bladder spasm but remember my doctor telling me why he didn't want to take the catheter out too early. He said they were very painful. You have definitely had way too many but you keep plugging away. Appreciate the update.

David,

Whenever I start to feel grumpy or sorry for myself with my piddlin' little problem I remember you and others here who have suffered your misery with class and grace. 

You are going to catch a break one of these days so hang in there.

Steve