HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

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

Support Forums
>
Prostate Cancer
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
1 2 34
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 7/5/2010 2:40 PM (GMT 0)
thanks, jerry. about to get my 3rd post SRT reading, with the additional pain/suffering, it would be great to have this next PSA reading either the same as, or even lower than the previous. As long as it doesn't go up a tick, I will be happy on that front.

david in sc
Posted 7/5/2010 2:56 PM (GMT 0)
Monday Morning Update

It was a rough 48 hours after surgery, about as expected. Managed about 5-6 hours of broken sleep last night, if all added up. Hadn't gone BM on my own since the op until this morning, was just about to take a laxative, and then it happened naturally. Will take stool softeners for a few days.

Being Monday, starting out the day with the intention on taking 1/2 the pain meds I have been on the past 2 plus days. I feel like the entire weekend passed in a haze of meds. They were needed, but I like to have full control of my brain. I will see how I go on the first few dosings, if not, I can always go back up a notch.

Wife starts a new shift, she's going on 2nd shift, so it will be weird with her being gone from 230 pm till close to midnight. I will have lots of long evening alone to deal with.

No mail or banks today, as its the Federal Holiday for the 4th of July here in the USA.

I am suppose to speak to dr by phone tommorow to give him an early update, and he might want to see me as early as Friday of this week. I will be stuck here at home, cant even drive due to the level of meds I am on, and way to uncomfortable to sit on a car seat.

Thanks to everyone here.

David in SC
Posted 7/5/2010 4:45 PM (GMT 0)
Hi David, thanks for the update. My wife is no longer working, but I find it difficult to fill the time when she's out at her book club, or having birthday dinners with friends, so I hear you on filling the evenings.

Be careful you don't underdo the pain meds. As I understand it, it takes more meds to get back on top of pain than it does to maintain control. But, you've been there, done that, with pain meds so I'm sure you know what you're doing.

Sheldon AKA Sleepless
Posted 7/5/2010 5:21 PM (GMT 0)
yep, sheldon, been on the meds so many months, just about always know how i will react. if lower dosing isnt cutting it, will go back to the other. just had to get my head out of the clouds for a while, like being able to think clearly. hoping to be able to drive again my mid week, makes me feel trapped in like this.
Posted 7/5/2010 10:57 PM (GMT 0)
Hello Purgatory,

I hope you got a little rest and maybe a couple of decent meals this weekend. By the way how is the food around that place anyway?

Sounds like this Dr. is working on a plan to help. It's nice to have the help of others when we face some of this stuff.

You know Betty Davis, I think, once said "Getting Old is Not For The Meek."

I would like to modify that a little and say "Getting Cancer is Not For The Meek."

My Best to You Both

Jim.
Posted 7/5/2010 11:55 PM (GMT 0)
Gee David what can I say that hasn't already been said. I was hoping to read the doc said there were definite signs of healing going on. It looks like the battle is going to continue for a little longer. I have said it before but I'll say it again ....... I am in awe of your tenacity in the face of such adversity. Constant pain and discomfort and still you are there with your hand out to others. You are indeed fortunate to have your "rock" at your side helping you cope with this battle. I notice you said you have less discomfort in certain positions and when you don't walk about ....... perhaps it might help to have the lower half of your body a little higher than the top...... maybe this will relieve the pressure on the lower part of the bladder. We all hope a turning point has been reached with this latest cath.
Take care,
Bill
Posted 7/6/2010 12:43 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you, Jim, been enjoying reading your new posts since you have joined.

Billy Beans, such a perfect change to your handle, you bean eating Oz mad man!

One can only hope, that I am near the end of the perpetual catheters. Been off my feet most of the day, even the slightest housework is causing the hurt, so I had to back off. By choice, I haven't had any of the morphine drug today at all, not even sure it works as well as the Loratabs they have had me on for so long. Got the stronger stuff locked away for safekeeping. When I talk to the good doc, tommorow hopefully, need to find out what is next on the game plan. I think he wants to see if I can last a couple of weeks on the double catheters, but I don't see no way possible, even mentioned to my wife when I was in recovery, that he wishes in a week, that he could put one size larger foley in place, but figures thats probably not going to happen due to all the constant pain. Gee, just what I want ,even a bigger one! That would make me feel better, lol.

On July 13th, which is my 58th birthday, I am suppose to testify in Federal Court as a witness for the prosecution, in the embezzlement trial of the former trader of my ex-boss's firm. I am the only one with a clear knowledge of the accounting records that were left at that time (early 2008). I need to be well enough to sit in court for hours, so I am hoping I don't have to get it postponed on account of my health.

We had a pretty good American 4th of July. My two boys came over, and we grilled burgers, and watched the town's firework display from my back elevated deck, fireworks were only about 1/2 mile away, so had a good view without leaving the property.

Billy, doing the best I can at the moment, trying not to let it overwhelm me during this new and painful recovery period. Thanks as usual, mate.

David in SC
Posted 7/6/2010 1:22 AM (GMT 0)
David,
Have been "off board" a bit - Sorry the news wasn't what you wanted, but at least it is progress of a sort. We seem to be getting older with regularity, at least. I hit 57 last week -

I altered the phrase - what doesn't kill us makes us wary.
Posted 7/6/2010 2:40 AM (GMT 0)
142,

i do consider it progress, my dr. needed an inside look, first time he had been able to since early march. he also wanted to make sure that the bladder neck wasn't completely sealed closed again, and it wasn't, so why he had me under, he did a hard dialation, and cut away some new scar material at that critical juncture, and had a good look around. there is not a doubt in his mind, that my lingering set back at this point, is entirely due to radiation induced damage.

thanks, david
Posted 7/6/2010 2:50 AM (GMT 0)
Hi David,

I feel a little hope since your Dr. claims the scarring wasn't as bad as he thought. Maybe this one is the charm.

Still rootin' for you,
Bob
Posted 7/6/2010 3:07 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you, Bob.
Posted 7/6/2010 5:20 AM (GMT 0)
Hey David,

Glad to hear you had the grilled burgers and a nice fireworks display.

My wife and I were alone this weekend (married kids elsewhere), and we just relaxed. However, today (I was off work) we had a huge craving for hot dogs! So I went out, bought some Angus beef dogs, wheat buns and we had pan scorched dogs. Yummy!

I also found some perfect strawberries and I fixed strawberries and shortcake. Really Yummy!

I hope you find some comfort this week and a good plan from the doc!

Barry
Posted 7/6/2010 2:39 PM (GMT 0)
Barry, only my daughter couldnt make it, she had to be with her in-laws, she was here last weekend, and we tried the angus dogs for the first time, pretty good. The local strawberries just peaked here a few weeks ago.

Will be calling my doctor's office a little later this afternoon and will post an update.

David in SC
Posted 7/6/2010 11:39 PM (GMT 0)
Tuesday Evening Update:

Never called my dr's office today, time got away from me, will have to do that tommorow, not that it was going to change anything that is currently going on. Been off the morphine based meds for 2 full days now, but still needing the regular loratabs every 4-6 hours. My youngest son drove me to Wal-mart today, first time I left the house in 4 days. I will not drive under the influence of pain meds, no different thant DUI to me. Just walking around the store with him for 15-20 minutes was enough to convince me that I am still in considerable pain, and not quite ready to resume my normal daily activities. Even though it hurt, it felt good to get out of the house and walk about a bit.

Based on what my dr/surgeon told my wife, he didn't do anything different than the previous 5 corrective surgeries, but perhaps because of the ongoing pain from radiation damage, it has definitely been a much more pronounced and painful episode. Much more than I anticipated. But today was a little better than yesterday, so hoping it will be a little better each passing day. Not sure how long I will be able to endure having the foley cath in place on top of having the SP cath, there's never even a second in the day when one or the other, or both aren't causing some hurt. But I realize that it needs to be there to promote some healing from what just took place. So will just have to see how I can tough it out for as long as possible.

David in SC
Posted 7/7/2010 12:56 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the update David, I too am hoping every day gets better for you. I feel things are going to turn in your favor.
Posted 7/7/2010 1:08 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks, Norm, and I sincerely hope so. Enough is enough.
Posted 7/7/2010 1:26 AM (GMT 0)
Happy to know you were able to get out of the office even it for a short period of time. Keep us posted.
Posted 7/7/2010 2:01 PM (GMT 0)
David, Your story is one for the record books, and I am proud of you for sharing your care with the rest of us. There should be a Psa purple heart to award you, alomg with a Psa medal of honor for enduring pain and suffering beyond the call of duty. I've worked in Health Insurance for 25 years and NEVER heard of anyone going through what you have been through. As you wean off the pain meds, I reccomend my fourth of July special drink, the Fishboner:

16 ounce glass filled with ice

2/3 ounce vodka

2/3 ounce Gin

2/3 ounce peach schnapps

2/3 ounce rum

grenadine for color

sweet/sour mix

sprite

Should help ease the pain and WILL relax you!

Beachbum turn

Posted 7/7/2010 2:08 PM (GMT 0)
David,

Been on the road and without internet. As usual you know that you are still in the thoughts and prayers of Lynn and I. Sorry you are having such a rough go at all of this. Really hope you find some peace and comfort soon. No one should have to endure what you are.

We are in St Louis this week and will check in when we can.

Peace be with you my brother,

Sonny
Posted 7/7/2010 3:38 PM (GMT 0)
thank you rob.

beachbum, thanks for the recipie, i wish i did drink sometime, might help, lol, but been "dry" since 1973, not even a sip of bear

sonny - enjoy that trip Sonny with Lynn. Never did get that email about the campground in GA, but its ok, wouldn't have been able to make it. Go up the Arch in St. Louis for me, always wanted to do that. let's talk soon when you get the chance, btw, still waiting on the VA. still saying its ok, but still no approval. thats going to be some makeup check when they do pay.

david in sc
Posted 7/8/2010 5:06 PM (GMT 0)
Thursday Update:

Put a call to uro, but hes in surgery today, so nurse was not able to find out when he wanted to see me next. So I am waiting for a call back with an appt. After 6 days, about all I can stand with this foley cath stabbing at me 24/7. Last night, ended up hurting a lot, and bled quite a bit, even though I was lying down at the time. His nurse said that he was hoping to sedate me in the office, and put in a larger diameter cath yet. I told her point blank, that wasn't going to happen, this one is sore enough, causing me enough grief for 4 men. Held of taking any pain meds today until 1 pm, then that was all i could take. Drove for the first time this morning in nearly a week, left me weak and dizzy feeling. So back home, resting. What else.

David in SC
Posted 7/8/2010 7:06 PM (GMT 0)
Glad to hear at least your surgeon was able to verify the cause, and hopefully it is a positive that he has a possible backup plan (the possible surgery you mentioned).
My father was on a lot of hydromorphone (dilaudid). A 'truckload' as one Dr friend of mine described it...
One thing all his doctors and nurses have told him......don't be shy about using the pain meds. You gain nothing from sitting in pain. Yes, the hydromorphone is ~ 10 times stronger (closer to 8, actually) than morphine, however its not like you are taking 8 times the pain med, because they adjust the does. When my father was previously using 20mg morphine pills for breakthru, they switched him to 2mg dilaudid pills (which eventually built up to 40mg injections!!).
Anyway, don't make yourself sit in pain.
Posted 7/8/2010 7:13 PM (GMT 0)
gibson, no, i don't intend to do that. just frustrated that here i am, once more ,stuck on my a***, with the whole world going on around me, as I am recovering from still another attempt to help me. thanks, though, you are correct.
Posted 7/9/2010 12:46 PM (GMT 0)
One other suggestion.....If you feel the hydromorphone causes you to be 'out of it', you might ask your doc about Fentanyl. That is what they've switched my father to (the skin patches), and it seems to be controlling the pain reasonably well, without making him feel doped up.
Posted 7/9/2010 4:13 PM (GMT 0)
good suggestion, i will add that on my list for my next visit to my doctor
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
1234