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Posted 8/26/2010 3:10 PM (GMT 0)
Hi all,

Aimzee-so glad you and Ron got out in the sun a bit yesterday-nothing like it to bring your spirits up. And as to those stirrings-that is a very good sign! Look at Paul one day after the cath is out and Geoff has actually woken up twice at night with erections. I think those first stirrings are signs that all will be well!

Just occured to me that my friends here on this site know more about my husband's continence, bowel movement, ed issues than any friend or relative we know. Thank heavens for all of you otherwise I would have no one to talk to about it. Like you, Aimzee, we don't know anyone who has gone thru this and it is a real blessing to have my "PC" friends to share our ups and downs with-fortunately, it's been ups so far, but as we know that can certainly change and I know that I have a place to come to.

An, so happy that Paul got the cath out-Geoff has also been going more, but thinks it might be partially nervous about drips(none since last Saturday!) and also just the whole shock to the system. The partial erection so soon after the cath is out is Great!

Judy-hope all has gone well with you and M today-anxiously awaiting word on how things went.

Renee
Posted 8/26/2010 4:07 PM (GMT 0)
Hello All,  Well I am back at work now sitting in front of my computer all day.  Everything is going very well for me.  I did wear a pad to work today just incase since I have light colored pants on today.  For me sitting is the morst part right now but I can get up anytime I need to.  There is a bathroom right next to me so I have quick access.  Since surgery I never get the full bladder feeling during the day but I urinate oftern.  I think it is just because that it how it used to be.  During the night I wake up one time with a full bladder and the full feeling but when I get to the toilet it pours out like when I was a teenager.  It's a bonus from surgery that they done tell you about.

  Although my back is still sore and a few other pains I am doing fine.  Once the cath came out the real healing starts.  Aimzee, when that cath comes out he will really start to feel better.  I underestimated the pain from the surgery but keeping on top of the pain helps alot.  Have Ron take the pills as scheduled whether he hurts at the moment or not.  If you waait for the pain then the pain is in control.  Walking, Water, and stay on top of the pain is very important and trying to keep his mind occupied with something other than cath will help alot.  I had discomfort with the cath and had to keep my mind off of it or it would have driven me crazy.  The time will pass and before you know it there will be nothing but a memory of it. 

  Thank you everyone and good luck to the August recoveries.

Ed

Posted 8/26/2010 5:01 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Ed,

Good to hear from you and glad that all is going well. Geoff is also wearing a pad to work (don't tell him I told you, but it's a women's ultra-thin because it was the thinest we could find!) We live in Fl. so it's always light colored, light weight pants. He says this week is it, though.

Renee
Posted 8/26/2010 10:48 PM (GMT 0)
Hi All,

Thank you all so much for your concern and support. I wasn't on much over the last few days enjoying time with M and preparing all the post surgical things we needed in the house. I am happy to say the surgery is OVER and the Doc gave me minimal news but all seems good. He told me that the surgery went well, very little blood loss, the cancer was contained in the prostate and he spared both nerves. He told me there was a LOT of cancer in there and he feels we absolutely made the right decision to get it out! He said the path report would be back in a week and we would know the facts at that time.

Not that I am not grateful for the good news - and I do think it's good news - sparing the nerves means easier time recovering function - but I wanted details. I wanted to know final gleason.. .I wanted to know margins info .. and bladder neck info .. i wanted more ... greedy? who konws.. but I saw him, he looked very "green" and pale to me .. not a lot of urine output yet .. and breathing into the breathing apparatus .tons of gas and discomfort and they will get him walking tonight ..

So very happy to hear that the other husbands are coming along .. it sounds like some good repots .. and with that good results are on the way... You are all on my minds and in my heart and I pray for peace of mind,strength of spirit and healing of body soon for all.

More soon.

Judy

Posted 8/26/2010 11:10 PM (GMT 0)
Judy,

That post surgical pathology report should tell you most all the things you are wanting to know. I hope it comes out good for your husband. As far as looking green, he still has just come through a major and complex surgery. Recovery takes place in small steps for most people. If he needs the pain meds, encourage him to take them, it will make his entire healing process go easier. I am glad that he is on the other side, the recovery side.

David in SC
Posted 8/27/2010 3:12 AM (GMT 0)
Judy,

So happy to hear about M coming out from the surgery well.
The first day after any major surgery looks very bad but I'm sure you will see great gains in the next few days.
A major tip we would give to anyone coming out of the RP surgery is not to eat too heavily till the first bowel movement.
The hospital, where Paul was for 4 days had amazing meals with soups, mains, desserts but my husband paid for it at his first bowel movement 4 days after surgery. He drank pints of prune juice, has to have a suppository and was on the toilet for two whole hours with that one bowel motion. We provided some feedback to the hospital on this when we went back yesterday.

We are hoping that the next few days will come out well for M. Thinking of you both.

An
Posted 8/27/2010 5:41 AM (GMT 0)
To Judy - glad to hear the surgical ordeal is over and you both get down to the healing, not only of body but heart, mind and spirit too. An had some good advice re: the food, but if my husband was any indication, yours most probably will have very little appetite. We too had the whole bm problem - nearly 5 days without one, then difficulty for a few more (lots of rectal pain for a few weeks after too). Suppositories were totally against the rules and we were even advised that his colonoscopy, due this year, should be postponed for at least 9 months.
Renee - you made me smile. Dug out an old ultra thin today thanks to you! NOT for incontinence issues since he's nearly 100% but to place in the band of his jockeys to keep them from irritating his incision line. Dang thing is weeping nearly every day since the weekend and his resumption of a few normal activities. The things we learn on this site...:-)
Posted 8/27/2010 6:50 AM (GMT 0)
I didn't think suppositories were allowed either but the nurse asked us to use it. Apparently without a BM they were not going to remove the catheter. Paul was very hungry and ate absolutely everything he was given which seemed unwise to me but it was given to him by the hospital so i didn't say anything at the time.

Good tip on the mini-pad, I will keep it in mind.

An
Posted 8/27/2010 7:16 AM (GMT 0)
Oh, An - it is so good to read your news!  May your husband continue to have such positive progress so far.  Ron is just too weak to walk that distance.  I do think it was 142 who mention two or three short walks are better than one long one.  Maybe Paul would consider that?  I am very happy for both of you!

You are all on my minds and in my heart and I pray for peace of mind, strength of spirit and healing of body soon for all.

 

This is such a positive message.  Thank you, Judy.  Welcome to the other side! It sounds good that the cancer was contained.  Wishing M a speedy recovery.  My husband ate soup and a small bowl of oatmeal.  Plus, he took two stool softners twice daily.  This was one thing that went fairly well for him.  There was that leakage from the cath, so he put toliet paper around it as suggested.

Good advice, NEIrish about the ultra thin pad!

Renee, that sounds like great news for Geoff and wearing the thin pad.  Good!

Ed, thank you for the words of encouragement about the catheter.  Good to hear that you are doing fine!

It sounds like Ron will get the pathology report on August 31.  He doesn't seem too worried about it.  It is the pain from the surgery, and from the testicle that is worrisome.  We look forward to good things in the future.

 

Posted 8/27/2010 9:42 AM (GMT 0)
Oh Aimzee, I am so sorry that Ron still has pain. Do the pain killers not do the job. If not, would it help to meet up with Ron's doctor or at least call him up to work out a plan to work on the pain? Getting his pain under control would help his appetite and therefore his strength, it would help his outlook. Is the pain around

Only 4 more Xs left on that calender till the catheter comes out and then I hope that with pain control he will feel himself again. And all the best for a great pathology result, I hope it shows negative margins and stays 3+3.

Ed, sounds like you are dealing with being back at work very well and I am sure that having the bathroom next door would be very useful.

An
Posted 8/27/2010 2:24 PM (GMT 0)
Testicle pain was the norm for me as well. When I asked about that, they reminded me that the "disconnection" creates problems there as well. Then came the swelling, which really did get my attention.

I was already on stool softeners - have been since days of colon problems some years ago, and they wanted me to continue them, so the first BM was while I was still in the hospital (Sunday morning after Thursday evening surgery). I kept on using them, and that helped a lot over the months after surgery.
Posted 8/27/2010 3:14 PM (GMT 0)
Had a biopsy of the "rash" yesterday I'll post the results when I get them. The dermatologist looks to be in his 50's so he is not a new doctor. His most reassuring comment. "I've never seen anything like this". Sure makes me feel good.

Did hear some good news. I met a young man Wednesday who's father had his prostate out 3 weeks ago and is back to work. His urologist? The same one I'm going to. Now if I can only get the surgery scheduled.

August guys I'm pulling or you. Looks like I might be an October guy.
Posted 8/27/2010 5:19 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Judy-
So glad to hear that the surgery went well-welcome M to the Other Side! Now for the fun stuff like when you have a BM-like An said, eat light. My husband was told to eat small amounts several times a day-no heavy food . He still didn't have one for 5 days and was freaking out. Thankfully, all was well after that.

Ger-your dermatologist sounds like he needs to think before he speaks. Hopefully it is nothing and you can get your surgery scheduled soon-You still have honorary membership in the August Club.

NEIrish-another good use for an old ultra-thin pad. Geoff says today is his last day, he hasn't had one drip since last weekend.
I told him he was lucky-look at how many years we poor women have to wear them several days every month!

Aimzee, I'm really hopeing that things will turn around for Ron soon. You both are in my thoughts every day and I know getting the cath out on Tuesday should help.

NEIrish started a thread (purple pill) and there is a link there to 3 video's from Memorial Sloan Kettering about ed, viagra ect. that are worth listening to. The second one is about after surgery and even though the guys here all seem to be having stirrings, ect. there is some good info. Just thought I'd pass it along in case you missed it.

Renee
Posted 8/28/2010 11:08 AM (GMT 0)
Hi folks!

I wanted to tell you that I have been reading this forum since April.  I am so happy that this "August Surgeries" thread was created.  I really didn't see anything (current) quite like it.  I feel most comfortable here, and the ladies who joined in made me feel a "part of a team"!  As time goes by, we may lose touch with each other, so I wanted to say today that all of you, including our caring gents made this whole ordeal easier for me and my husband.  I have learned so much,  and appreciate the frankness and your ability to share.  Thank you, everyone!

Best regards & thoughts,

Aimzee

 

Posted 8/28/2010 11:14 AM (GMT 0)
We are making slow progress here.  More walking in the yard and a healing in certain areas.  Some have mentioned pain meds, but Ron was not given a script for any.  The doctor said to use Tylenol and Tylenol PM.  I had some Darvocet but he felt a bit loopy taking them.  Were the guys prescribed something stronger?  I do remember Advil being mentioned, but Ron's nurse said no.

NEIrish, great to hear incontinence issues haven't been a big problem.  My husband's doctor said to wait 6 months on the colonoscopy.  Hope your husband's incision line is healing.

An, Ron's doctor is at a conference.  I still thought it was unusual not to get the pathology report in one week. His appetite is improving.  Thank you for your concern.

142, you are one of the first I met here.   Always good to read your comments.   yeah Ron says the pain is just like it was when he went in for surgery.  It varies in strength throughout the day.

Ger, still hoping your surgery will be sooner than October.  I hope your doctor can discover what the rash is.

Renee, we're not ready for the video just yet.

Posted 8/28/2010 3:42 PM (GMT 0)
Aimzee, my husband had Di-Gesic tablets given to him when he left hospital which is a mild opiate with paracetamol. If Ron's doctor is on a conference then he may have backup doctor/s who look after cases when they are away. Our doctor has a nurse who is relatively easily contactable to help us through the post surgery period, in fact she calls every other day to see if Paul's progressing OK. Maybe if Ron still needs it, it may be possible to call up a backup doctor or medical support staff such as nurses?

Good to hear about the appetite and the walks in the yard. One day at a time till the catheter comes out. Let us know how he progresses.

Paul is doing well but he still gets fatigued, needs to lie down often and still has some pain when he sits down. He needs a donut pillow to sit on and he carries it everywhere.

The way that the August club got into the spirit of the thread meant I certainly felt that we had a lot of support and it was nice to give back something too. Who else in my everyday life could I discuss bowel movements or partial erections, or chest pain or fears about incontinance with? No one. You guys were here during the difficult times so I hope that we will track each others journeys into the future.

But there is plenty of post-surgery healing still left to do so I hope we continue to post on this thread. Judy, how is M doing?

Ger, I think you have picked the right guy.

An

Posted 8/28/2010 5:34 PM (GMT 0)
Aimzee,

Glad I actually contributed something useful - you never know.

The doctors don't like Advil (ibuprophen) because it thins the blood (just as aspirin would) - last thing you need right now. They gave me Norco, which is part hydrocodone and part Tylenol (paracetamol). The measures vary. That will drop you on the spot, so definitely not to be taken if you need to drive, work, or have any reasonable conversation for the next 8 hours or so. On the drug website they say it is similar to but stronger than Vicodin. I did not take many, only for the nights when I could see the pain around the bend.

At 10 days out from surgery - I was still in significant pain, and the doughnut cushion is still my friend to this day. Didn't really get started walking a lot (> 1 mile) for several weeks. I just tried to get out and walk for 30 minutes several times a day. For a while 30 minutes didn't get me far.
Posted 8/29/2010 8:17 AM (GMT 0)

An, I think when a man is active prior to the surgery, he gets discouraged about feeling so tired all the time.  Ron cannot wait until he can do most of what he did prior to August 18!!  He says he can wait until Tuesday to get pain meds.  Oh, okay.

We are retired and our "job" is taking care of our Grandchildren while their parents work.  We love to be with them, but the two little ones (ages 2 and 3 years) keep us on our toes.  I have gone to the daughter's home twice last week, and am scheduled four days next week.  School hasn't started yet for the older ones, so that is four children.  I usually have them here, but of course that's not possible at this time.

I hope Paul's energy soon returns.  This journey back to good health has no time limits.  I wish him the best!

Thanks 142 - it looks like the backyard and driveway will be it for a few more days.  The weather has been beautiful.  Maybe next week might be better?  With so many guys going back to work after three weeks or so, they must also be driving, right?  My husband was wondering about that.

Take care,

Aimzee

Posted 8/29/2010 2:44 PM (GMT 0)
Aimzee,

I was forbidden to drive until four weeks had passed. There were two reasons given:

1) I was at times taking a very strong pain-killer, and even 8-12 hours after it is detectable in the blood. Because that qualifies as "driving under the influence" in my state, the legal liability and obligatory trip to jail in case of any accident would be overwhelming.

2) The internal sutures do not really heal for about two months, they advised, which is why I was on a low weight-lift limit for several months. They were concerned that some specific emergency moves, such as hard braking or hard steering could cause those sutures to open up, with unpleasant results.

As to work, I had friends who could help me get to the office. However, the doctor suggested that a target for return to work after a surgery as significant as DaVinci or open should be no less than 5-7 weeks.

If you look at the folks who show up with hernias 1-3 months after surgery after things as apparently simple as a "day's yard work", it is clear that we want to get back to work as soon as possible, but should not.

Posted 8/29/2010 3:10 PM (GMT 0)
Aimzee,

I will add to what 142 has said. Now I had open surgery. I was not allowed to drive for a min. of 30 full days, also because of meds, sutures, and in my case, was on a catheter the entire 30 days. My limited weight allowances were kept for 2 full months, and although I was out of work at the time of surgery, my surgeon advised not to work for 3 full months at the min., to allow max. healing.

142 is right, many men had pushed too hard with work/exercise, and ended up having serious set backs in their healing. I don't think a lot of people realize how complex and involved these types of surgeries really are, and how they impact much of their systems. Robotic surgery can give the false impression of being "not as bad", because all you are seeing is the few little incisions as opposed to one huge one like with open surgery.

David in SC
Posted 8/29/2010 3:27 PM (GMT 0)
Hi All,

M is doing amazingly well. He has been eating soft foods - lightly throughout the day - no BM yet. He is taking colace twice a day. His level of pain also amazes me. He has been using Oxycodone (percocet in the hospital) at home every 6 hrs and recently went 10 hrs without anything. He is thinking of moving to Extra Strength Tylenol tomorrow. We have been walking (not far) several times a day. He has no pain in his perineal area at all. No pain in his rectum. And, minimal swelling in his testicles. The catheter is ok, obviously a chore, but not terribly bothersome. He has minimal soreness, more tenderness he says, around the tip of his penis but does have some dried up blood in the morning on his thigh and on the top of the catheter. People who talk with him on the phone say that he sounds like his "self". His voice is upbeat and his humor entact. I guess the knowledge that the cancer is OUT is a good thing. His only concern is that this is temporary and sometime soon he will start to swell, or hurt.

He has decided to have post surgical care by the local Urologist who is chief of robotics at our local medical center as opposed to using Dr. Samadi in NYC which is a trek for us. He has spoken to the local Uro and he is more than happy to help. We are seeing this local Uro on Friday 9/3 to remove the catheter and will have the path results then as well.

So far so good!!

Purgatory - I appreciate your comments about the pain killers as I have been encouraging him to take them and I do believe they help even if just to sleep well.

Aimzee - I'm so sorry Ron is having so much pain and feeling so weak. I am also saddened by all the pain he is experiencing. My thoughts are with you for increasing strength every day!

Renee - Geoff is inspirational in terms of his success w/ his incontinence. After the BM that is the next hurdle. And I am encouraged.

An - Sorry Paul had such trouble with the BM but I am glad you told that hospital a thing or two. After reading all your posts, we kept m eating lightly but of course the hospital did give him heavy food which we declined!

NEIrish - I am so sorry to hear of all the rectal pain and lack of appetite. Hoping all gets better quickly. Healing is so individual and it surprises me that our experiences are so varied.

Ger - our thoughts are with you for a quick diagnosis of that rash and a scheduled surgery. Once you make the decision to get it out it’s got to be frustrating to have to wait.

Thanks all. Off to get M to walk some more before it gets to 95 degrees outside. Waiting until Fall to get here – can’t get here soon enough! I am listening to M talk to a softball buddy of his and he is talking about going out to breakfast mid week with some of “the boys” - with someone else driving. I guess that means he’s feeling pretty good. :)

Judy
Posted 8/30/2010 1:05 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Judy,

What great news! His plans for midweek do indicate that he is feeling pretty good.
And the lack of pain is really good - what a fantastic start! I'm so glad you declined those heavy meals.
I really hope recovery continues down this path.

Paul's now sitting in chairs without the donut cushion so the discomfort in that area is disappearing. He walked over 2km (a mile and a half) yesterday through the woods and around a football field. This was comfortable for him, he was not pushing himself. But he lies down frequently during the day when he gets tired or lightheaded. He still has some problems with constipation - it may be the antibiotics which finish today. He didn't wear a pad last night and so far he has not leaked or dripped once since the catheter has been taken out. He had a 3/4 erection today this morning before he got out of bed. The incisions seem to be healing well. We are pretty happy with this outcome. Our next meeting with the surgeon is on the 7th of October.

An
Posted 8/30/2010 12:28 PM (GMT 0)
Yes, pain meds were sent home with me (percocet) and I still have a script for vicodin that I take from time to time.  I am sure one of those guys who over does it when it comes to activity.  There is no way I could have made the recovery without the meds and I dont understand any doctor sending you home without any.  Everyone is different and the pain in my shoulders for 5 days would have been unbearable without the meds and they also helped with the sleeping situation in the recliner. 

  Today I am starting my first full week at work (went back 8/26) and so far sitting is the worst part.  Sometimes having an office job is not always a good thing.  I have joked with my wife that I feel like I have a hernia at times and I guess I better be more careful. 

  I am hoping to get rid of the pads this week.  I wear one to work just in case.  As for ED I am starting to get some response but we have not really started working too hard at it yet.

  Glad to hear everyone is coming along with recoveries and I appreciate all the kind words and thoughts for me.  Thanks to everyone.

Ed

Posted 8/30/2010 12:53 PM (GMT 0)
Morning All,

An and Judy-I am so happy that things are going so great for M and Paul!!!  Geoff is off to work-today is 3 weeks from the day of surgery and his second week back to work.  He never had any pain on sitting down and says now he only has a little tenderness around the incisions if he presses on them.  So I said, "Don't press on them!."

 I have to disagree with David and 142 about returning to work.  Geoff's surgeon cleared him to go back to work as he has a desk job-it's no different than sitting at the computer at home or sitting reading a book.  Dr. Walsh says in his book open patients can go back to work in 2-3 weeks and resuming normal activities depends on how quickly you recover.  That makes sense as everyone recovers differently.  Obviously, one can overdo it, but Geoff's surgeon told him what he could and couldn't do and he's sticking to it.  He does drive himself to work as he works 5 min. from home in a small town-close enough to come home for lunch every day. 

Aimzee-I know Ron must be anxiously waiting for tommorrow and getting rid of the cath.  I hope his pain is less and that he is feeling a bit stronger.  Under normal circumstances, you both must be very energetic to care for 4 little ones.  My 2 ( 3 and 8) live up north so we only get to see them a couple of times a year-your grandchildren and you are very lucky.

Hope all is well with the rest of the club

Renee 

Posted 8/30/2010 2:19 PM (GMT 0)
Renee,

There's nothing to disagree with me about, was only telling what my uro/surgeon told me after my surgery with him. Being the medically compliant sort, I did what I was told. I am sure every doctor has a different spin on that subject, and some have to deal with push patients that aren't going to be compliant to post surgery orders regardless. All they can do is reccomend based on the work they did inside you, and based on your medical history/condition, estimate when a safe return to work can be made.
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