Back from the Hospital Today

Had my open prostatectomy on Tuesday and they sent me home today. Doc said it was a "textbook surgery." I'm hoping that doesn't mean he was reading the book as he went along. He said he saw no reason to believe there was any cancer beyond the prostate, but we'll see how the pathology report looks. He also said he was able to spare the nerve bundles completely, and that the bladder neck was in good shape.

The epidural worked really well while they had it going, and I was feeling amazingly good Tuesday and Wednesday (I got to see the prostate in a jar before they closed). Late yesterday they removed the epidural catheter and reality hit me, but the oral pain meds seem to handle the pain reasonably well. I'm still taking Endocet.

They gave me an elastic band around my upper thigh to hold the catheter tube in place, but it tends to slip down when I stand or roll over in bed. Seems like it's pulling the tube out slightly, which makes me very nervous. I'm wondering how bad it is for that tube to pull out slightly -- maybe a half inch to an inch. Maybe I should just use old fashioned, pull your hair out tape.

It feels so good to be home. My woman has really gone above and beyond, and I can't thank her enough. We took a short walk down to the park this afternoon, followed by a long nap. Things are definitely coming along, though, and I should be in pretty good shape in a few days.

I'm wondering how optimist is doing. His surgery was yesterday, I believe. I hope I'm making sense through the pain meds (they play hell with my typing), but I'll check in here later. All the information and support I've found here has been terrific, and I thank you all.

glad to hear you safely on the other side, good luck in your recovery

Congatulations, Jazzman.  Surgery under an epidural would be a different experience, for sure, as would seeing the prostate in a jar.  I had a clip on my inner thigh that held the catheter tube.  The glue from that was with me for a couple of weeks afterwards.

Here's wishing you a smooth and speedy recovery.  You're already well on your way.  Bill

Great to hear from you - glad all is well. Keep us posted!

Hey Jonathan, sounds like you did great! No general anesthesia, you don't see that very often.. Yeah, that bag can be a real pain...I attached a stout alligator clip to a short strap attached to the bag. Then I clipped that to my Tee-shirt hem. The bag itself was down my pant leg at my knee. This eliminates the bag from slipping down your leg..I also had another elastic Velcro strap around my upper thigh which had a sleeve to securely hold the drain tube and prevent any pull on the penis. The strap also limited movement of the catheter tube preventing irritation from constant movement...Medical supply stores, not drug stores, have all this stuff...But it IS a happy day when they remove it!!

Walk all you can, it REALLY helps speed up your recovery....

Glad you're home

Epidural seems amazing - Do you mean you were conscious during surgery? how long did surgery last? What did you do?

Shave your thigh then use the tape to hold the catheter in place. (use beard trimmer setting or a lady's shaver)

My elastic band for the bag also had velcro to adjust the tightness and an anti-slip rubber layer on the inside, never caused any problems by slipping down.

All the best from Holland
Alf

Wow, thanks for all the encouragement and support!

The epidural was pretty cool, but not what I thought it would be. Despite the surgeon telling me I'd be awake for the surgery, I either slept through most of it, or I just don't remember it. They said they'd give me something to "relax" me, but I was a little more than relaxed. I think somebody woke me to show me the prostate, but I wasn't really "around" for much else. What I didn't have was the heavy general anesthesia and respirator, so snapping out of it was pretty quick and easy. Felt pretty comfortable and clear-headed immediately afterward.

Having the epidural in after surgery is really a great thing for pain control. People were amazed how good I seemed, and I felt really good. I felt better the day after than I do today, now that I'm home and on narcotics. All in all it wasn't too bad though.

A few of you mentioned the women who cared for you at home, and you just can't give them enough credit. I'm so grateful to have her here doting on me right now. The women who help their men through this ordeal are nothing short of amazing.

Thanks for all the advice and reassurance regarding the catheter. They scare the hell out of you by telling you it MUST BE PROTECTED, but they don't really tell you what that means. I haven't had any major discomfort there, and I think I've got the Coach tape rigged up so it's not moving around now, so I guess I'm doing OK there.

I had my first shower today and I feel like a new man. I also did some walking yesterday and I'll try to get out for a short walk again today. I understand that it really does help with recovery. I guess from here on in it's just a matter of riding it out.

Jonathan

The day I was discharged after open RP (9/23), the kindly orderly taped my catheter tubing directly to my upper thigh. I was shaved from belly to groin, so the tape went right over the hair on my thigh. On catheter removal day, tearing the tape off was BY FAR the most pain I had throughout the entire RP ordeal.

Hopefully you’ll have more good news to share.

Jazz,
Welcome to the other side. I'm sure you'll do fine. Rest up while you can & enjoy being waited on.
steve

For all I could tell, it could have been a piece of bloody gauze in a jar.

I said "oh," and went back to sleep.

Welcome to the other side, Jonathan!  So, you did go with the epidural?  I am happy to hear it worked out so well.  My husband chose to have the night bag the entire 13 days he had the catheter, and the bucket was so helpful.

As one of those loving wives, I must share what was a scary part once the surgery was done.  Ron wanted to take a shower the day he came home from the hospital.  I was there to help him wash up, and I was so afraid he was going to fall as I held him up.  He was still a bit groggy.  Luckily, all turned out well.

Jonathan, you will have such a sense of freedom the day the catheter is taken out.  So, you have that to look forward to.  I wish you you a speedy recovery and an extra hug for your wife.

Best wishes,

Aimzee