As many of you know, I have been going to Oncology Rehab for some time. If you are new here, my PC journey has been plagued with difficulties and set backs from the start. In the first 22 months, I had open Surgery, 6 corrective surgeries for severe stricture problems, 39 treatments of SRT that went terribly wrong, and then had to have my bladder permanently by-passed with an Ileal Conduit Surgery, which left me with a stoma from which I urinate. During that time, I was on 21 different catheters, spending about 6 months on Foley catheters and 51 weeks with a suprapubic catheter.
All of the above combined left me permanently disabled. I have not been able to be employable during this time and remain on Social Security Disability. My condition has left me with severe Chronic Fatigue and severe pain in my right hip and legs.
After my last major surgery in September, I had In-home Physical Therapy for one month, provided by my hospital. It was rather limited, but helpful at a time when I could barely stand up and walk.
Then for 5 months, I went to a general out-patient physical therapy at the hospital blocks from my house. It was understaffed and of limited value to me, and they were clueless about dealing with an oncology and stoma patient at the same time.
I had enough, and got my uro to refer me to the St. Francis Oncology Rehab Program. I went through 11 months of their program back in 2000-2001 while recovering from previous cancers (not PC related).
I am in my 5th month there now, and it is so much better. They know how to deal with all my particular issues, including the pain, fatigue, the stoma, and the limitations all if it involves.
I go twice a week; each session is for 45 minutes. I go on Tuesday and Thursday. At their facility, which has all the latest state of the art equipment, I meet with the same therapist; she has gotten to know all my particulars. When she’s not available, I have a back-up therapist that knows my case and routine.
This is how it went today (very typical session, though there is variation from week to week):
I get weighed. Blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen level is taken. I then give a fatigue and pain level based on the classic 1-10 scale.
First, 10 minutes on the New Step machine, they vary the level based on how I am feeling that session. It works out my legs, arms, and central core at the same time.
Second, we walk laps on an inside track. Each lap is about ¼ of a mile. I did 3 today, my normal. Sometimes if I am in too much pain, only 2. And a couple of times, I have done 4. (I know that doesn’t sound like much to you guys that walk several miles a day, but I am doing this with a lot of pain and using a cane)
Finally, I do 6-10 minutes at various levels on what they call an Arm Bicycle. Half the time is going forward, and half the time, I have to do it backward.
I should add that after each routine, they re-test my BP, Oxygen level, and Heart Rate. When they say I have had enough, the session ends. I do get a quick water break in the middle.
We want to add more to each session, but for now, this is how they want it done, and at some point, they want me to come three times a week. Not quite there yet.
I have full access to hydrotherapy, acupuncture, a “head doctor”, nutritionist,, and their own staff oncologists. Suppose to have a one to one meeting with the new doctor, as her only specialty is Prostate Cancer.
For any of you that have the misfortune of having major issues after surgery or radiation treatments, I highly advise that you mention Oncology Rehab to your doctors. Most insurance will cover it, and while some doctors might not think to suggest it, most will gladly refer you.
In my case, all my doctors want me to stay indefinitely, as without the therapy, they will feel I will sink deeper with the pain and fatigue. I would have to agree with them.
David in SC