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post op blood drops from willey.. 2 questions

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Posted 2/20/2012 3:01 PM (GMT 0)
Hi All,

Post DaVinci - 5 days - and still seeing 10-12 drops of blood from willey during the bowel movement. Is this normal?

I have an option to delay the catheter removal appointment by 2 days - as the surgeon is away and scheduled 1 week appointment is with his partner. Should I delay it by 2 extra days to give some recovery time?

I read earlier that the catheter helps in providing support for the urethra healing. If I am still seeing some blood after 5 days, is it a good idea to get the catheter out in just two more days or wait for an extra two days?
Posted 2/20/2012 3:15 PM (GMT 0)
Some blood is expected, but as always, check with your doctor if it appears to be abnormal, or if you are concerned.

If the blood is in the cath bag, it may be from irritation in the bladder (that balloon bumping around). If it is leaking on the outside of the cath tube, it may be from the urethra sutures. 

Yes, the cath staying in is a tool to help the urethra sutures heal.

I would expect that the doctor will do some sort of exam to decide if he feels that the cath can safely be removed. At least for my surgeon, 7 days is the absolute minimum time, which may be extended if there is any sign of problem.

After the cath is removed, you may still see some drops of blood and "debris", which will be the scabbing coming off the suture. For me, it was a couple of months. Again, you will want to discuss that with the doctor, and have some idea of if/when to call for help.

 

Posted 2/20/2012 3:49 PM (GMT 0)
Because of my doctors full schedule, my catheder wasn't removed for 12 days. Although it was a pain in the a** having it in longer than was maybe necessary, it gave more healing time so in retrospect the extra few days were worth it...mike
Posted 2/20/2012 4:20 PM (GMT 0)

142 said...

I would expect that the doctor will do some sort of exam to decide if he feels that the cath can safely be removed.

Thanks - then I will keep the appointment.
Posted 2/20/2012 4:21 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks VN
Posted 2/20/2012 4:44 PM (GMT 0)
Ein -
- you can have irritation of the urethra from the catheter ( that happened to me for the last two weeks of the 3 weeks having the catheter in) which can result in blood droplets.
- I would recommend using a stool softener ( NOT a laxative) to make bowel movements softer and less stressful.
- keep the appointment and don't worry too much - it is a common occurence.
-take care and all the best for a steady and boring recovery.
hugs,
Bronson
Posted 2/20/2012 6:21 PM (GMT 0)

tatt2man said...

- I would recommend using a stool softener ( NOT a laxative) to make bowel movements softer and less stressful.
Bronson

Thanks Bronson,
Why do you say no to laxative? I called the nurse at the urologist office - and she also suggested stool softner - and "Milk of Magnesia".

<edit>changed software to softner ;) </edit>

Post Edited (ein) : 2/20/2012 2:43:56 PM (GMT-7)

Posted 2/20/2012 7:32 PM (GMT 0)
a laxative evacuates the lower intestine - which can be too harsh for you in your recovery -you are still in recovery - the rectum wall is thin and sensitive -

- our doctors recommended a stool softener ( not software :-)) to make passing a B.M. easier -

-I used a stool softener - Dulcolax® Stool Softener - for the first month of my recovery ( one pill a day) -

-take care,
Bronson
Posted 2/20/2012 7:54 PM (GMT 0)
I agree with Bronson's comment -

I had colo-rectal surgery a few years back, and my surgeon suggested a softener (Docusate Calcium 240mg) as a daily "for life" habit due to the scarring from the extensive surgery. My new colo-rectal guy says that works (he was surprised at first interview that the previous surgeon had given that advice, but was in total agreement after he "had a look"), and my PCa surgeon was all for it. The only doc who thought it was excessive was my RO (thinking that it slightly worsened my bowel issues), but my GP says keep taking it.

Posted 2/20/2012 9:45 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you.
Posted 2/21/2012 2:45 PM (GMT 0)
The strain of the BM puts pressure on the sutures in your urethra which are healing and can cause the blood drips.  My URO had me start on a stool softener the day after surgery and it really helped me.  I asked my pharmacist at Walgreen's to recommend a stool softener for post PC surgery and he recommended the Walgreen's brand and it worked fine for less than $5.

Good luck on your recovery,

Terry TWG

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