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8 weeks Post Op Expectations

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Posted 9/19/2013 10:52 PM (GMT 0)

Hi All,

                I figured it was time for me to post something since I have been trolling this forum now for several months. I have decided to come out from under the bridge, so to speak. This site has been priceless for me since my diagnosis, through the shared links to information and reading suggestions, most importantly, the genuine, open and candid feedback from each of you. We all have a story to tell, for sure. Thanks to everyone for your input.

I am eight weeks post-op today, so I am at a milestone, but still in a numb, holding stage since I have not had any PSA tests since my surgery. I cannot say I am part of the ZERO Club yet.  My next appointment with my Dr will be 3 months post-op. My incontinence is definitely improving. I am down to 2 pads a day(one am and one pm) and dry for the most part, seems to be good days and not-so-good days though. I guess it depends on how active I am during the day. I started back running(more like trotting) at 6 weeks and am back up to 4 miles/day, 5 days/week, but definitely not at the times/mile I used to run. I am sure time will help here. I really think the running/walking is helping with the incontinence.  I should also add that I had to wear that God-awful catheter an extra week since my urethra was only 340 degrees healed at my bladder when the cath was supposed to some out! I had to wait until healed(almost 3 weeks).

I have noticed some of you have different post-op plans from your Drs. I am sure all Drs are different in the way they like to treat post-op, and that is what I want to ask about. My surgery went well and the feedback from my Dr was that my cancer had spread to the margins, but was contained in the prostate. He also said he was successful with nerve sparing.  Of course, I have not had an erection yet, but I have had some tingling, so that is hopeful. He has not told me to take anything for erection or to massage for blood flow like some of your Drs have. I am guessing he will offer a medication plan at my 3 month checkup? I have had a few orgasms and they seem to be similar to my pre-op, just more spasm-like. I did have pain with the first couple in the area where my prostate was, but the last 2 have been without pain. My wife has been amazing through all of this and thank God she is open-minded in the bedroom.  Have any of you had a similar treatment? Just anxious to start having woodies again.

Posted 9/19/2013 11:31 PM (GMT 0)
Hey, Sloop! Congratulations on your surgery and the progress post-op. Sounds like you are doing well overall.

We all have different experiences as you know. I had my first uro appointment (well, second if you count the Foley removal) at 30 days post-surgery. Had a PSA test at that time and was already back to undetectable at <.05. Got a 30-day pack of 5mg Cialis and the go-ahead to work with the wife (or solo) to get the blood and erectile function going. I don't think he wanted to wait to get started on that. I think first orgasm response was at 2-3 weeks post-op...erectile function varied months later but had help from the pills. Orgasms are different but enjoyable.

Exercise is good for recovery and overall health. Just have to take things at your pace. I went back to work two weeks after surgery since I was getting antsy at home. But, I tend to push myself to get back up to speed.

While it seems to me that 90 days post-op is a bit longer than expected for uro follow up, the fact you had to go three weeks to get the catheter removed means you had an appointment almost at a month. Perhaps the doc prefers to wait a few months for the initial PSA. I had my next appt at four months and then another at eight months with PSA tests each time.

If you think you are at a point you want to get on some Viagra or Cialis, call the doctor's office and see if you can get a script even if you have not had your appointment. Most of the stuff I have read indicates the pills are good for stimulating blood flow and an early start seems to be better than later. However, that is between you and the doc. Check the drug web sites for coupons for free 30-day starter packets.

While we want to have things sort of back to "normal" as soon as possible, some of it is simply patience and letting time do its thing as you heal. Some stuff can happen fairly soon but some can take quite a while. You have had major surgery even if the incisions are small and will need time to heal up.

You seem to be doing great so far. Others will chip in some replies. Best wishes to you?


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Posted 9/20/2013 12:06 AM (GMT 0)

hi

Good to know...your incontinence is improving.  Keep up for the physical fitness, is going to help you a lot along the road.

All the best....towards recovery.

Posted 9/20/2013 4:47 AM (GMT 0)
Glad to hear your doing well I hope I am right behind you. I have 3 weeks before I can start running again

Good work
Krugz
Posted 9/20/2013 2:04 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the feedback Dallas! I think I will call. The worst that can happen is he tells me to wait.
Krugz, You are a few weeks behind me. Walking and Kegels are huge at this stage, to get continent as soon as possible. I started walking a mile or so a day and built up to a trot. If I do too much, I get a dull discomfort in my nifkin area, so I am keeping my limits for now. Good luck to you!
Posted 9/20/2013 3:37 PM (GMT 0)
Sloop--- Congrats you are doing VERY well---- keep up your kagels every day-- it works for most. Everything else said here is about right to me--- I also drink 3 oz's of pomegranite juice every morning based on a few papers out there------- you may be in zero land very soon....
Posted 9/20/2013 4:46 PM (GMT 0)
Sounds like you are doing great.

My uro would not start me on meds or tools for a couple of months - he is not aggressive early in ED rehab, has more of a get-healed-first position. Mulhall would have you start early, but each of us needs to work with the docs we choose.
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