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Posted 7/12/2016 6:36 PM (GMT 0)
Hello, I just found this forum while doing some searching regarding all the bruising I've got going on! Seems like a great community.

I'm 48 and had my biopsy done back in Feb after steadily rising PSA scores. Got up to 6.4. 6 positive cores, with 3- 3+3, 2 3+4, 1 - 4+3

I had robotic prostatectomy 1 week ago today at Johns Hopkins. We live 5 hours from there, but not many local options with experience! They were able to spare the nerves during surgery, and got the call on Friday saying the cancer was totally encapsulated!

Felt better after surgery than I was expecting, feeling better each day. Then the bruising set in. Right side from hip up to ribs, and of course penis & testicles, along with some swelling - the boys need some support! Seems like the bruising is pretty common, but wasn't expecting this much.

Would love to hear any other experiences regarding the bruising/swelling.
Thanks, and I'm glad I came across to froum
Posted 7/12/2016 7:22 PM (GMT 0)
Hi cfbneil,
I didn't have much swelling other than a little around my testicles. Most of the tenderness was at my incisions and some internally in the pubic cavity of course but it was not bad. I wasn't taking any pain meds at all by day 4. I did have a lot of bruising around my incisions and in my abdominal region. The last of the bruised spots didn't go away until about week 8. I know some have reported lots of testicular swelling or bad chest pains from gas but I did not have those issues. Congratulations on your recovery so far. It sounds like you're doing great.
Posted 7/12/2016 7:32 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome !

Thankful to hear you are resting up and recovering from your surgery ! We're in the same age range, so just wanted to send you a message of WELCOME !

There's a tremendous amount of support, friendship, comraderie ... and most of all ... BROTHERHOOD to be found here. You've found a tremendous place right here ... a place to ask questions, ask advice, seek support ...

Along the way ... members here continue to share their experiences with various treatments and medications ...

We're all in this together --- you'll be amazed, over time, as you begin to see the tremendous network of support we've got going on right here --- best part of it all, is that we've got loyal members contributing from every "corner of the country" and we've got dedicated members who have joined in from across the globe, as well ... Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa ...

We've got members checking in here, 'round the clock, 365 days a year ... even weekends and holidays. Great group of fellows ... and we've got a loyal group of ladies who belong as well ... who support all of us fellows in very caring ways. It's like a football team ... coaches, players, quarterbacks, cheerleaders ... and FANS !

That being said --- you can look back into archived thread topics from the past, going back several years ... or if there is a specific topic of interest to you, you can use the "search box" located in the top right-hand corner of your screen.

Wanted to wish you ALL THE BEST in your ongoing recovery ! Stay in touch with us here and we welcome you to continue posting, as your recovery continues.

Welcome to our BAND OF BATTLE BROTHERS,

Iowa State University ~ CYCLONE FAN
Posted 7/12/2016 7:53 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Neil,

Sounds like your surgery went well. The bruising is very common. I did not have much at all, if any, but I had extremely large swollen testicles which started about day 3 and was very uncomfortable for probably 2 weeks. Freaked me out, I knew they might swell a little, I was not prepared for how large. My surgery roommate had the bruising like you describe and the nurses assured him it was nothing to worry about. For my swelling they told me to just keep a small folded hand towel or wash cloth under them when laying down to elevate them some. They also told me not to ice them because they really did not want me to reduce any swelling in the surgical area so soon after surgery. They eventually gave me a sling to help hold them up when walking but I never used it because I was leaking quite a bit at first and did not want to have to wash it constantly. Maybe if I had used it while the catheter was in it may have helped some but I managed anyway, it was just really uncomfortable lugging those big boys around.

Hope you recover quickly....Jim
Posted 7/12/2016 8:20 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome aboard cfbbneil!

My abdominal bruise went from my left hip up to my ribs as well. Continued over onto my tummy.

Went away fairly quickly.

Good deal with the path and wishing you quick (you know what's!).

You had the best. Good call on the hospital. It's a great place isn't it?
Posted 7/12/2016 10:13 PM (GMT 0)
cfbbneil,

I had terrible bruising on my right hip going up towards the rib cage. It looked like somebody beat me with a baseball bat. But I did not have any bruising and only slight swelling in the scrotum area.
Posted 7/12/2016 11:15 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome to HW.

It's not fun, but sounds like you're doing okay on the recovery side. Mostly it just takes time to heal. A month from now you won't give it much thought and before you know it this will all just be a bad memory.

Hang in there and keep us updated on your progress,
Andrew
Posted 7/12/2016 11:51 PM (GMT 0)
I had open RP at JH. Bruising near incision only. Hang in there and just rejoice that they got it all! That's what counts.
Bob
Posted 7/13/2016 4:14 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for all the kind words everybody. Good to be in a group that's been there!

Slept in recliner last night and got a decent nights sleep. Walked a mile yesterday with a stop halfway, and will repeat today. I was in good shape before surgery, and while I'm not pushing anything, it feels good to move.

Still significant bruising, hopefully that will clear up soon. The boys are particularly blue!

Thanks again!
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