Posted 1/24/2019 8:15 PM (GMT 0)
open Radical Prostatectomy-
Well gentlemen, I have my surgery (open radical prostatectomy) on January 8th, and was discharged on the 11th. The first day or two were a little tough, but not as bad as I suspected. The incision site pain was manageable, and I actually turned down pain meds on a regular basis. (Note 1. Do NOT Cough or Laugh during this period) Urinary output was off the charts, clear, and I only had an issue with blood after my initial bowel movement. (Note 2. If they prescribe milk of magnesia, TAKE IT.) The only thing that surprised me was how weak I was initially. I was up and about the day after surgery, and was walking like a pregnant 98 year old trying out for the soccer team. (Note 3. You have NOTHING to prove...pace yourself) . By discharge, I was a little quicker and stronger, so homeward we went.
Once home, I monitored my diet closely, and made sure my fluid intake was high. I was surprised that I did not experience bladder spasms, until on day number 8 I decided to set up my "office" on the kitchen bar top and work standing up for 6 hours. Bad Idea. From this point on, standing triggered "urinary urgency" pain, and I was forced to grab myself and do a jig like a 5 year-old until the pain subsided.
Catheter Out and Results In-
Fast forward.....Yesterday I had my catheter removed. I think I actually said, "Thank You Jesus!" aloud....No, I'm sure I did, lol. Prior to the removal, the nurse irrigated and/or filled my bladder to capacity before removing the cath. Once the cath was removed, I found it both a little odd, yet encouraging, that I was able to hold the fluid in before voiding. This would actually mean something later on.
Post-Op Pathology Result-
Okay, so here is my deal in general terms.
Gleason score of 7 remained a 7.
Lymph nodes clear.
Seminal Vesicles Clear.
Surgical Margins.....One small area was found where the cancer had breached the prostate. Not cool. But not the end either.....Not happening. Time to deal with this if needed. PSA tests first. Hold your fire, please...
So, without diving too deep into these vague results right now, my goal for the short term is to heal up. So, let's just concentrate on the victories at the moment. Speaking of which.....URINARY CONTINENCE!
Not A Drip-
Upon getting dressed, I went ahead and doned one of the sporty looking "Dude Diapers" I brought along. I made it home without a problem. Within ten minutes of arriving, I felt the urge to go. I decided to test the waters and see how long I could hold out. I think I could have stood there for quite a while. Finally, I did my thing. I was totally surprised to find that everything turned on and off almost normally! What?!? Granted, at the end of the process it burned like the fires of hell, but knowing that this was the same bladder spasm I'd experienced, I dealt with it. During the course of the afternoon and evening, I voided at least 8 times (frequency is normal) BUT, was able to wait, hold, release and stop each time. I never lost a drop all night. Dry as a bone. This morning, business as usual....guys, this is odd....But I will gladly accept the blessing.
So, here I stand.......No prostate, no catheter, no staples......and hopefuly no cancer. Yeah yeah, I know what the nomograms say, I've seen the stats, BUT.....I also know that I've done VERY WELL throughout this process. I know I've quit smoking. I know my diet is cleaner than it's been in thrity years. I know the numbers are for the most part in my favor. I know the PSA test in a few weeks will determine where we go from here. But truthfully, guys, I've been blessed. This could have turned out much worse......I think I dodged a bullet.
So go ahead......let me have it.....lol.