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15 days out from surgery

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Posted 1/29/2020 5:53 PM (GMT 0)
You already have a lot of advice, I am just shy of 1yr post RALP. DO YOUR EXERCISES NOW! I did and I was off pads in a day post cath removal. I was back to working from home 3 days post surgery. I was 57 and in good shape. I only used pain meds for 2 days post. I did go home with a drain and a cath. Cath and drain removal was the best day ever. I would be happy to give you my number if you would like to talk. It really does help to talk to guys that have been through it.

Russ
Posted 1/29/2020 6:13 PM (GMT 0)

beaverduck said...
Wow.
As always, the good ppl of this forum have come through with some great info and the moral support i need so bad.
Thanks again. I'd like to go through all the posts and thank everyone but i think its too big for that now..... Suffice to say, i appreciate all of it. I have a shopping list started and feel like i have a good handle of what to have around, thanks to you all.
Curious about post-op exercise.....
When did you all return to strenuous exercise? Heavy core intensive sports/activities to be more precise.....
I know what the docs and nurses suggest. Wondering what you experienced.

Thanks so much again,
BD[/quote





Everyone is different......I've worked out my entire life and am only 155# so no fat for the surgeon to have to dig through. I also had single port robotic surgery with the small incisions glued shut. If it hadn't been for the 12 day catheter and subsequent incontinence I would have been back to the gym very quickly. Wish I had known about the penile clamp sooner....that would have saved a lot of unnecessary sitting around peeing in a pad time. But my two small incisions didn't hurt at all and I was ready to do situps on my bench within a few days....walking immediately. One thing I forgot to mention....I did have some discomfort in my perineum for a few weeks that felt like I had ridden a bike too long which gave me discomfort when I worked out on a bench machine. But if the surgeon does robotic surgery and you've had a history of keeping in physical shape, there should be no reason you can't start doing light workouts within a week of surgery....but of course listen to your doc.

Posted 1/29/2020 6:36 PM (GMT 0)
BD - I was a recently retired 66 for my surgery so my workout recovery may not have anything in common with a youngster smile

Surgery was on Nov 6th and I started working out again after New Years (2 mos±), holidays did not help. This is different than walking which I was doing daily for longer distances as time progressed from surgery. I was mainly concerned with hernias so did not want to lift or push much until I got to the 2 month mark then took it slow for the next month. I still don't push it like when I was much younger but that is the age thing and too many orthopedic procedures.

There are a differing opinions on recovery and lifting weights. I found it hard to be restricted to 10 lbs for 6 weeks then jump to 200lb+ leg presses so I didn't. I used to ride an exercise bike and there was no way I was getting on a bike seat for a few months. Some are biking miles a month post op and others did not work out much prior to surgery so why afterwards?

The main thing is to fully recover before you push it as your insides have been damaged pretty good. If you are a true competitor in sports, you should put that spirit on the back burner for a while. I can see where the massive thunder dunk on the 9' rim could rip something when you hit the floor off balance. Same with diving for the tennis ball that is clearly out of reach. All seems like a good idea until something snaps.
Posted 1/29/2020 6:56 PM (GMT 0)
Kegel exercises can strengthen and train your pelvic floor muscles to help control urination. This what I was talking about. I do go to the gym and am very active as a football official and baseball umpire, so I was in decent shape. I did do my Kegels as directed and still do. Drip free since 2 days post cath removal. I swear by the Kegels.
Posted 1/29/2020 6:59 PM (GMT 0)
I obtained a treadmill a couple months before surgery and used it daily. After surgery, I got on it for a few minutes several times a day. I went back to work after 3 weeks--and it was too soon. I worked in a heavy industrial environment, and just having to wear the steel toe boots wore me out after a few hours.

The lifting is a challenge....but the hardest part was just being overall weak for months. I think it was at leas 6 months before I was really physically back.
Posted 1/30/2020 6:44 AM (GMT 0)
Looks like you've got enough advice already, Beaverduck, to last you another lifetime. I just want to chime in with Good luck! Lord knows, if I made it through surgery more or less in one piece, any old duck can.
Posted 1/30/2020 4:52 PM (GMT 0)
You will know when you are ready. I had my surgery in Feb and was umpiring in March. The surgery itself is not too bad, but the cath sucks. Once that was out, my life was pretty much back to normal except the ED. I was only in the hospital one night and that sucked. My roommate never turned his light or TV off. I did have pain and used meds for 3 days, then just Tylenol. You will be fine. Do your exercises now!!!!
Posted 1/30/2020 6:30 PM (GMT 0)
Remember that the body heals from the outside in, so don't judge by wound healing. When in doubt about resuming an activity not covered in your doc's instructions or discharge istructions, ask your doc's team.

Djin
Posted 1/30/2020 6:53 PM (GMT 0)
All good advise. I went out of state for my surgery and stayed in a hotel room for a week until the catheter came out. I did cruise the halls with my leg bag. The room had a good bed and a regular chair, but no recliner. I got extra pillows and made due.
That said, I went through that week without ever turning on the television. I don't watch it at home so I sure wasn't going to punish myself and watch it there. I took plenty of books and my sketchbook. I made lots of drawings and that always helps keep me relaxed and passes the time.
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