Almost 8 Months post SBRT

Not much new except frustration. August 9th I undergoing elbow replacement and it's my right arm which is the dominant one. I use a cane and this is frustrating. Sleeping will be awkward etc so generally I'm kinda grumpy.
Add to this LUTS of irritable urination, hematuria off and on and constant feeling that I'm sitting on a hot potato is making this a bummer of a Summer.
I've put off the elbow replacement for way too long as I can hardly lift a spoon towards my mouth.
Told this journey is a marathon rather than a dash gives me some solace.
Anyway forgive the rant just venting.

Glen Heinsohn

Here's hoping that elbow replacement in early August will make a noticeable difference!

The way the summer is ZIPPING by ~ it won't be long!

The fable of the tortoise & hare ~ always remember, Sir Swan, that "slow & steady, wins the race!"

Keep forging ahead, day by day ~

C-Y-C-L-O-N-E ~ # Iowa State University

I've been using a friend's pool upstate and will use it this upcoming week and once more after. I'll try and strengthen my arm and do some kegal work as well in the pool.
My LUTS is a little better but now and then I bleed quite a bit and that's scary then it goes away. The irritation is a little better and the hot potato in my rectum feeling is lessened.
Heat wave here in NYC.
Just wanted to vent because frankly I'm scared of the upcoming surgery. I wish I could talk the doctor into numbing my arm and giving me some feel good juice IV instead of general anesthesia.
My sleep apnea worries me. As much as I would rather be fully asleep, I'd rather be assured that I will wake up. Anyway just venting my fears.

Glen

Glen, we are the same age and I am going on 9 months out of IMRT. I met an old teacher friend at the store the other day who is one year older. Of course the only topic was comparing health issues. He has had three back surgeries like me, two knee surgeries like me and walks with a cane, I don’t. He doesn’t have PC. He on the other hand is feeling old age take hold, just like us. The difference I could detect during the conversation was attitude. I walk around with a smile looking forward to the future and the good that could come. That is regardless of what old body part next might give up the ghost. He looked much older and depressed. I did my best to cheer him up.
Next up for you is the elbow replacement and I wish you the best. Keep up the swimming, it can only help. The only ones that might escape the process of old age and the trials we face are the ones that didn’t live life to the fullest. Wear your new elbow with a badge of honor that you lived and are living life to the fullest. I sure hope your Oncologist can get on top of the pain you are having from the SBRT treatment.
I know it’s tough, but keep a positive attitude as you go into surgery. We are here to help as much as we can. My best to all.
Jack

Glen, as far as the anesthesia, your anesthesiologist will take into account your sleep apnea. He or she will adjust the medication as needed during the operation. My guess is that he or she will use the lightest amount needed to keep you under. Considering they will be working on one arm, you may not be on your back after they put you out. In any case, they will take good care of you throughout the operation. I look forward to your fast recovery.
On a side note I assisted a vet during operations on dogs one Summer. We were both monitoring vitals at all times and anesthesia was constantly adjusted as needed. Leave the worrying up to the docs. As you know, once they give the anesthesia, you blink your eyes and you are in the recovery room.
My best to you.
Jack
I forgot to add, if your sleep apnea is severe you might wake up with a CPAP mask to help your breathing recover more quickly. Also, as far as pain meds go when you get home, narcotics will slow you breathing down. Over the counter pain meds might be better if the pain is not to severe.

Post Edited (Jack64) : 7/24/2022 1:36:28 PM (GMT-7)

That's Mel.
August 8th is the surgery so I'm swimming as much as I can and working out
At Columbia Presbyterian I've had the same woman anesthesiologist and she's excellent. She's around my age of 69 maybe a little younger but she knows her stuff.
It's purely fear because of the apnea and I'd rather be awake but sedated with a nerve block. I had that with carpal tunnel surgery but this is a lot more complicated.
Anyway still have hematuria and mild pain irritation when urinating but it's better.
Thanks all

Glen

Just an update
Still have mild to moderate pain/irritation when urinating plus the feeling when I sit of fullness in the perianal area
Blood in urine has stopped but it's stopped before only to return
I'll see my RO late September but will have a PSA test before I see him.
Elbow replacement surgery on Monday the 12th so I'm getting some travel and swimming done to squeeze out what is left to Summer.
Not looking forward to surgery but want it done. I can hardly use my right arm without a lot of pain. Angry that I put it off so long.
Mother in law is 99 and taking up a lot of my wife and my time. Hate to put her care upon my wife but I'll be of little help after surgery.
Mother in law did give me her Lexus hybrid so I'm grateful for that. Lucky to have a mother in law who loves me.
Anyway enjoy the waning days of Summer.

Glen

Going into the 10 month since SBRT
Side effects continue to be mild pain irritation upon urination and a feeling of fullness in the perineum area.
It's annoying but I can certainly live with it.
I'll have another PSA soon and hopefully it's going to continue it's downward trend.
Have not heard from the RO but I'm due a visit in a month or so.
My focus is on my upcoming surgery and I am having good days and bad as far as worrying about it.
Anesthesia and post surgery pain are my main concern but bedtime and recovery also play into it.
Glen

Thanks mattam
Yes I often remember the end result. The surgeries and radiation etc all are in the rear view mirror.
It may be unfair but I'm just thinking out loud and I suppose venting here. I'll share my concerns with close friends but stay upbeat with my wife. She's worse than me when it comes to worry so I downplay my fear's.

Contrary to how it may look, I'm not worried all the time. Just when I'm alone in my thoughts.
So, best to stay busy.
Still going to the gym and swimming when I can.

Enjoy the waning days of Summer!

Glen

Glen,

Gloves off. This Bronx street kid fights bare fisted. So let's get on with it...

Glen, I respect you. I've read this thread and some of the others you authored. I think you are a stand-up guy. I was particularly impressed that you keep some of your physical woes and apprehensions secret from your Missus. That speaks well of you, pal. Bravo Swan!

I'm 73.5 y/o. Hey, WTH!?!? It is what it is and there's not a bloody thing I can do except keep trucking and know that one day, in some way, the music will end.

Yeah, I have a few lingering effects from my Texas death match versus PCa. Again - - it is what it is. But I'm still here and I thank the Man above the clouds for that blessing.

My right knee gives me some shots-of-pain that make my Bronx vocabulary spout expletives. The "main vein" doesn't give me the joy it used to despite a penile implant. But, again - - I'm still here.

I started my career in 1973 as a bus driver in the south Bronx (wanna see my battle scars?). I rose through the ranks to General Manager. And now, I'm driving a charter bus in Jersey a few days a week just to keep the blood flowing and my mind occupied. Sure, I have my Master's degree - - but driving a bus is the only fun part of my chosen industry. Thank you, Lord, for a loving, caring, patience of a Saint-bride of many years!

Glen, you're doing it, man. The Brothers in this forum "get" your frustrations. We feel your pain as only people who have their own can. And we salute you for taking to your keyboard and opening up to us.

I have harvested a boatload of good stuff. Cyclone, Djin, 81 y/o guy and the rest of the clubhouse are pals. They remind me of the crowd I hung with back in the old neighborhood under the streetlamps. I wouldn't know them by sight. But I know them by soul.

Fight, Glen. Keep fighting. I know you will - - it's who you are, man. It's okay to bay at the moon. It's okay to cuss. It's okay to break something. It's okay to cry. The only rule is that there are no rules. You can and you will triumph.

Watch it happen, Glen!

Godspeed.

NJ Fred

Glen,

Most charter bus outfits fancy "motor coach." My employer runs Setras - - the Rolls Royce of motor coaches.

The transit vehicles on NYC streets are categorized as buses.

Fred

Five days and counting....
Good news however, my pain doctor is going to prescribe me the hydromorphone.
They will call in three days worth.
Dilaudid is the brand name.. it's a powerful opiate medication but needed because I'm on an even more powerful opioid medication called buprenorphine.
Buprenorphine is a unique drug as it binds tenaciously to receptors but has an agonist antagonist action which relives pain without building a lot of tolarence.

Glen

As fall weather rolls around, you will be ramping back up!

Here's to a smooth & steady recovery ~ and we'll keep the front porch light on for your next visit!

Take good care of yourself ~ supportive thoughts sent your way!

All my best ~
CYCLONE ~ # Iowa State University