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Posted 8/17/2006 3:35 PM (GMT 0)

Ok i am back many many many questions. Has anyone had this procedure done? Laparoscopic Prostate Surgery   just found out the dr i am going to at barnes hospital in st louis mo. does this procedure.  what I Have read it looks very promising has anyone had this done?  looks like shorter recovery time and less side effects. can anyone give me some personel experience?  thank you all again for your help..

Rick.

psa 5.5

gleason 6 (3+3)

ct and bone scan neg

Posted 8/17/2006 6:11 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Rick,

I had the daVinci procedure, but I believe the technique is very similar to the Lap. That is they both are minimally invassive procedures. They both yeild the same excellent results, and both offer the same reduction in recovery time. The difference is the machine; the daVinci robot is a fairly new developement (last 5-6 years), and very costly. The important issue for you is confidence in the surgeon; how long has he/she been doing the Lap technique?; How many has he/she performed. Don't be affraid to ask, surgeons are generally proud of their achievements, and will be happy to tell you. The most skilled surgeons have done at least 500-1000 procedures, and there are many who have performed thousands.

So good luck with your research, and I know someone on this sight that had the Lap will respond to your post.

Glen
Posted 8/20/2006 12:01 AM (GMT 0)

My husband had a lap prostate done 3 years ago at City of Hope and it went very smoothly. He was discharged and home 3 days after. On arrival home he was outside doing some light yard work. Minimally invasive procedures are a nice way to go if your surgeon is experienced with them. His surgeon had done hundreds back then and now it is even more common. He came home with a catheter and it was removed several days later. Your surgeon should be able to answer all your questions and many teaching hospitals have good, informative web sites too. Good luck.

Posted 8/27/2006 10:01 PM (GMT 0)
Rick,

I am going into Barnes on Sept. 7th for Lap Prostate proceedure, Dr. Androile. I am told by friends in area that he is the best. We live in St. Louis Metro area and it is convenient too. I am 55, have a PSA of 14.2 and gleason of 8 so there is question about spread. All 8 of my biopsies came back positive Gleason 6-8. My C-11 Acetone PET scan (research trial at Wash U) came back with just a "suspicious" lymph node but Doc said he was going to remove anyway. I am happy that the cat scan, bone scan and lung x-rays all came back clear. Hopefully the surgery will get it all, if not I guess I'll have radiation to look forward to too. Barnes supposedly does over a thousand Prostate laps a year and I am told he is the best, head of department and all. Only time will tell. I like you have read all the Internet stuff I can find and still believe surgery is best for me. I too would like personal experience info if anyone wants to share on lap surgery.

John
Posted 8/28/2006 4:12 AM (GMT 0)

Had  DiVinci Robotics in March 2006.  PSA 6.58. 10 out of 10 biopsies positive. Spent 3 wks prior to surgery improving my physical well being. Walked 6 miles per day. One month after surgery, PSA was .035. Two months  after surgery PSA was .0033. Four months post surgery PSA is .004.  I was continent within 5 days of surgery. 

My personal opinion is as follows:  The number one thing to consider is the Dr.  I feel that the procedure is not as imp.  as the Dr.  By all means, surgery is the first choice.  But, selecting a Dr. that takes your interest at heart is most imp.  Remember, once you have radiation, surgery is not an option.

Another thing to consider is the supplement that you can order from  Therologix.com.  Has all of the ingredients that have medical proof of keeping the prostate healthy.  Prostate 2.2 is the one my DR recommends.  The guy that developed it was the chief resident under my Dr at John's Hopkins.

Only relaying my experience.

Posted 9/11/2006 1:42 AM (GMT 0)
Rick,

Had my Lap surgery Last Thursday, up walking Friday morning about 3AM, couldn't sleep anyhow. They told me I couldn't eat hard food till I walked and let "gas". The later was death defying the first time, thought I might explode. Then it really felt a relief after done. Had real eggs and sausage Friday for breakfast, real Fish and broiled potatoes for lunch then about 2:00 PM they pulled my drain tube, gave us Foley instruction and sent me home. I am resting and recouping at home in a recliner. Sleeping in it too. Walking whenever I get a chance, very often actually. Watching some movies I've been meaning to watch too hahahaha. I found I had an allergic reaction to the main surgery area cover tape, so I have some raw skin but I treating it with Cotaid and it too is better. Tomarrow calling to set date to remove cath, results on path for parts removed should be in by Friday next. Can't Wait. Little sore but nothing Tylenol can't handle. Getting better everyday, doc said may be week before first bm, but taking softener twice daily. No regrets, great surgical team at Barnes in St. Louis. Doc says he is almost sure he got it all but the lab and PSA in 30 days will tell more.
Posted 9/11/2006 8:05 PM (GMT 0)

To jeb187chs:

I, too, had an allergic reaction to the surgical tape.  When the catheter came out and we removed the right thigh tape which held the cath tube in place for the previous ten days, I had the worst looking rash/irritation over the area covered by the tape.  Apply the ointment and in time it will go away (took me a couple of weeks).

Posted 9/13/2006 1:44 PM (GMT 0)
well i am finished.  had my lap surgery on 9-11 everything went well.  john i also had anderoli.. so far feel preety good little pain, still tryong to get use to foley.  at hmoe on recliner looking forward to getting foley out. he took my prosate and lymphnodes. so he feel comfortable he got it all. john maybe we will see each other at the office, i live in trenton 15 miles west of caryle lake.  walking around and doing very well will keep everyone up to date..Thanks all

Posted 9/13/2006 4:49 PM (GMT 0)
Glad you had good experience too. Friday can't come too soon to get rid of Foley...hahaha. Felling better everyday... hang in there and keep the caugh pillow handy it is your best friend.... protects me from my two little dogs and is indespensible in caughing up phlem or sneezing. Walking outdoors now to deck to enjoy a cigar or two too. I know I should give them up but can't handle that stress now too. Keep me posted.
John
Posted 9/13/2006 9:07 PM (GMT 0)
"or sneezing"

thank god I haven't had the need yet. Hey, I want to thank everyone who has offered their experiences, especially Dennis in Fla. I didn't get the chance to call him, and in the meantime found someone in the Naples area that does the daVinci. I just couldn't see travelling the distance and feel I found some very good people.

Surgery went well Monday AM 9/11, released from hospital Tuesday 2PM. Sleeping the first night was a tough one. Strange dreams but I was half awake. It seems the gas after surgery is the tough part of this procedure. No problem with the cath on this end. Feels strange and one doesn't know what the body can handle while moving around the first day or so. Anotherwords, tear this or that by stretching to move. Time to go for a walk.

Thanks again folks!....and for those with upcoming procedures..it's not much of an event with the daVinci although abdominal sensitivity is high with me.

Posted 9/15/2006 9:19 PM (GMT 0)
Hello all,

Had my cath out today, what a relief, pathology not back yet. Next hurdle. Scheduled PSA and Postop meeting with Dr. Androile end of Sept. and first week of Oct.. May sleep in a "real" bed tonight. Baby steps, right..... hard to remember. Two normal urinations in first few hours after removal, little dripping. Doing my Kegel exercises and trying real hard. SAlso drinking lots of water and of course pomegranite juice..... well 50/50 with cranberry. Good luck all, I believe there may be a light at end of tunnel .... hope it's not a train. Have to say I'm more nervous now then before surgery, waiting has always been my weakness.

John :-)
Posted 9/15/2006 10:15 PM (GMT 0)
Hi John,

Just take it one day at a time John. You've got the tough part out of the way, and now its time to recover.
Waiting was hard for all of us, and there will be other things to wait for as well. Try to get your mind occupied with healthy thoughts. Get some good guy flicks; the Dirty Harry series, or all the Clint Eastwood "Man with No Name" westerns. Soon you'll have cruised through all those reports & PSA tests. You're going to be just fine.

So we all wish you well, and a speedy recovery.

Glen
Posted 9/16/2006 1:50 AM (GMT 0)
Hey GUYS,   What a nice Thread!!!!!   It truly sounds like you've all done exceptionally well with your surgeries...   This will be such a positive for new members.   Thanks for sharing!!!   That light at the end of the tunnel??   It is beautiful rays of sunshine coming out from behind the clouds that covered our lives for just a little while.   The sun ALWAYS shines..... even when the darkest of clouds cover it...   it waits for us!   Isn’t it amazing that we are all under the same sun, moon, and stars...   truly a small world isn’t it.     Our thoughts and prayers remain with each of you!   Please take it slow…. And don’t over do it!!!!!   Take time to heal J      In Friendship, :) Lee & Buddy
Posted 9/16/2006 4:07 PM (GMT 0)
john
Glad you feeling better and the foley is out I am scheduled monday to get mine out..no offence i will be so glad.. walking around, stomach soar but nothing i can't handle. this is going better then i thought, bruised in belly but can handle that.. And thank the lord the weather has been nice so i can get out side and walk. bowl movements started and oh waht a great feeling. Talk you all later and John i think we had the best dr around just my opinion
Rick
Posted 9/16/2006 5:30 PM (GMT 0)
HI,
I read and read, don't any of you guys have to go back to work? I have a total of 14 days vacation for this. 4 days of which I have to be on an airplane to get to and come back from my PCa treatment. This leaves me 10 days to recover and be back a work full force. Has anyone done this? How do you handle a catheter at work. I just can't imagin myself with a slipping bag on my leg or any leaking from it. Some advise pls! Maybe I will be able to handle the diapers after the catherter is out, if needed, don't know. Do they make a sound like baby diapers? we looked at pads can't make out which. Maybe I won't need any. My wife has to go back to work the morning after we get back, no time than to go shopping. I'll be home alone until the evening.
She has to work and so do I just to pay all our debts and now PCa .
Guys give me advice so that I can handle being alone during the day and this problem with the urinary bag at work. I will have a suprapubic catheter and I am just now, 1 week ago, being told it will be in at least 21 days. It's not what I had been told before, so this is a shock to me.
DWT
Posted 9/16/2006 10:03 PM (GMT 0)
Paul did! He was allowed back to work when the cath was removed. He could have with it in still but there was no need.

DWT, you won''t have a leg bag remember! Just relax and trust the Doc.
If I have my medical sense about me today, supras have either a cap system which can be closed for an amount of time. The bag is often one located up more near the abdomen instead of the leg. I've seen both. I've seen people cap them off too. It just can't be capped for long periods of time. Your Doc's got you covered on how to handle the cath issue from the sound of it.

No DWT, adult confidence pads and underwear do not make sounds. In fact, unless you dress like John Travolta did in the 70's, no one will notice a thing. Mens pads are made do flex in all the right places! Poise makes a good co-ed use one, so does Serenity...there are several brands. Even check with your local medical supply store. Most stores do carry a good variety and are often cheaper. And..your absolutely right...maybe you won't need any at all!
Posted 9/16/2006 10:16 PM (GMT 0)
DWT,

I don't know what a suprapubic cathreter is I believe I had a Foley and only had it in 7 days. Haven't had any ill effects of incontinence although I wore a depends to bed just in case last nite. Woke dry though, got up twice during night to ease pressure on bladder. Except for pain and swelling in belly I have had an easy time of it. The cathreter was a pain literally, sorry.

Thank goodness I have a lot of sick days accumulated. They tell me there are three choices for incontinence pads, adult diapers with plastic tabs, pads that can be used with regular briefs and the depends type pull ups.

Hang in there maybe you won't need any of them, just a close bathroom. Don't forget the Kegel exercises though the nurse said that was important I did them alot before surgery too.

John
Posted 9/16/2006 10:52 PM (GMT 0)
dwt
sorry you have to go back to work so fast, i am a paramedic and work 24 on 48 off so i had vacation and sick time 8 days vacation wich comes out to 3 weeks and 4 days sick days. you should not have a leg bag with the super pubic but if you do it will not slide on you like you think, as far as what to do at home during the day when your wife works, good book, tv and rember to walk.. i am only 46 so i know it is not like i have a lot of choice about not working. so my total time off will be month and dr says if i do everything he says he sees no problem with going back to work on lite duty.. this web site is great they helped me and i know they will help you.. John (jeb187 chs) I am following you very closley since we had the same dr. and procedure. you are helping me tremendsley of what to look forward to since we had our procedure done 4 days apart... 39 more hours till foley is gone YAHOOOO..
Rick
Posted 9/16/2006 11:58 PM (GMT 0)
DWT,

Jeff went back to work a week and half after having a radical prostatecomy, but the catheter was out. I think you should put your energy into healing and not worry about the days you have until you have to return to work. you will probably be just fine...and if not, you'll cross that bridge when you get to it. I'm sending you healing thoughts and prayers. Jeff has been doing a variety of things - wearing the Depends undergarments, usually with a pad (made for men), or just his underwear with the pad. he kind of likes the Depends better than his underwear because they're more comfortable around the incision area. no one will know you are wearing anything.

kat

Post Edited (M. Kat) : 9/16/2006 6:01:49 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 9/17/2006 12:58 AM (GMT 0)
Rick,
My money says you won't need anything after the foley is out. Your pelvic floor is already in good shape given the job you do. All that sqatting and lifting has finally paid off!

PS: I love my 24 hour shifts!

Swim
Posted 9/17/2006 9:26 PM (GMT 0)
Rick,

The nurse I ahd to remove cathreter was real gentle... tried to get me talking when she removed it. Just a little discomfort not real pain. Good to get it out. Good luck... let me know how it goes. Second day still continent... very very few problems. I will continue my nightly pull-ups though ... cheap insurance.

John
Posted 9/18/2006 5:32 AM (GMT 0)

DWT,

I went back to work after two weeks.  I did go back part time the 3rd week and full time the 4th week.  The hardest part was getting my energy level back. Also, remember, you must not work with anything over 10 lbs for 6 weeks!  That is very important, just ask Glen :o).  I wonder why you have to wait 21 days to remove the catheter?  I did have mine in for 11 days and had no need for pads after a couple of weeks.  I am still very curious about your procedure so keep us posted.  I am now 6 weeks post and can resume "normal activities" which I think will challenge my bladder again.  Rode a bike today with the kids but was careful with the bumps.

As far as being alone during the day, keep your drugs, drink, and remote handy.  Get up for short walks and to empty your urine bag.  You will be fine alone, just know your limits.  You will be amazed how much better you will be feeling after one week!  Best of luck to you.

Michael

Posted 9/18/2006 7:44 PM (GMT 0)
Rick,
If you work the privates you know a lot about caths...easy to remove.
As young as you are and as many squats as a Medic does, you're going to be good as gold. Lifting the cot alone is worth 50 kegels!
If you ever need a one on one, no problem. Paul (or Vick)

[email protected]
Posted 9/20/2006 1:58 PM (GMT 0)
Rick,

How's it going, cathreter out, etc.. Checking in to see how its going.

The little red pills for constipation are working real well now, soft stool almost cleaned out...hahaha.

Swelling is going down more daily. Still no continence issues. Hope you have same results, let me know.

John
Posted 9/21/2006 12:48 AM (GMT 0)
Rick,

Well Chris from the Drs. office finally got to give me my pathology reports. Best news is no lymph node cancer detected. Worst news no margins and cancer cells were detected in the bladder neck, and seminal vessicles. These too were removed of course but the no margin thing is very disturbing. We are going ahead with the PSA test on 19th and then we will discuss options. Dr. is meeting with us on Tues. next and discussing it again in more detail to get his direct opinions face to face. I ask to go back to work tomarrow 1/2 tme but the school district said the restrictions were too extreme and they said no, have to wait for a full release in a week or so. I am allowed to drive anyway.

Hope you are hearing better news.

John
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