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8 days post-op Robotic

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Posted 6/22/2007 10:38 PM (GMT 0)
It's been a few months since I posted questions on this site regarding my husband's PC diagnosis and requesting help and guidance with the disease (and recommended treatments).  Well, he had his surgery (Da Vinci) on 6/14/07 (diagnosed in Nov. 06) and is 8 days post-op.  Had his cathetor removed yesterday and has been dry except for one "mini squirt" this morning when bending down to put his socks on.  Has been taking short walks with the dog and seems to be doing incredibly well.  He is anxious to see if he can get an erection though. He starts taking small doses of Viagra next week (2 times per week) to promote blood flow.  My question is this...is it too early for him to try and get stimulated??  I'm thinking he should take it easy and see what happens in a couple weeks.  I have been on this forum a few times since his surgery and have found this site to be so beneficial not only for the guys going through this, but for the spouses as well.  You all have provided such a wealth of information, as well as encouragement and hope!  Thank you....

Christy

Husband: 53 Yrs.

PSA: 7.5

Gleason 3+3

Biopsy: 2 out of 13 cores .05% positive

Surgery date: 6/14/07 Robotic

Cancer confined to prostate

Both nerves spared:  1-Robust  1-80%(slight scarring)

Biopsy results 6/21/07  All clear!!

 

Posted 6/22/2007 10:54 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Christy,

I had my Da Vinci surgery on 5/17. The nurse who removed my catheter (day 6) told me I could start to stimualte myself as soon as I wanted. My Doc had me start Levitra at week two and encourgaged me to stimulate (alone or with my partner) the equipment as much as we wanted. My understanding is that stimulating blood flow to that area is very benificial to recovery. Keep in mind that Da Vinci is major surgery and there is allot of healing going on. I was VERY gentle with myself in the begining.

Joe
Posted 6/22/2007 11:11 PM (GMT 0)

Joe....thanks for the prompt reply.  I have already relayed this to my husband and he was glad to hear this! 

Posted 6/22/2007 11:19 PM (GMT 0)
Ditto here Christy. Same thing from my Doc except I started on a dose of Levitra as a routine medication from day one.

Paul
Posted 6/25/2007 12:41 AM (GMT 0)
Stimulate!!! Now!!! Keep it fun though!! By the way, he can have an orgasm without getting erect. I was REAL surprised by that one!!! But HAPPY!
Posted 6/25/2007 1:13 AM (GMT 0)
Christy,


Doc had me on Viagra the day the catheter came out.  I found it to make me quite sick though, so now I am on Cealis (sp?).  I also used a pump initially for the first 3-4 months to help get the blood flowing.  It will be a bit messy at first (due to leaking) when stimulating, but do it as the earlier the better!

One year later I still take 10 mil of cealis about every 5-8 days.  I'm begining to have morning 'happiness' without the pill's help.


Aaron

Posted 6/25/2007 1:54 AM (GMT 0)
All the above responses seem unanimous, so I'll chime in with a contrary opinion. Not to be contrary but to share what MY Dr. told me. He basically said to wait 4-6 weeks. When week 4 is complete I can start on 10mg Cialis twice a week.

I think it is probably appropriate to wait at least a couple of weeks before trying too much stimulation.

Meeting with my ED specialist this week and will see what he says...
Posted 6/25/2007 12:26 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks guys...appreciate the input. My husband actually starts the viagra today (1/2 strength every 2 or 3 days per dr. orders). He's 11 days post op. with no incontinence, although I have told him to wear a pad just in case. We have both been reading the threads and it sounds like sometimes when the swelling goes down, leaking can possibly start. He is feeling extremely lucky in that area, especially after reading some of your PCa stories. We did try a little stimulation (his idea, not mine....I thought he should wait) after we received a couple of positive responses, and he found he could get about a 3/4 erection. Didn't last too long but it sure is a positive start!! We're hoping that with a little medication, things will get even better. Can't tell you how much having this forum has meant to us. It has been so helpful and we feel we can ask anything, however personal, and there is someone (or two or three) that has the answer or has been in the same boat. Although we're not posting a lot, we read just about everything. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
Christy
Posted 6/28/2007 10:01 PM (GMT 0)
The things I have been reading are so encouraging to me (THE MOM) I am 75 yrs old and on here for our son who is 53. Divorced so has no encouragement like most of you do. You wives are to be commended for the support of your husbands. This is truly a terrifying time for the guys and I am getting some comfort reading it for myself! I hope to be able to come back from time to time and if possible will get him on here to read for himself.
I just want to thank you for being here and letting me jump in. However, I have to tell you I am terrified of trying to get around this forum. Totally different than some I am in/on.
I WILL be back!
Posted 6/29/2007 2:18 AM (GMT 0)
Hey Christy and you all,

The day the catheter came out (6 days post-op) my uro told us to have sex 4 times in the next week. HA - didn't happen! Total "flat tire". Still (7 months post-op) can't get a full erection. I take 50 mg Viagra every day and Levitra when we want to play around. Going to talk to him about injections in a couple of weeks.

This stuff takes time and patience, frustrations have to be overcome. (That's what we keep telling each other.)

Hey bobsmom, come on back. We well seasoned folks need company...

Jim
Posted 6/29/2007 2:47 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks biker, I shall be back and more importantly, my son will appreciate your inviting me back! I imagine it is unusual for a MOM to be here.....but am so thankful to find this site!!!!
Good night and God Bless you ALL
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