Cart before the Horse?

I can't answer the first, but as to the second:  I first tried a plastic blow up ring cushion, that didn't work, very uncomfortable, and no proper support.  I next bought a foam seat ring at the local Pharmacy supply store, cost about $22 , with a cloth removable cover and dense closed cell foam, just the ticket for the intended job. 

I can't remember exactly but I missed about five days of work after Da Vinci.  It really was not that bad.

Bob 1949,

I took off 4 weeks and spent the time walking a little farther each day.
I went to work (with pads) and regained continence at 14 weeks.
Most take at least 4 weeks.  Some go back in 7 days!?  Many at 6 weeks.

The donut pillow works in many positions if you do NOT fill it up all the way.
Many here have also endorsed the foam cushion.
I did not need cushioning so much at 4 weeks - but everyone is different.

One note, I have had many different major surgeries and the prostatectomy seems to take a lot more energy out of the patient during recovery.  (There is a LOT of trauma in the pubic cavity from so much removal of "plumbing" [e.g. vas deferens, seminal vessels, prostrate, and all the connecting tissues.])  I fatigued much easier for longer than from even my spleenectomy/laperotomy (vehicle collision with a drunk driver) and it was not until 4 months after my radical prostatectomy that I really started getting my endurance back.

Just getting a little tired won't likely hurt you but watch to manage sadness/crying that comes from exhaustion and do NOT hurt yourself lifting anything heavy.

Your Friend,

C^Cedar
ICTHUS!

Hi Bob,

Welcome, I know you will find lots of support here and first hand knowledge to help your journey be a much smoother one.  Everyone heals at their own pace, depending on their systems etc. so it's kind of a personal individual decision when you return to work. We had the same question two weeks ago and got a lot of helpful suggestions. His doctor originally said to plan on at least 2 weeks off.  My husband had his DaVinci on Dec 31st and just returned to work today part time. 2 weeks and 2 days off.  He originally wanted to go back on Monday, but the doc suggested he take a few more days.  Those two extra days made a huge difference in his situation. If it were up to me, I would have kept him home the remainder of the week, he gets pretty tired by afternoon still. I sent him off to the office this morning with a cushion made from memory foam.  His continence has been pretty good thus far, knock on wood, but of course still wearing a pad for insurance.  Sneezing and coughing bring on a little leakage.  I told him it would not look appropriate in the office if he sneezed and held himself.  ha ha

Good Luck,

Marie

Yes, I fully understand Mika, my wife will ensure I toe the line also and follow Dr's orders. I'm just not a guy that sits still alot, that may be the most difficult part in my immediate recovery. As far as my post, I have over a month til my scheduled Da-Vinci, so, Im trying to think of as many stupid questions as I can find now, rather than later ha ha :))

Hey Bob,
Well I guess I'm the dunb *** in the group! I went back to work after 2 weeks right after getting my staples out, actually I started at home after a couple days. My Doc had me keep my cath in for 3 weeks so I had that at work w/ me at 1st. Oh I also had R.P. not DaVinci. To tell you the truth, I really wanted to go back, I couldn't stand any more Opra on the tube! I was on pain meds for other reasons so that might have made it easier but as I remember, it wasn't that bad. I just bought a big pillow to sit on at my desk. I was also almost completly dry when I got the cath out. I just had a couple accidents while sleeping and some littke leaks while laughing, coughing or sneezing so that wasn't a problem either. I guess everyone is different so you'll just have to wait and see but I think most will agree when I say it wasn't near as bad as I thought it was going to be!
Your friend,
Pete

Don't be afraid to say sorry no lifting. Even in an office, a lifting task could come up. And don't sit to long or you might find leakage is on the increase. Just standing will help but walking is better, at least it is to me.

Randy