Post Surgery Bowel Movement?

Had robotic surgery on Tuesday.  Removed prostate, both lymph nodes, some nerve bundel and seminal vesicles.  I would like input on two topics

1)  Started passing gas Thursday but haven't had a bowel movement.  Please share how long it was before you had a bowel movement and thoughts on when I should become concerned if it persists?

2) When I walk I get irritation where the catheter enters the penis.  Any suggestions to help with this?

I have not had any serious pain.  Last two nights I have taken 1 vicoden per night for sleep.  None during the day.  So I am very happy with how I feel.  Monday I get the biopsy results.

Congrats on you arriving at the other side.  Healing and recovery begins from here...

I think it normally takes the bowel 4 days to refill if it has been purged clean with a pre-surgery cleanser.  Continue the stool softeners for a week or so after the first bowel movement is what was recommended to me...

Using Neosporin or such on the tip where the tube enters will relieve that soreness and lubricate it.   A further issue may be whether the tube is properly secured to the thigh with tape or velcro, eliminating the lovement that is making it sore? 

Passing gas is a good sign -- it means your bowel is still working. I was about 4-5 days before my first BM too. Your bowel and whole digestive tract should be empty before surgery so it's going to be at least two days before anything gets from your mouth to "other end". After surgery, you will probably eat a bit less and maybe not your usual amount of fiber either. When BMs started, I found a cushion pressed over my abdomen helped with the suffering.

As far as the catheter is concerned, I had a reasonable amount of slack in the catheter tube between penis and thigh leg band so that my penis was quite free to flap around. I didn't need any lubricant, but that would be a reasonable thing to try. Don't give up walking -- do as much as you can.

Goinlong,
The bowel movement time will vary with the individual..........the softener is a good idea but it will take a few days for things to get moving again. Don't worry.....it will come to pass, so to speak. A very experienced nurse told me the old faithful baby-oil is better than commercial products things for the catheter. Cheap, easily obtained and keeps things lubricated for a long time. It doesn't become gluggy as personal lubricants may become after an hour or so. It certainly is an unusual feeling having that tube move in and out slightly as you walk. It is important to have it attached to your leg at just the right length..........a matter of trial and error.
Bill