how soon to return to work?

After a radical prostectomy , is it possible to return to work with a catheter? I teach and currently I am on my feet for 2 hours in the morning, then have a break and do another lecture for 1 hour. I can do a lot more work sitting down but it is best if I can stand and move.

Any thoughts?



To date:
Age:54

Current diagnosis:

Diagnosed Aug 14 2008
PSA 1.5
3 of 12 cores 5-10% cancerous
Gleason: 3+3 at one site, and 3+4 at second.
Palpable on one side.
Stage: T2

Bone Scan just completed (waiting on results)
CT scan just completed (waiting on results)

Family History:
father had prostate cancer (Gleason 6) at 70, treated with radiation. Developed Pancreatic cancer, diagnosed May 2004, died Nov 2004.

Overall health:

No weight problem.

Diagnosed diabetic Aug 2006. Insulin at first but now Janumet, diet, and exercise.A1C - 5.8.

Planck,
I returned to work after 3 weeks but I could have after two weeks or sooner if I had been willing to weather the inconveniences. I wore the cathedar for 8 days, and at home during that time I wore the small bag strapped to the leg during the day and was very mobile. As far as physical pain or weakness - it was minimal. The bag was more the issue (maintaining and emptying).

After cathedar removal, if you are like most of us, you will then be leaking at least some and wearing pads which is also something to become accustomed, but it is no big deal.

Alot of this depends on what kind of job you have, and your personal health. If you are required to be on your feet all day and physical it will be much more difficult. On the other hand, if most of your job is sitting you should be able to return reasonably soon if all goes as it should. I wish you the best!

Age 61
Original data - pre-operation
PSA: 5.1
T1C clinical diagnosis, Needle biopsy - 10 cores, Gleason 7 = 3+4 in 1 core (40%), 7 cores Gleason 6 = 3+3 ranging from 5% to 12%
All scans negative
Lupron administered 4/9/2008 for 4 months (with idea I would undergo external beam radiation followed by seed implants - then I changed my mind).
Robotic DiVinci surgery - Dr. Fagin (Austin) May 19th
Post operative - pathology
pT2c NX MX
Gleason 3+4
Margins - negative
Extraprostatic extension - negative
seminal vesicle invasion - uninvolved
1st Post PSA .04

I could have gone to work within a week, but I am glad I didn't. It takes time to completely heal the surgery. I would wait until the catheter is at least out. You need to see how your plumbing is working as you may have to adjust accordingly. With good luck, you will close to normal within a month ~ hopefully cancer free.

Tony

I'm a teacher too. The emotional energy needed to do a good job is just too intense that soon after surgery. You will be wiped out. Are you sure it's worth it? Remember, they don't give any raises for heroics. If it's a matter of paying the bills or keeping your job, that's one thing. If it is avoiding being an inconvenience to the admin - forget it.

Think of PCa as a wake up call from life. Start taking care of yourself. You deserve it. Be Kind to your body. if you MUST work, then please be careful. i overdid it at three weeks and paid for it. It set me back at least a week. i did not return to work even longer then.
We are all different, but take the time off for your emotions and your family as well.

paul

You could certainly stand in front of a class and no-one need know of your new plumbing arrangements. I went for daily walks of an hour or so with the catheter in and my usual somewhat baggy trousers were good enough to hide everything (small bag strapped to my calf). I was not bold enough to wear shorts!

..nah, take your time if you can. I've still not gone back to work. Planning on going next week, we have a pretty good sick leave plan, plus I"ve been piling up sick leave for thirty-two years....I've decided I'm going to use some of it!.....I walked all over town with my cath in, put it in a bag, tube coming out of my gym shorts.....I'm wanted  someone to ask me what was up, my reply......."when was the last time you had your PSA checked"?....had a pretty fair number make appointments to get it done. That is still so surprising so many men dont' even know what a PSA test is.....I think it's up to us to help get the word out...