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3 week postoperative laporascopic protatectomy pain and discomfort

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Posted 2/3/2012 12:29 AM (GMT 0)
I am trying to understand if anyone else has expereinced this level of discomfort, if something is really wrong or if my husband is just freaking out. He is 55 years old. shock diagnosis of PC following elevated routine PSA. had LRP procedure 3 weeks ago, pathology report excellent T1c, we are so fortunate and blessed. Had foley for 7 days, out for 3 and then had to have it emergently placed back due to unbelievable bladder spasms and urinary retention. Remained in for another 8 days and i now out for 3. He is miserable with "flank pain" right side only, bloating and gassy. was back to work and now feels so bad he did not go to office. I do not know what this is? he does not want to bother surgeon so we are managing with our pain pills, bladder spasm pills and ibuprofen. anyone have post op expereince like this?
Posted 2/3/2012 12:53 AM (GMT 0)
Hi,

Unfortunately, welcome to HW. First bit of advice, "bother" the surgeon right away. It is his/her job to follow up.

I am always leary when I see someone talk about flank pain .. I had a very tough experience with that. Ask the surgeon to make sure the right kidney is working properly and the ureter is not obstructed as a result of the surgery. An ultrasound is probably in order.

Posted 2/3/2012 2:18 AM (GMT 0)
Pacr,

First, Welcome to HW.

Just my understanding, but three weeks seems much too much early to be going back to work. My uro/surgeon suggested five to seven weeks off as a minimum.

I can only suggest that he contact the surgeon immediately.  

Posted 2/3/2012 2:21 AM (GMT 0)
Flank pain is on the list of "contact surgeon right away" in my post operative instructions.

Don't tough it out or "not bother" anyone. It's his job to be bothered. Bother away!
Posted 2/3/2012 5:07 AM (GMT 0)
DON'T MESS AROUND, this needs to be addressed urgently if not immediately. The cause of his distress needs to be found out and dealt with for both his comfort's sake AND because there are potentially serious possibilities that need to be ruled out. One that I experienced personally is leakage from the bladder/urethra connection that took me to the emergency room and back into the hospital for two days, I'm sure there are others.
Henry
Posted 2/3/2012 8:13 AM (GMT 0)
Everyone is different and reacts differently, but I would suggest two things:

1) Pepper spray your surgeon with emails/calls if needed. His practice provided you a service and follow up care is part of that service. My surgeon would email me back even on weekends and his nurses call me during office hours.

2) Although I could have gone back to work within 3 weeks, I'm glad I didn't. Recovery is not just physical, it is also mental and as you said in your post, you guys are under shock.

Good luck with everything, sorry you had to go through that stuff witht he catheter, that was my nightmare scenario the day they took it out.
Posted 2/3/2012 8:46 AM (GMT 0)
Welcome

The pain you describe is a matter for the doc. Phone them.
Most of us have, I think, been given a list of reasons to phone doc after surgery, main reasons are:
Fever (rasied temperature), flank pain, nausea and vomiting.

I also agree that it might have been a bit soon to go back to work (I live in Holland and they allow you three months to recover!) I think he may need to reassess how to tackle the next few weeks. Having a few tiny scars on the outside can make you think you've not had major surgery, but on the inside there is a great deal of tissue that is trying to heal, and it needs time.
Gas can usually be helped with gentle regular short walks and by avoiding foods and drink that make gas.

Glad he had good pathology report by the way.

Alf
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