On the other side

Had my RALP last night. The surgery was delayed several hours by the previous patient. Woke up in recovery with some pain but the nurses took care of me.

My surgeon told me this morning that all went well. He is optimistic that there will be negative margins. He said that there was a bulge on the right side of the prostate but will need to wait to see if the capsule was invaded (by path report). Interestingly I had a congenital defect and was missing a seminal vesicle.

Today I feel like I was run over by a truck. You veterans know what I mean, but I am down to IV Tylenol. I was already switched to a leg bag and shown how to piggyback the overnight bag when I get home.

Now I am waiting for someone to remove the drain and if all goes well, I will be home this evening.

Thanks to all of you. You have been crucial in getting me through this and I know I still have a long way to go.

Hi Scooter
Today is the worst day, it gets much better tomorrow. When I had my drain removed there was very little pain, just a weird tugging sensation.

Drink drink drink, you will be surprised at all the clots you pass. Ask them about flushing your cath if it gets plugged or when to call if it feels plugged.


In two weeks you will feel pretty normal, get some rest


Pat

The drain was the worst part of it all for me along with the immediate bladder issue that lasted some 6 hours.

You are already almost through the worst of it vis-a-vis pain and discomfort. It all gets much better very quickly.

Congratulations on your success and fight.

In regards to the drain removal, my wife states I acted as though it was wrapped around my vital organs, the CNA's had to consult with my surgeon after they took the first tug on it, before I'd let them touch it the 2nd time. Lol. My worst day was day 3, that was I believe because I hadn't ate in four days and was still taking the ES Vicodin, didn't go well with empty stomach. Switched to Advil and felt pretty good day 4, and each day after.

Scooter-

Glad to hear you are doing well. When I had the drain removed, it didn't hurt at all. Just an odd sensation that is hard to describe. And, it took all of 3 seconds and it was over.

Try to drink and walk lots to speed your recovery.

-Gedman

Hey Scooter, I'm not a "surgery guy" so I can't help much there, but I did want to extend a big "CONGRATS" on coming up on the other side!

Continued best to you as you know move down the road to recovery!

Hi scooterdu,
Welcome to the "other" side, i think by now your drain should have removed & you are already at home. For the next few days, drinking and walking will be your routine,,,keep going..
All the best to your recovery.

Welcome to the other side Scooter!

The drain and catheter removal felt about the same way, just a "strange feeling", no pain.

Next up, bladder spasms and first BM. Each day will get better but you have to go through the process.

Good luck with your recovery

Bill from Florida

Hang in there Scooter. Although it may be a long way to go, you will heal and get better each day. Good luck with your recovery.

Don

Both gas and spasms are unpleasant, walk a little to see if you pass some gas. Make sure your cath is draining.

Did they give you ditropan for the spasms? It really helped me

Thanks so much. I am a little better. I think the problem is that the rectum is very inflamed in the area adjacent to where the prostate was removed. When the gas passes there the pain is intense.

Btw, you guys were right about the JP drain. They should have someone using a slide whistle as the sound effect when they take it out!

I don't know if the first BM was the best feeling ever. Once I started, I couldn't stop. I thought I was done 4 times but had to sit back down again on the pot because I wasn't finished. Once that was over, I felt pretty good.
None of "the books" prepare you for the first BM. Healing Well does!

Bill from Florida