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Up and Cruising on the other side of Ralp

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Prostate Cancer
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Posted 11/28/2013 3:28 PM (GMT 0)
Friends, after few of you posted that you felt I might be rushing into treatment, I had some deep conversations with my wife and did some more research. For me and my wife, surgery was the right thing to do. A philosophy of caught early, likely not yet spread (we'll learn more about that soon), get it out and it won't spread, was the basis of my thinking Perhaps not right for everyone, but right for me. No looking back now, had RALP yesterday and recovering well today. Happy Thanksgiving!


Going in, I was pretty nervous. I didn't like the idea of being intubated, cathed, and cut open by a robot. But here we are. Recovery room was kind of crazy, ended up staying for over three hours, waiting for room and enduring shift change. Finally got to room about 8pm. Pain in recovery was limited to tip of penis where cath goes in and a dull ache in two-berries although they shouldn't have been messed with. Probably just a nerve extension feeling. I have an abdomen drain installed, hope to get it out this afternoon.

Got up at 2am and walked halls. Devoured ice chips like crazy. Slept a couple hours, got up and walked again. Pain in testicles subsided some, tummy area sore but doesn't hurt. Penis tip still burns, I think from dry tube where it contacts my skin. Have tried lidocaine jelly, will try antibiotic ointment when I get home. Did I mention that they used a garden hose for a catheter? Must have been out of regular catheters and ran across street to home depot.

Will try to post more later, but for now it appears prayers have been answered positively. Next steps: continence, no ED, undetectable PSAs.

Special thanks to Gedman, navychief, davidg, in the shop, and several Oct to Nov 2013 RALP survivors whose postings helped me know what to expect.
Posted 11/28/2013 4:31 PM (GMT 0)
Brewer,

I had my prostate yanked out by Mr. DaVinci on November 11, spent the night and was released the next morning. My first reaction when I saw the size of the catheter was, "How the hell did that fit a submarine through a manhole" It was huge! During the ten days of having the catheter, I had the typical pain at the tip of my penis. I did the Neosporin trick, but when I went to the urologist to get the catheter removed he said "don't use Neosporin, it can cause urethra stricture" He recommends KY and lidocaine.

It has been a week since I have the catheter removed and I still have a raw or sore spot about 1/2 inch in from the tip probably caused by catheter abrasion. Its not a big problem but stings when I urinate.

I didn't have much pain at the six hole in my gut, except when I bend, twist or getting up and down out of a chair. I did have really bad pain in the shoulders and back caused by the carbon dioxide gas used to inflate your belly migrating to the shoulders.

Nick
Posted 11/28/2013 4:35 PM (GMT 0)
Good luck in your recovery.

Your treatment decision was yours to make, and yours alone, I am sure you did the right thing for you.

Hopefully, you will be rewarded with a great pathology report soon, and eventual, that nasty catheter will be out of you for good. I got to wear mine for over 2 months post surgery, it got old real fast.

Listen to your body's signals during your recovery, and don't overdo things. You have just been through a major complex surgery, robot or not.

David
Posted 11/28/2013 4:39 PM (GMT 0)
Things get better quickly, the first few days are rough but bearable.

Walk, drink rest and keep the cath clean and lubed. I was in your shoes two weeks ago and there is a huge difference in two weeks

Recover well
Posted 11/28/2013 8:06 PM (GMT 0)
Brewer,

Keep up the positive attitude! I am just over two weeks post op from my RALPH, And am doing good with the exception, of two more weeks of garden hose attached! The more you walk, drink fluids the better you will feel. I just ate a Huge plate of turkey dinner and am stuffed but am thankful to be here with my family and doing good. Hang in there, don second guess your decisions, we all have the same thoughts...what if...all the best, Happy thanksgiving.
Posted 11/28/2013 10:33 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome to the other side Brewer!

This forum is great to get information and encouragement. But the final decision for treatment is a personal thing and no one should put any other member down for making the best decision for themself.

For what it is worth, I made my decision for the same reasons that you did.

Good luck with your pathology report and Heal Well,

Bill from Florida cool
Posted 11/28/2013 10:38 PM (GMT 0)
Brewer,

Sounds like you are doing great. As one of the "young guys" here, I hope that you'll heal quickly and be right back to old tricks in no time. Meanwhile, try to drink and walk as much as your body will tolerate.

-Gedman
Posted 11/28/2013 11:07 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Brewer
Welcome to the "other side" ...you are doing fine.
ATM....walk & drinking water should be your routine, keep going
All the best to your recovery.
Posted 11/29/2013 12:46 AM (GMT 0)
Sounds like you are doing great. Your decision was similar to mine. I wanted it out. Keep us posted on your recovery.
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