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Surgery and a sense of humor

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Prostate Cancer
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Posted 12/26/2013 7:04 AM (GMT 0)
I had RALP Friday morning. Saturday morning, I knew some of the requirements for release from the hospital were; Doctor's visit, IV check, instructions on the catheter and being able to walk. My doctor came in, checked me over and said I would be able to go home later that day. The nurse came in and showed me how to switch to the catheter leg bag. I got out of bed and walked the hall several times. I was wearing the standard hospital gown and a catheter leg bag. I wanted to make sure the doctor saw me walking so I headed toward the nurse's station. When I got there the doctor was sitting at a computer desk near me. The IV nurse was there and said "Oh you're up, I'll check your IV here" She checked my arm and said it looked good. I lifted up my gown a little and said "Do want to see my other IV?" The doctor was laughing so hard I thought he'd fall off his chair. They released me about ten minutes later.

My user name is Stay+, Stay Positive. I will.
Posted 12/26/2013 9:46 AM (GMT 0)
laughter is often the best medicine

-here's to a good recovery and a great 2014 year for you and yours - and good numbers to come.

take care,

Bronson
Posted 12/26/2013 11:30 AM (GMT 0)
I remember talking to my URO about ED rehab. Told him part of my problem was being a single guy. He didn't think it was too funny when I asked him if I could borrow one of the girls in the front room for a few minutes...
Posted 12/26/2013 12:54 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for responding. I guess you had to have been there.
The surgery went well on 12/20. Both nerves were spared. The catheter comes out Monday 12/30, I met with the surgeon then.

My only problem right now is managing the catheter tubing.
As you know, you must be aware of the tubing when you move. If you forget, you're quickly reminded.
My wife is an RN on a med/surg floor of the hospital. She's installed and removed hundreds of catheters over the past 30 years but even she is learning a little of what it's like to live with one at home for ten days.
Neosporin is a huge help.
I give an update Monday.
Posted 12/26/2013 3:31 PM (GMT 0)
Stay+,

Thanks for the humor this morning. It's amazing how well you get used to having that bag either on your leg or carrying the same. I actually liked the larger bag. My wife is a retired RN and has helped me a lot when I had my catheter.

Hang in there.......Things will get better soon. I was totally dry at about 6 weeks. Now I'm waiting for some movement down there. I'm postive with my nerves both spared, that everything will work in time. Can't rush major surgery

I get my first PSA check on 1/08/14. Praying for a low number.

The guys on this site are the best........The knowledge base is incredible.

Berk
Posted 12/26/2013 3:44 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Berk,
My brother, from South Park, PA. had his prostate removed by Dr. Nelsen eleven years ago. His PSA has remained zero with no ED. I'm sure you'll do fine. I thought about going to Dr. Nelsen, but I went to Dr. Bisignani at Latrobe Hospital, he's younger, around 40 yrs old. His partner, Dr. Snowman removed the prostate of that famous golfer from Latrobe, Arnold Palmer 17 yrs ago and Arnold remains healthy. So I too feel I'm in good hands.
Posted 12/26/2013 4:00 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Stay+
I am 8 weeks out from RALP. The catheter was the most unpleasant part of the 8 weeks todate. Recliners and lube make it more bearable. One of the other guys here had some words of wisdom to slide your willy back and clean the tube. I tried that and sure enough there was some funkiness on the tube that I could wipe off with a warm washcloth. There are several of us that have RALP in the last two months, I bet most of us will chime in.

This is a good group of guys to learn from

Take care and take it easy this week, things get better next week

Pat
Posted 12/26/2013 4:56 PM (GMT 0)
Hope you have a great recovery! You sound in very good spirits. I too believe in staying positive because it's a lot better than the alternative. You're doing just fine!
Happy New Year!
Posted 12/26/2013 5:03 PM (GMT 0)
Good luck to all the recent surgery guys, and keep us posted on your progress.
Posted 12/26/2013 10:57 PM (GMT 0)
attitude is important, I expect you're going to do just fine. congrats Stay+!
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