Planning for post treatment

A recent post that asked "can I drive myself home" actually started me thinking about the serious question of post-treatment planning. It does bring some significant questions to mind, for example

The treatment I choose is somewhat geographical in nature. If I treat locally, a mile from home, it will be retropubic open surgery. That's what's available. If I choose any other treatment (DaVinci, brachy), it will be a minimum of a 2 hr drive from home. The potential misery level for that 2 hr drive home is a consideration. What do you guys think? (I DON'T want to start another thread about the relative merits of the different options)

Regardless of which treatment I choose, my wife will not be able to take extended time off from work for the week or two that I'll be at home. At the least, I'll need to arrange for rides to the dr. for checks. How important is it to have someone a phone call and a few minutes away?

I'm supposing that one goes from wearing the catheter to wearing diapers or pads, and I've seen comments that the incontinence can last up to 6 months. The prospect of wearing diapers that long....and going to work every day, doesn't thrill. What can be done to help this process along?

What other wisdom do you guys who have been there already have to share?

I also live two hours away from where I received my implants. I had this done on a Friday afternoon, and right after being released my wife, friend and I went literally across the street to a great seafood restaurant and had dinner.

The ride home was uneventful - although driving through the metro-Chicago area to get back to Wisconsin is never pleasant! Most uncomfortable moment for me was sitting in the pew (hard, wooden!) at mass that Sunday - forgot to bring something to sit on!

I was back at work on Monday and never looked back. In terms of follow-up, I didn't need any up until my first check up / PSA at 3 months. I drove back down to the CPCC for that, and have done so for every follow-up PSA since as for me in the grand scheme of things a 2-hour drive is a non-issue compared to the quality of care / practitioner performing something so important.

Halbert: Had seeds, went to motel where I walked off some post op nausea, light lunch, red razor blade pee, and a good night's rest. Seven hour drive home with my wife driving the Prius with multiple stops for me to take 15 minute walks.

So, my wife spent 2 1/2 days away from home listening to my whining.

I wouldn't "settle" for my local hospital just based on a couple hours. You could be making a life changing decision and it's important.

Go find the best and make the other things happen. Hire a sitter, driver, whatever. Just my opinion.

After my HDR procedure, I attended a board meeting and a Christmas party - that night. I could've easily coped post op by myself.

If you opt for surgery the most important preparation you need to make is to be sure you can see the television from the recliner because it will be a while before you will be allowed to move furniture. You will be pretty laid up for the first day or so but once you have gotten up and walked around a bit and have passed wind (a very important milestone) you will mostly be able to take care of yourself during the day. You will be able to feed yourself with a microwave and a freezer full of microwavable stuff and a fridge full of canned drinks.

A two-hour drive home won't be particularly comfortable but neither will it be a threat to your overall wellbeing -- just something to put up with. If there is a better surgeon available to you a couple of hours away it would be foolish not to seek him/her out.

As for wearing a diaper to work it can be done. I've been doing it for two and a half years now and none of my co-workers have a clue. I am fairly unusual in having long-term incontinence after surgery. Nine out of ten guys are dry after a year, the majority being dry after a few months.

I lived 3 hours away from the hospital for my surgery so I stayed in a hotel for a week across the street from the hospital until the catheter was removed. That was what my surgeon suggested in case any problems developed. 2 hours away, you could probably ride home. Your wife could go back to work in a day or 2. I was on a bland simple diet, ex. Chicken broth, jello, water, etc. so you wouldn't need help preparing food.

Just remember, there are no do overs so pick the best choice to get the cancer out if you are having surgery!

As far as incontienence, I dribbled for 22 months, didn't like it but it wasn't the end of the world, you get used to it. I am a sales person so talking to a client while you feel warmth between your legs developing, you just get to the bathroom ASAP to change the pad. That is why we use a pad inside a Depends brief/underwear. It catches the overflow if you have an accident.

Good luck

Bill from Florida

Thanks everyone for the great comments. I have a consult appointment tomorrow at the 'two hour away' location which is BJC in St. Louis. The appointment is with someone who specializes in RALP, and I'm going to ask him to send my file down the hall to the RO team for evaluation as well. As of today, I'm leaning towards having whatever treatment I choose done at BJC. Nothing against the local guy, he has a great reputation, and I know a number of his patients who speak very highly of him.

halbert said...
I'm going to ask him to send my file down the hall to the RO team for evaluation as well. .

Halbert, hopefully this is just part of the story. Due diligence would suggest that you take the time to meet personally with the RO experts to get a good understanding of the options and to get your questions answered. You don't need someone filtering this for you, IMHO.

Happy New Year!

Jim