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Posted 4/15/2015 2:14 AM (GMT 0)
In the context of the topics discussed here most often, this is a sort of trivial subject/question, but I'd like to know, do many of you surgery guys play golf? Any issues?

I guess my main concern is urinary issues, when swinging hard, driving off the tee, etc. I'm pretty much continent but do squirt an occasional squirt.

I'm not to concerned about other physical issues, I think I'm fully healed as far as abdominal muscles, and don't think I'm at risk of tearing anything. But if there are other issues I should consider, let me know

I play a charity golf outing every May and have to make a decision on this year, this week,just haven't had the time to get to a driving range for a test run.
Posted 4/15/2015 2:34 AM (GMT 0)
I am not a surgery guy and not a golfer, so naturally I feel fully qualified to answer:

I think you should sign up and enjoy.

You'll be fine.
Andrew
Posted 4/15/2015 2:58 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Prato,
I'm a surgery guy and currently SRT guy. I say definitely do the golf if you're doctor clears you. I golfed about two months after surgery without major issues. My problem was more on the 19th hole after drinks with a little squirt. Well worth the urinary risk. If you are overly concerned, try a pad. I would recommend wearing dark shorts or pants if you are concerned. Enjoy life, you've earned it.
Posted 4/15/2015 3:06 AM (GMT 0)
Pratoman, here's a paragraph from the journal I kept from initial diagnosis through recovery. In this paragraph, I was at the uro's office for my six-week post-op appointment:

"Before leaving, I asked Dr. Khan how he would assess my recovery. I told him I had played 36 holes of golf just two days earlier. He asked how I had done, and I said I had played well, and that it seems he removed my slice along with the prostate. I didn’t tell him that I actually had played 18 holes of golf just four weeks after the surgery. I don’t think he would have approved of that!"

A year later, I was cleaning out my golf bag and found an old pad that I had taken along to the course but hadn't used.

I'm sure it's not typical to be on the course just four weeks after a DaVinci RALP, but I felt fine. A little tired toward the end of the 18 holes (using a cart), but not bad, and no problem with leakage.

So, if you feel up to it and your doctor concurs, by all means get back on the course.
Posted 4/15/2015 11:01 AM (GMT 0)
Go enjoy your "pleasant walk in the country ruined by a small white ball" ;) Just be careful how many adult beverages you consume during or after that walk...and know where the nearest men's room (or convenient woods?) is at all times.
Posted 4/15/2015 12:15 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks guys. I'm going to get to a driving range this week and see how it feels. As long as I don't have issues, I'll play.
My big worry is more the squirting and possible urgency over 18 holes. But I'll just frequent the wooded areas whenever possible, whether I need to go or not. And yup Halbert, I'll limit the beer.(which I don't drink much if anyway.

Maybe I'll just play 9 holes. Which I prefer anyway, I'm not a big golf nut. I can use surgery Asa good excuse. ;-)
Posted 4/15/2015 1:30 PM (GMT 0)
Here is my story, 6 weeks after my RP I was told by my surgeon no golf with a full swing, but I could chip and putt. I ignored his advise and played 18 holes of golf anyway with my son and girlfriend.
My goal was not to score well but not to hurt myself and enjoy the walk.

I played the best round of my life, shot 70 ... and have yet to come close to breaking 80 since.
Wear a pad, bring an extra two or 3 for your comfort. There are lots of places to pee on every course !
Posted 4/15/2015 1:49 PM (GMT 0)
Just remember that the real concern would be the integrity and degree of healing that has taken place in the tiny sutures that have been part of your surgical procedure. A squirt of urine is annoying. Tearing sutures during an all-out Tiger Wood's type of swing could be serious.

Anyway, a more relaxed swing at a good tempo will probably produce a better score with less stress on the body.

Have fun, but listen to your body. If it hurts.....head for the clubhouse.
Posted 4/15/2015 2:11 PM (GMT 0)
OK..somebody...How 'bout a good 'golf' joke..!
Posted 4/16/2015 12:08 AM (GMT 0)
I haven't asked the doc, I am going to assume that after 3 months, and having done a couple of sets of 10 sit-ups with no problem, I am ok to golf. And yeah, as much as I hate to do it, I'll bring a couple of pads with me, in my Golf bag, just I case.
Posted 4/16/2015 4:13 AM (GMT 0)
Pratoman
In 2014, I had RP in January, thoracic surgery in May and radiation from June into August. I played as much golf as my aching body would allow between May and October (Minnesota, so season is limited).
Here's my post RP golf tips:
Wear dark pants or shorts. Dribbles show more in khakis.
Swing easy - may improve your game and save unnecessary strains or squirts.
Pull every other club out of your bag. Gets you more reps on fewer clubs and makes your bag much lighter when walking the course.

Enjoy!
Posted 4/16/2015 11:23 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks Gunner, all good points.
And my game sure could use improvement. I don't really have a game, I play a few times a year, mostly at outings for business, in this case, just to support a friend who heads the golf committee at the local Kiwanis, and supplants me in my effort on the golf committee at the local chamber
Posted 4/16/2015 1:42 PM (GMT 0)
I was skiing only 4 weeks after my surgery with no issues. I wouldn't have hesitated to go golfing, except it was winter.

The golf course at the resort where I teach skiing is hoping to open in 2 weeks. Still too much snow to open now. They usually manage to have the ski lifts running and the golf course open for at least one weekend per year.

I was out fly fishing this past weekend, and for the first time I can recall, I was hiking over extensive ice shelves to get to the open water. No fish caught, but at least spring is on its way.
Posted 4/18/2015 2:32 PM (GMT 0)
Pratoman,

I could hardly wait to play after my surgery. Did the first round 6 weeks post surgery and had no problems. Actually started playing really good golf a few months in, so I say swing away and have fun. I normally walk all the courses except the extremely hilly ones, I think it has been good for my recovery. HC before surgery 14, since it has stayed at 11.
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