Completed HDR brachy...

... and I don't ever want to experience that again!

The surgery was uneventful, staying on my back for 36 hours with 18 tubes in me was not fun, and the treatments themselves were nothing. The removal of the tubes (yesterday around 3:30pm), however, was the worst pain I have ever experienced in my life. Thankfully, it only lasted about three seconds, since the doctor convinced me it was better to take all of them out in one pull of the template rather than one at a time. I am now black and blue and able to sit only on the toilet or in any other manner that doesn't put pressure on my perineum.

My urinary functions are okay - more frequent than normal but with no leaking, slightly unpleasant sensation, color back to normal already. I understand it will take about two weeks for the worst of that to show up, however. My bowel functions are definitely not normal, but the doc said give it a day, and then try softeners.

The goal now is to let the prescriptions do their work, exercise carefully to recover from 36 hours on my back, drink a lot of water, and hopefully be back to work by Monday.

Mark

Mark - One thing that may give you some relief while sitting is to use a "doughnut pillow" which is often prescribed for patients after tailbone injuries. It is just a pillow, sometimes inflatable, sometimes foam, that is a circle that you sit on. It has the same effect as the toilet seat - supporting your weight on the outer edges of your glutes rather than on the perineum.

Other than that, it sounds like you're on the right track. Hope it continues smoothly for you.

Those donut cushion can be had on Amazon, and are even listed under prostate cushions. Good investment.

I think HDR Brachy monotherapy is a excellent option, wish I could have had it, and hope for your continued recovery.

Good luck.