Greetings,
LDR-BBT has been scheduled for me in the next couple of months, so I'm trying to do my homework on it now, in terms of what to expect, and I'm hoping to get some feedback from others who've actually gone through it. Chief on my list of uncertainties is this business about
prostate swelling, potentially severe constriction of the urethra, and the use of catheter(s).
I'll be traveling out-of-state for the treatment and I haven't yet decided whether to fly or drive, but I understand that the seed implantation process itself is done on an 'out-patient' basis (i.e., that it lasts only an hour or two at most). I also understand that in my case, they will be using a general anesthetic (not a spinal or epidural). However, significant swelling reportedly follows the procedure, and in some instances (worst case scanario), it can apparently completely close-off the urethra, leading to the potential for sudden or unexpected ER visits. However small, the prospect for this occurrence has ramifications for me in terms of travel method, travel dates, and length of stay at or near the treatment facility.
I hope to get some of these questions answered by the actual RO and his staff on my pre-OP visit late next month, but can anyone here shed some light on this topic for me beforehand? Specifically:
1) How bad does the swelling of the prostate get? When does the swelling typically reach its peak? And perhaps most importantly, given the NSAIDs and steriodal anti-inflammatory meds involved, when can a guy assume that he's out of the woods in terms of 'emergency' issues in that regard (i.e., 4-hours, 12-hours, 48-hours, etc.)?
2) Is a catheter routinely inserted before or after the procedure, regardless of the patient's given particulars? And if so, how long does the catheter typically remain in-place? Should I be planning on an overnight stay near the treatment facility, regardless of the fact that its an "out-patient" procedure?
3) I know absolutely nothing about
catheters, but is it likely to be the type of catheter that has a collection bag associated with it? And can you fly on a commercial airline with one of these things in-place? Should I be purchasing one or more of these ahead-of-time for use during post-OP travel or at home?
Basically, what can (or should) I expect, door-to-door?
Many thanks to all! I'm deeply grateful for this forum and the expertise that has been available to me here. I honestly don't know what I'd do without this tremendous resource.