Surgery less than 30 hours agon

Had surgery Wed morn back at home this afternoon.  I can honestly say that the prep was the worst part of it.  Had to take a regimen of antibotics that made me think I was going to die.  Retching all night long before surgery.  I was convinced they wouldnt move forward but as 5am approached the nausea subsided some and everything went according to schedule.

My primary complaints now are 1) my right side hurts a great deal, apparently this where one of the robotic ports were placed.  2) very shakey after walking for a few minutes 3) a little constipated.

I thought I would send this brief note to give you my initial reactions.  Those of you who said it would not be as bad as I feared were correct.  Fear of the unknown is powerful.

I'm trying to forego any additional paid meds other than Advil for fear the constipation will worsen. 

Thats all for now I will spare all additional comment until Im more coherent.

 

I had surgery 10/4 so here's my opinion for it's worth.  Your pain is gas pain and the hospital should have given you medication for that.  If you call the doctor's office they can call in a prescription.  I don't remember what the medication was, but it's not a narcotic.  If you just had the surgery you can't be constipated because you don't have anything in you.  I don't think that I had a bm for days.  If you really are constipated try the  apple juice first, then prune before you try medication.  If you still need more bs see my thread "Moma Always Said..."  If you have more questions answers are free, correct answers are a nickel.     "When the going gets tough, the tough get more fiber in their diet."

Post Edited (gtmriviera) : 11/29/2007 5:33:10 PM (GMT-7)

You've made it across the bridge, RTR, we've been waiting for you. Welcome. Get some rest and count on feeling a little better each day. Get plenty of rest and report back whenever you feel like it.

Welcome to the other side of surgery! Glad to hear from you so soon. Take care and let your body heal. Remember, as you feel better than you expected . . .do NOT lift more than 10 lbs. . . .keep us posted we're here for you.
;o) Linda & Bob

RTR said...
My primary complaints now are 1) my right side hurts a great deal, apparently this where one of the robotic ports were placed.  2) very shakey after walking for a few minutes 3) a little constipated.

RTR,

1, 2, and 3 are normal based on what I have experienced and have heard about.   I didn't have as much pain as you're describing, but the location of the pain sounds like there's nothing to worry about.   You should feel free to call the doc with any concerns.

I'm so happy you made it through and took your BIG first step to healing!  Rest, do whatever steps are necessary to get back to shape over time, and ensure you don't strain or "push" yourself too much. 

Your body's been through a lot and needs a chance to heal.

Stay close and we'll be here.

Kind regards,

Barry

See, we told ya! it wouldn't be so bad.  Welcome to the recovery

room. 

James C.

I found the movements my penis on the catheter to be very annoying. The RN recommended Vaseline on the catheter where it enters the penis. Also, personally found that any retrograde movement of urine back into the bladder to be very upleasant. I spent a lot of time trying to avoid this by properly positioning the bag and the catheter when moving or resting.

Glad to see you on the other side.  Don't rush things and don't overdo it.  Walk as much as you can and when you feel tired, stop and take a rest.  Don't work yourself till you feel sick.  Take care and hope you have a great recovery.

Mika

A few more things.
1) You will have some discomfort/pain from the surgery/gas for a few more days.
2) I was also shakey after walking during the first few days and sometimes became a little light-headed when out at the mall etc. through the third week or so. So, TAKE IT EASY!!! GIVE YOURSELF A FEW WEEKS TO RECOVER!! TIME WILL FLY!!
3) Don't be shy about taking a stool softner if you need it. In my case, I found it better to be "loose" in the morning, than dealing with constipatiion. I was doing warm prune juice followed by a large glass of water each morning for about three weeks -- a guaranteed floodgate opener!
4) At times, during the first six weeks, I wondered if I'd ever feel the same again and I did.

So hang in there. You're doing well and you'll be fine.

  Hey RTR, Welcome Home!!!   It really is good hear from you!   All of the above replies are right on!   Can’t add more to them ~ so will send a special hug your way.   Keep moving forward and stay close!  http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb179/mamabluebird1955/BluebirdStayClose.jpg In Friendship ~ Lee & Buddy

Hopefully one day I can be a contributor of information in this forum instead of just a taker. I do have another question.  I've got lots of dryness on and around the scrotum.  Forgive my ignorance but since now I have no prostate will this in turn make the scrotum feel differently?  So far I've tried to treat the dryness with a water based lubricant.

Also: Third day after surgery.  Been the best day so far.  Pain in my right side while still there is not as great or long lasting as the day before.  I think I'll be able to walk now that this pain is dissipating.  This forum is great because it conveys that most every problem has been experienced by someone and most of these problems will go away. I'll remember not to use Advil.  We were probably told that but both my wife and I were so groggy by the time we left the hospital I'm sure some info slipped past us.

I am using the 5 gallon trash can idea to support the catheter bag at night.  Great idea.  

RTR: You will have discomfort and unusual feelings down there for a few weeks. It's different for every guy. In your case, it's your right side. (I heard that the right portal is where they insert the surgical instruments, which might explain your situation.)
In my case, for about four weeks post-surgery, my right testicle felt like it had a 5-pound bag of potatoes hanging from it. It was aggravating, but tolerable. I had no swelling in the testicles and I had an ultrasound of the area that was negative.
At four weeks, when the internal swelling goes down, incontinence can re-occur for some guys. Not to worry -- that resolves too, if you had prior control.
From four to six weeks, you may sense a feeling (or some feelings) down there that are very weird, but not painful. I felt like  there was a finger trying to poke its way down out of my crotch. It would start at the base of my scrotum and work its way south to the top of the crack of my you-know-what, and then go away. This happened occassionly for about two weeks. No discomfort, but very unusual. That was the last of my mysterious sensations.
I hope this helps you, and/or anyone else reading this.
Take it easy....you'll be fine.

Sorry you are going through discomfort since your surgery. Every one has offered good advice. Hope everything markedly improves soon!