Surgery complete

 

Hi All,

Well had my robtic Prostatectomy on Friday surgery took longer then expected because Dr said my prostate was so large it was into the bladder may affect continence issue for a while.  I had two ultrasounds with my uro guy prior to surgery and both times they said it was large but about 61g Dr Patel said it will be over 100g.  It goes to show they do not know what is going on until they take it out.  He said everything looks good no tumors could be felt in the Prostate and they also took the lymp nodes on both sides to be sure.  I am getting the cath out on Tuesday and will get the final pathology.

The hospital and surgeon Dr Vipul Patel were great he has now done over 2500 operations he said because my prostate was so large it got a little messy so all that experience came in handy.  fist time I got up after surgery I passed out guess I tried to get up too soon.  Did walk abouta hour later and was release yesterday morning.  I have an internal pain pump that lasts until Tuesday then you just pull it out.  It really works so far no pain.  I starting passing gas the first night but no bm yet.

Hardest thing is getting up and down and the catheter.  Anixous to have it out but then I guess I go into the next stage but right now my wife and I both feel the best news we can hear is they got all the cancer we will deal with the rest one day at a time.  I want to thank you all for your thoughts and encouragement.  We are staying in a hotel by the Hospital and it is not home but quite comfortable will be going on Wednesday.

Jerry1   

James,

Glad to hear that your large prostate did not cause you lasting continent problems.  Prior to the surgery I did not have any problems with going to the bathroom alot that is why I was surprised when the doctor told my wife that the prostate was so large.

After they remove the cath is it that you leak or that you do not have the feeling you have to go, not quite sure what to expect.  We have about a three hour ride home so want to be prepared.  Any info on what to expect would be appreciated.  I feel the worse is behind me but I guess the journey is just beginning.

Jerry

Jerry, glad that the surgery is now over and you can concentrate on your recovery. Take it easy, don't be so anxious to do a lot right away, and enjoy the FL weather. take care, kat

Congratulations, now you can get well. The catheter will become less of a problem as days go by. I put the leg bag on everyday with some loose gym pants and made life as normal as possible, went walking, out for lunch, it is not noticable like I was afraid it would be, you know, I thought it would look like I had a water balloon strapped to my leg! Be sure to keep the tip of your penis lubricated with some antibiotic ointment to prevent soreness from developing. Having the catheter removed was not at all uncomfortable, and was over with very quickly. Prior to removing it, they will do some tests to make sure the anastmosis (connection) between your bladder and urethra is watertight and will not leak urine. Once removed, I had to do a voiding trial, where I had to urinate into a container while standing, try to stop the urine stream and restart it. This is all done with one of the clinics assistants watching, no big deal though, nothing like you have already been through. Take a few pads with you, I forgot mine but was supplied one (diaper actually) that I didn't like too well, but it worked great. Following the removal, we met with my surgeon as a family, discussed the pathology findings, outlook, and future testing and game plan with respect to ED and incontinence. I felt great being "free" of both cancer and catheter, enjoyed a great lunch with my family, and came home (1 hour drive). You have been through the hardest part, put the leg bag on, get out, enjoy life as much as possible, and get well. Good Luck !!

Randy

Good job, Jerry,
Welcome to the other side. Many good days ahead!

Tony