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Posted 12/14/2009 3:36 PM (GMT -5)

Thank you all for your feedback. My dad is scheduled for open RP Dec. 21.

Just a question.... Is there anything he should do when he gets back from surgery that can speed up his recovery time? I know he needs to keep walking, eat liquids, etc. But is there anything from personal experience that he should take a note of? Thanks.

Posted 12/14/2009 3:52 PM (GMT -5)
His surgeon should give him a list of thing to have and to do, and this includes a good stool softener and any item needed to maintain his catheter. Others will chip in soon but glad he has begun the process. Keep us posted as you are able. Take care.

Michael

Posted 12/14/2009 3:52 PM (GMT -5)
The one thing I wished I knew before surgery-> The Recovery Room.

There I was waking up etc...Had a catheter in, but I had this OVERwhelming urge to go pee pee....I remember making a good size fuss about it....

So tell pops to hang in there and the weirdness will go away.

EDIT: We'll see you guys on the other side;)

Posted 12/14/2009 4:01 PM (GMT -5)
Have him do kegels now- while everything works and still makes sense.
Get some exercise now - while it is easy. He should feel like he is in training. (Cue the Rocky theme .)
Good luck,
Jeff
Posted 12/14/2009 4:05 PM (GMT -5)
From my own experience...coming off the anethestics was very hard. Got violently sick twice during the first night and I was glad that my wife was bed side to assist...otherwise it would have been really messy. I would suggest having someone stay with him during the first night. Night staff at the hospital was great, but response time would have made for a messy night without my wife being there.
Posted 12/14/2009 4:09 PM (GMT -5)
Don't let them rush him out of the hospital, depending on your insuance, let him enjoy the hospital time, I had open surgery, was in 4 chargable days, and 1 half day that was free. My wife spent 3 nights with me (her choice). Stool softeners for sure. If he needs the pain meds, and I did, no shame, they will help in the recovery.

If you have any catheter questions, please feel free to ask.

I wish him, and you well, and please keep us posted closely. Don't hesitate to ask more questions.

David in SC
Posted 12/14/2009 6:18 PM (GMT -5)
Take notes when you talk to your doctor and discharge nurse. There will be a lot of information coming at you and it will be hard to remember it all even though they might give you written instructions. Pay particular attention to how to take care of the Cath. Ask questions. Watch for his feet to swell if he sits too long. After a couple of days things will start getting better. Once the cath is out which is no big deal, he will be well on his way.
Posted 12/14/2009 7:03 PM (GMT -5)
I made the choice to stay an extra day in the hospital. Glad I did because I was uncomfortable the 2nd night with gass pains. Next day I was ready to go home. Sor the post part the surgery was non eventful. Best of luck.
Posted 12/14/2009 7:25 PM (GMT -5)
I think the kegel exerises now is a great one. If your dad has never had sugery, then there are a lot of things that will surprise him, and be potential problems, but all can and are overcome every day.

Exercise now, and be in as good a shape as posssible. Sit-ups, walking several miles a day, maybe even the stationery bike would all be good.

Goodlife
Posted 12/14/2009 11:18 PM (GMT -5)
As others have said lots of water and walking (even if just a circle in the living room) are needed to clear the system and get the body back to normal functioning. It has been very insulted by surgery. Finding comfortable positions for sitting can be hard, so support and suggestions are good. Some guys like foot stools, some donut cushions. Remember to lubricate the tip of the penis (K-Y jelly) to prevent the catheter from biting.

Use pain meds as needed but pay attention to bowel function -- stool softeners and laxatives because it is important to prevent any straining. As soon as that is working a return to normal diet. In fact, I think that trying for normal is an important part of it.

Pay attention to the doctor's restrictions on lifting -- generally 10 pounds max. They told me not to walk the dog because of the potential for pulling.

Above all aim for normal and avoid thinking invalid.

Come back any time for questions or just for support -- we all have a great appreciation for the power of our women in our recoveries
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