Chitown...for pending surgery

bdhilton

I saw that you ask about expectation on another post on how to prepare for pre and post surgery...

I would recommend you review the information on William Catalona's site (Dr. Catalona developed the PSA test as a screening test for prostate cancer plus is one of leading surgeon in the world for prostate cancer and “perfectd: nerve sparing surgery-he was mine and a great guy in general) http://www.drcatalona.com/

I am sure many have lots to say but in addition to what Catalona recommends I would suggest the following:

Pre surgery:
1. exercise, exercise, exercise E
2. Evaluate you diet and make necessary and lifetime changes
3. Spiritual guidance

Post surgery:
1. walk, walk, walk
2. Evaluate you diet and make necessary and lifetime changes

Best to all

DanKCMO

I read them....
Thanks for the link---very informative articles

Dan

chitown

Thanks
I am set for surgery on 6/15 and had upped my exercise plan and diet plan. Dr Catalona site is very helpful.Any other details regarding pain and side effect management, however small, will be helpful.Also, does minor pain remain for a period of time or it goes away quickly

randy_in_indy

chitown said:

Thanks
I am set for surgery on 6/15 and had upped my exercise plan and diet plan. Dr Catalona site is very helpful.Any other details regarding pain and side effect management, however small, will be helpful.Also, does minor pain remain for a period of time or it goes away quickly

Chi Town
In the case of my Robotic Surgery...I had reminder pain for about 40 days or so...but then at 60 days I went snow sking for about 6 hours and did not feel one second of any pain from my sugery, nothing, zipo...I had one wipeout and still did not feel anything. Again that was Robotic surgery...I think my surgeons were pretty darn good at minimizing the invasiveness as I rarely even had any blood in my urine from the day of the surgery on....many on here have talked about going red after they did too much and that never ever happened....only a pink tinge in the last few drops at the end of urination following a BM is the most blood I ever experienced from the surgery - even on days immediately following the surgery that I over did it...everyone has some days like that especially if your an "A" type personality that cannot sit around. The worst pain I felt for my whole surgery was when brushing my teeth and I stuck the brush too far down my throat brushing the tongue and I gagged - that woke me up with pain in every part of the surgery...needless to say I did not brush the tongue following that episode during the first week following the surgery.

Good luck with your surgery!

chitown

randy_in_indy said:

Chi Town
In the case of my Robotic Surgery...I had reminder pain for about 40 days or so...but then at 60 days I went snow sking for about 6 hours and did not feel one second of any pain from my sugery, nothing, zipo...I had one wipeout and still did not feel anything. Again that was Robotic surgery...I think my surgeons were pretty darn good at minimizing the invasiveness as I rarely even had any blood in my urine from the day of the surgery on....many on here have talked about going red after they did too much and that never ever happened....only a pink tinge in the last few drops at the end of urination following a BM is the most blood I ever experienced from the surgery - even on days immediately following the surgery that I over did it...everyone has some days like that especially if your an "A" type personality that cannot sit around. The worst pain I felt for my whole surgery was when brushing my teeth and I stuck the brush too far down my throat brushing the tongue and I gagged - that woke me up with pain in every part of the surgery...needless to say I did not brush the tongue following that episode during the first week following the surgery.

Good luck with your surgery!

Getting butterflies in my stomach re. surgery on 6/15!
Randy

Will brush my teeth carefully :-)

Am just preparing my mind for surgery.
Had sepsis of blood after biopsy sending me to ICU for a week and then 3 weeks of painful recovery. So now the surgery fears are amplified.Also, one side of my scrotum is still painful and not recovering.

Any details from anyone to help me visualize the sight, sounds, feeling on the first 2 weeks of recovery and then next 2-4 of normalized life is what I need.

Pain, nausea, urination, BM, gas pain, food, scrotum swelling, sleeping, weakness and advise on what works and what does'nt. Also suggestions for my wife and family to manage and cope. I have a great surgeon who I trust but worried after that.

Have read many website of doctors on their suggestions, but people who have gone through it are best source. Have been reading a lot on ED and incontinence. The surgeon suggests viagra/cialis with a pump and is on the sideline of injection.

I am very much Type A and want to do all things faster and better than average but luck, or lack of it always comes in way!Luck aside I am trying to empower myself and my family as best as possible. I strongly believe in the power of collective thinking

Thanks to all again and again.

randy_in_indy

chitown said:

Getting butterflies in my stomach re. surgery on 6/15!
Randy

Will brush my teeth carefully :-)

Am just preparing my mind for surgery.
Had sepsis of blood after biopsy sending me to ICU for a week and then 3 weeks of painful recovery. So now the surgery fears are amplified.Also, one side of my scrotum is still painful and not recovering.

Any details from anyone to help me visualize the sight, sounds, feeling on the first 2 weeks of recovery and then next 2-4 of normalized life is what I need.

Pain, nausea, urination, BM, gas pain, food, scrotum swelling, sleeping, weakness and advise on what works and what does'nt. Also suggestions for my wife and family to manage and cope. I have a great surgeon who I trust but worried after that.

Have read many website of doctors on their suggestions, but people who have gone through it are best source. Have been reading a lot on ED and incontinence. The surgeon suggests viagra/cialis with a pump and is on the sideline of injection.

I am very much Type A and want to do all things faster and better than average but luck, or lack of it always comes in way!Luck aside I am trying to empower myself and my family as best as possible. I strongly believe in the power of collective thinking

Thanks to all again and again.

Here's kernal of wisdom
Buy a tube of neosporin Tripple antiobotic or generic brand however make certain you get the one that HAS pain relief benzocain or whatever the pain relief chemical is....use it freely and at every time you go to the bathroom for a BM and lube the head and first inch of cath tube...this will make the tube slide easy and painfree plus avoid any infection. Another tip is buy some disposable wipes for BM's it's just easier, also get some 100mg stool softners and start taking them the first day home...I took two per day one in the morning and one at night. I'll think of more as time goes and add to thread.

Randy

bdhilton

chitown said:

Getting butterflies in my stomach re. surgery on 6/15!
Randy

Will brush my teeth carefully :-)

Am just preparing my mind for surgery.
Had sepsis of blood after biopsy sending me to ICU for a week and then 3 weeks of painful recovery. So now the surgery fears are amplified.Also, one side of my scrotum is still painful and not recovering.

Any details from anyone to help me visualize the sight, sounds, feeling on the first 2 weeks of recovery and then next 2-4 of normalized life is what I need.

Pain, nausea, urination, BM, gas pain, food, scrotum swelling, sleeping, weakness and advise on what works and what does'nt. Also suggestions for my wife and family to manage and cope. I have a great surgeon who I trust but worried after that.

Have read many website of doctors on their suggestions, but people who have gone through it are best source. Have been reading a lot on ED and incontinence. The surgeon suggests viagra/cialis with a pump and is on the sideline of injection.

I am very much Type A and want to do all things faster and better than average but luck, or lack of it always comes in way!Luck aside I am trying to empower myself and my family as best as possible. I strongly believe in the power of collective thinking

Thanks to all again and again.

I already gave you my 2
I already gave you my 2 cents and info and most of your questions and if you want to review Dr. Catalona web site again it gives you a very good expectation guide for post surgery.

As far as ED therapy both my surgeon and Urologist recommended that I use penile injections (bi or tri mix) and 5 mg Cialis daily...Both my surgeon (Dr. Catalona) and my Urologist said that the injections would bring Willie back to life faster than anything else if he could be brought back to life...After I figured out the "right" dosage on the bi-mix I had 100% pre surgery erections...I experimented with the doses (as told by my Urologist)

...So while you are waiting for the Cialis etc to work or nature to take her course you can have a woody, sex and an orgasm.... However this is what my Urologist and Surgeon recommended and based on my results 9 weeks today and reading the many post here on the subject I am a believer...best to you but again walk walk walk and you will recover faster

bdhilton

chitown said:

Getting butterflies in my stomach re. surgery on 6/15!
Randy

Will brush my teeth carefully :-)

Am just preparing my mind for surgery.
Had sepsis of blood after biopsy sending me to ICU for a week and then 3 weeks of painful recovery. So now the surgery fears are amplified.Also, one side of my scrotum is still painful and not recovering.

Any details from anyone to help me visualize the sight, sounds, feeling on the first 2 weeks of recovery and then next 2-4 of normalized life is what I need.

Pain, nausea, urination, BM, gas pain, food, scrotum swelling, sleeping, weakness and advise on what works and what does'nt. Also suggestions for my wife and family to manage and cope. I have a great surgeon who I trust but worried after that.

Have read many website of doctors on their suggestions, but people who have gone through it are best source. Have been reading a lot on ED and incontinence. The surgeon suggests viagra/cialis with a pump and is on the sideline of injection.

I am very much Type A and want to do all things faster and better than average but luck, or lack of it always comes in way!Luck aside I am trying to empower myself and my family as best as possible. I strongly believe in the power of collective thinking

Thanks to all again and again.

Also…I am a big believer
Also…I am a big believer in the power of prayer and positive thinking…

chitown

bdhilton said:

Also…I am a big believer
Also…I am a big believer in the power of prayer and positive thinking…

Thanks Randy/bdhilton - all, keep it coming - i will compile
How about if there was a lists of do and dont - pre and post surgery!!
keep it coming and I will compile after my surgery on 6/11.

How about the emotional aspect and how it affects our family and advise to them

WHW

chitown said:

Thanks Randy/bdhilton - all, keep it coming - i will compile
How about if there was a lists of do and dont - pre and post surgery!!
keep it coming and I will compile after my surgery on 6/11.

How about the emotional aspect and how it affects our family and advise to them

Hints for recovery
The single biggest thing that I think helped me avoid a lot of the after surgery issues is going on the post surgery diet BEFORE THE SURGERY.

This eliminated all of the gas, bm and other issues for me. I know of a couple of other guys who did the same thing with the same results. If your doc did not yet give you an after surgery diet and nutrition guide, ask them for one. If they don't have one let me know and I'll send you mine. My surgeon was Dr. Menon at Henry Ford in Detroit and my recovery was very uneventful.

Good luck and most of all, don't get too bogged down on all the prep stuff. Go out to dinners, enjoy the good wines and see the shows. You may not feel like it for a while after the surgery. Also I have been told (and from experience) try to empty the prostate as much as possible. LOL It won't hurt the surgery and it will calm the nerves greatly over the next 10 days.

Know that you will be in the prayers of my wife and I throughout your journey,

Sonny

60 years old when diagnosed
PSA 11/07 3.0
PSA 5/09 6.4
Diagnosis confirmed July 9, 2009
12 Needle Biopsy = 9 clear , 3 postive
Gleason Score (3+4) 7 in all positive cores
da Vinci 9/17/09
Post Surgery Pathology: GS 4+3=7
Stage: T3a
Tumor Volume 12.5%
positive margin, extra-prostatic extension
30 day PSA 0.4, 50 day psa 0.53, 64 day psa 0.6
IMRT completed 1/15/10 35 treatments- 70Gy

2/24/10 FIRST POST RAD PSA 1.0---CARRRP --waiting for the next test.
3/22/10 Second Post RAD PSA 1.5 Dammmmnnn stubborn son of a gun
4/19/10 YAHOO PSA dropped to 1.2 Moving in the right direction.

DanKCMO

WHW said:

Hints for recovery
The single biggest thing that I think helped me avoid a lot of the after surgery issues is going on the post surgery diet BEFORE THE SURGERY.

This eliminated all of the gas, bm and other issues for me. I know of a couple of other guys who did the same thing with the same results. If your doc did not yet give you an after surgery diet and nutrition guide, ask them for one. If they don't have one let me know and I'll send you mine. My surgeon was Dr. Menon at Henry Ford in Detroit and my recovery was very uneventful.

Good luck and most of all, don't get too bogged down on all the prep stuff. Go out to dinners, enjoy the good wines and see the shows. You may not feel like it for a while after the surgery. Also I have been told (and from experience) try to empty the prostate as much as possible. LOL It won't hurt the surgery and it will calm the nerves greatly over the next 10 days.

Know that you will be in the prayers of my wife and I throughout your journey,

Sonny

60 years old when diagnosed
PSA 11/07 3.0
PSA 5/09 6.4
Diagnosis confirmed July 9, 2009
12 Needle Biopsy = 9 clear , 3 postive
Gleason Score (3+4) 7 in all positive cores
da Vinci 9/17/09
Post Surgery Pathology: GS 4+3=7
Stage: T3a
Tumor Volume 12.5%
positive margin, extra-prostatic extension
30 day PSA 0.4, 50 day psa 0.53, 64 day psa 0.6
IMRT completed 1/15/10 35 treatments- 70Gy

2/24/10 FIRST POST RAD PSA 1.0---CARRRP --waiting for the next test.
3/22/10 Second Post RAD PSA 1.5 Dammmmnnn stubborn son of a gun
4/19/10 YAHOO PSA dropped to 1.2 Moving in the right direction.

Post surgery diet info
"The single biggest thing that I think helped me avoid a lot of the after surgery issues is going on the post surgery diet BEFORE THE SURGERY."

Any chance you could post the diet here, or maybe email me a copy (bikeshop@gmail.com).

Thanks, Dan

chitown

DanKCMO said:

Post surgery diet info
"The single biggest thing that I think helped me avoid a lot of the after surgery issues is going on the post surgery diet BEFORE THE SURGERY."

Any chance you could post the diet here, or maybe email me a copy (bikeshop@gmail.com).

Thanks, Dan

Diet info
Dan -

My surgeon got trained by Mani Menon (WHW surgeon) in Valry 2000 and have done over 2000 surgeries in past 8-9 years. His advise to me 'NO PROCESSED FOOD OF ANY KIND' before surgery. That means no fast food and all chain restaurants. Same thing of home diet too. Even the salt we use in processed. So careful at home too.

Other advise I got is to follow a heart healthy diet. I have removed red meat, eat seafood every day, lots of fresh vegetable and salad. Very small portions of meats in the meal. No more than 4-6 ounces. And exercise every day.

WHW - Please post the diet here so other can benefit too.
And thanks for the words of encouragement.
Keep me and other advise on your experience

mtguy

WHW said:

Hints for recovery
The single biggest thing that I think helped me avoid a lot of the after surgery issues is going on the post surgery diet BEFORE THE SURGERY.

This eliminated all of the gas, bm and other issues for me. I know of a couple of other guys who did the same thing with the same results. If your doc did not yet give you an after surgery diet and nutrition guide, ask them for one. If they don't have one let me know and I'll send you mine. My surgeon was Dr. Menon at Henry Ford in Detroit and my recovery was very uneventful.

Good luck and most of all, don't get too bogged down on all the prep stuff. Go out to dinners, enjoy the good wines and see the shows. You may not feel like it for a while after the surgery. Also I have been told (and from experience) try to empty the prostate as much as possible. LOL It won't hurt the surgery and it will calm the nerves greatly over the next 10 days.

Know that you will be in the prayers of my wife and I throughout your journey,

Sonny

60 years old when diagnosed
PSA 11/07 3.0
PSA 5/09 6.4
Diagnosis confirmed July 9, 2009
12 Needle Biopsy = 9 clear , 3 postive
Gleason Score (3+4) 7 in all positive cores
da Vinci 9/17/09
Post Surgery Pathology: GS 4+3=7
Stage: T3a
Tumor Volume 12.5%
positive margin, extra-prostatic extension
30 day PSA 0.4, 50 day psa 0.53, 64 day psa 0.6
IMRT completed 1/15/10 35 treatments- 70Gy

2/24/10 FIRST POST RAD PSA 1.0---CARRRP --waiting for the next test.
3/22/10 Second Post RAD PSA 1.5 Dammmmnnn stubborn son of a gun
4/19/10 YAHOO PSA dropped to 1.2 Moving in the right direction.

Post surgery diet
I am interested in what changes I need to make as well.
Surgery not scheduled yet but thinking October.

LNWMT@yahoo.com

Thanks!

142

chitown said:

Diet info
Dan -

My surgeon got trained by Mani Menon (WHW surgeon) in Valry 2000 and have done over 2000 surgeries in past 8-9 years. His advise to me 'NO PROCESSED FOOD OF ANY KIND' before surgery. That means no fast food and all chain restaurants. Same thing of home diet too. Even the salt we use in processed. So careful at home too.

Other advise I got is to follow a heart healthy diet. I have removed red meat, eat seafood every day, lots of fresh vegetable and salad. Very small portions of meats in the meal. No more than 4-6 ounces. And exercise every day.

WHW - Please post the diet here so other can benefit too.
And thanks for the words of encouragement.
Keep me and other advise on your experience

Diet
I was not given a formal general diet for before or after (except the light & later liquid diet in the couple of days leading up to surgery). I did ask at the hospital before I was discharged, and they sent the Dr. who was head of the Nutrition area (and the hospital restaurant / food service) to talk to me.
She was most concerned that I get enough fiber to promote good bowels, but not too much (constipation is absolutely avoided at all costs in the weeks following surgery), and to avoid anything that promotes gas or digestive difficulties. That includes a lot of vegetables I don't eat anyway.
I have been on a lighter stool softener (Docusate Calcium) for years because of colon issues, and continued that (with Dr. approval) through pre & post surgery (excluding only the night before surgery). I believe that it helped me get that first BM in better than average time.

If you want some general thoughts on anything and everything prostate, check the healingwell.com site and look at the top of the Prostate Cancer thread for a post "Prostate Cancer: The Really Useful List made by HW people for HW people".
It is a consolidation of a lot of general comments from members over time.

Skid Row Tom

chitown said:

Thanks
I am set for surgery on 6/15 and had upped my exercise plan and diet plan. Dr Catalona site is very helpful.Any other details regarding pain and side effect management, however small, will be helpful.Also, does minor pain remain for a period of time or it goes away quickly

Pre-surgery advice
I guess I missed this. Are you having robotic or general surgery? If you follow a sensible diet, you'll be OK. Eat some meat, vegetables, all that good stuff. Don't let the nerves get you reaching for comfort foods like pie, ice cream, Cheetos, etc. Depending on your current physical condition, I would at least walk, jog if you can -- anything in the cardiovascular department would be good. You want your heart and lungs operating efficiently. Obviously, you'll have to undergo several tests prior to surgery, and if they think you'd experience a problem, they'll let you know. As for how to involve your wife, family, etc., my decision was to be open with it and tell everybody I knew. This not only avoids "whispers", but you'll be surprised how you will get help, advice, and information from unexpected sources. This is uncomfortable for everybody. Once people find out you have cancer, they don't know what to say. You can help them feel more comfortable around you if you talk about it openly and honestly. I announced mine at a faculty meeting and told everybody if they want to talk to me about it or ask me questions, it's OK. I also handled the situation with humor (or as much as I could). You MUST communicate your feelings, emotions, concerns, etc. with your wife. You don't have cancer -- you both have it now. She's your most important asset. In terms of "normal", there will be a "new normal". The new normal is a little different for all of us, but I think everybody would agree, there will be adjustments.

DanKCMO

Skid Row Tom said:

Pre-surgery advice
I guess I missed this. Are you having robotic or general surgery? If you follow a sensible diet, you'll be OK. Eat some meat, vegetables, all that good stuff. Don't let the nerves get you reaching for comfort foods like pie, ice cream, Cheetos, etc. Depending on your current physical condition, I would at least walk, jog if you can -- anything in the cardiovascular department would be good. You want your heart and lungs operating efficiently. Obviously, you'll have to undergo several tests prior to surgery, and if they think you'd experience a problem, they'll let you know. As for how to involve your wife, family, etc., my decision was to be open with it and tell everybody I knew. This not only avoids "whispers", but you'll be surprised how you will get help, advice, and information from unexpected sources. This is uncomfortable for everybody. Once people find out you have cancer, they don't know what to say. You can help them feel more comfortable around you if you talk about it openly and honestly. I announced mine at a faculty meeting and told everybody if they want to talk to me about it or ask me questions, it's OK. I also handled the situation with humor (or as much as I could). You MUST communicate your feelings, emotions, concerns, etc. with your wife. You don't have cancer -- you both have it now. She's your most important asset. In terms of "normal", there will be a "new normal". The new normal is a little different for all of us, but I think everybody would agree, there will be adjustments.

"You don't have cancer --
"You don't have cancer -- you both have it now"

Skid Row Tom, thanks for your post - you kind of summed up what has been going on in our household and your quote above helps me better understand my wife's behavior. I really couldn't understand why she was having a much harder time than I was since I got the diagnosis in April (with surgery scheduled June 1st). Whenever I bring up some aspect of my problem ( usually just logistical things like hospital info, appointments etc), about 80% of the time she will tear up and cry. I don't mind it, but it is me comforting her most of time. Something I didn't expect.

Dan

RichH

DanKCMO said:

"You don't have cancer --
"You don't have cancer -- you both have it now"

Skid Row Tom, thanks for your post - you kind of summed up what has been going on in our household and your quote above helps me better understand my wife's behavior. I really couldn't understand why she was having a much harder time than I was since I got the diagnosis in April (with surgery scheduled June 1st). Whenever I bring up some aspect of my problem ( usually just logistical things like hospital info, appointments etc), about 80% of the time she will tear up and cry. I don't mind it, but it is me comforting her most of time. Something I didn't expect.

Dan

You've got the easy part.
Your wife is the one certain to have a long term problem. She'll be the one alive 10 and 20 years from now. You probably will be, too, but if not, you won't know it. She'll be sharing any disabilities you might develop. You make one trip back and forth to the hospital, and she will probably make more.

She is afraid she might miss you. Hug her, and help her make HER plans, not just yours.

RichH

chitown

RichH said:

You've got the easy part.
Your wife is the one certain to have a long term problem. She'll be the one alive 10 and 20 years from now. You probably will be, too, but if not, you won't know it. She'll be sharing any disabilities you might develop. You make one trip back and forth to the hospital, and she will probably make more.

She is afraid she might miss you. Hug her, and help her make HER plans, not just yours.

RichH

My journey so far and getting ready for robotic surgery on 6/15
First of all thanks Tom and Dan for sharing your though best wishes and good luck.
Neither me of my wife have had thus far any meaningful reaction to the word cancer. Its just a health problem to deal with and technology and medicine are there to deal with. Am happy to have find a surgeon who has don over 2000 surgery. I am in good shape and very athletics and have pumped up my physical exercise a lot past few months. My wife has made a detailed spreadsheet for all options of post operative care and have several members of extended family staying with to help us post surgery. I have told my boss only of the surgery only to find out his he dealing with the same with his father and he has enlarged prostate himself. For rest it me time of for some medical procedure and time off

Have many friends and family who are oncologists and other doctors.
Believe me CANCER is a big word that has grown out of proportion.
I have done what i can to get ready and now only have positive thought.
I close my eye every day to visualize every aspect of surgery and recovery, and share those thoughts with my wife..then I am in peace

So far this has worked for me. 2 weeks of work then back on the saddle. 6 more weeks then back to swimming, biking, hiking and rest. No more thoughts than that

griff 1

chitown said:

Thanks Randy/bdhilton - all, keep it coming - i will compile
How about if there was a lists of do and dont - pre and post surgery!!
keep it coming and I will compile after my surgery on 6/11.

How about the emotional aspect and how it affects our family and advise to them

chitown
yes please all send your advise and comments, there are some wonderful people on this and it is great info and knowing we are all together against this beast. thanks griff ps it was hard telling my kids. twins boys that are 12 and my boss who is 10 (daughter)

DanKCMO

chitown said:

My journey so far and getting ready for robotic surgery on 6/15
First of all thanks Tom and Dan for sharing your though best wishes and good luck.
Neither me of my wife have had thus far any meaningful reaction to the word cancer. Its just a health problem to deal with and technology and medicine are there to deal with. Am happy to have find a surgeon who has don over 2000 surgery. I am in good shape and very athletics and have pumped up my physical exercise a lot past few months. My wife has made a detailed spreadsheet for all options of post operative care and have several members of extended family staying with to help us post surgery. I have told my boss only of the surgery only to find out his he dealing with the same with his father and he has enlarged prostate himself. For rest it me time of for some medical procedure and time off

Have many friends and family who are oncologists and other doctors.
Believe me CANCER is a big word that has grown out of proportion.
I have done what i can to get ready and now only have positive thought.
I close my eye every day to visualize every aspect of surgery and recovery, and share those thoughts with my wife..then I am in peace

So far this has worked for me. 2 weeks of work then back on the saddle. 6 more weeks then back to swimming, biking, hiking and rest. No more thoughts than that

Just had my operation 3 days ago
Chitown,

I had my robotic da Vinci a few days ago and although its been only a few days, the pain and discomfort are at the low end of what I was expecting.

Once I am in the position I want to be in (sitting, standing or laying down) there is virtually no pain. It is moving from one position to another that the soreness is evident. I was given a presciption for a narcotic for pain relief (oxy something, I believe) but haven't needed it--just been taking tylenol.

Walking has been no problem since day 2 but the catheter makes it annoying and slightly uncomfortable. I was given both the big urine bag for the catheter and the small strap on bag for the leg--I find the big bag more convenient and more comfortable and will wear it until the catheter is removed. My problem with the little strap on bag is once it gets full the weight of it causes it start slipping a little bit. Whichever bag you go with, keep the tube clean and lubed as another poster described-it greatly increases comfort.

I view the operation itself as just one of the milestones in the journey and glad it is over. My next milestone is getting the catheter removed early next week.

I am hoping for the best for the remainder of my recovery but know that doesn't always happen and will deal with any setbacks.

Good luck to everybody with upcoming treatments.

Dan

chitown

Dan - So glad to hear things went well
Dan - Very happy to hear good news your surgery and recovery. One big checklist done for back to normal life!My surgery is scheduled 6/15 and hoping for things to go well.
Keep me updated on your recovery and any lessons learned.

Best wishes