Chitown...for pending surgery

randy_in_indy

DanKCMO said:

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

Dan
I didn't even consider using the small cath bag...why bother...and you have to do all the cleaning...I just kept the big bag from surgery for the 13 days I had it....I just got a baggy pair of jeans...wore a pair of swiming trunks and hooked the bag on the pocket of the swiming trunks and away I went to movies, dinner, what ever I wanted to do....I looked at the cath as a totally temporary issue that would be gone in time. I loved my pain meds...tramadol or something like that...I can see how people get addicted to them...It was the best medicine I have ever taken period....I went and refilled to the max to save for the days I work too hard on the projects I always seem to undertake...like the man cave #2...a 20X24 foot building (Randy's workshop)with a screend in porch on top (for my sweetie). I will use the pain medicine as needed....I used to be a total believer of never taking a pain pill, asprin or anything of any kind...after this surgery and the virtual NO PAIN from Hostpital to now I believe in taking the meds.

Randy in Indy

142

DanKCMO said:

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

Glad the surgery went well
Dan,
Welcome to the other side.

My post-op nurses scared me out of changing the bags, although the doctor said just be careful to keep it a very clean process. The nurse reminded me that when I had infection issues and had to come back to the ER, she would have to deal with me - the doc gets to go home or play golf.
So I just continued using the big/night bag - hung it on a bag strap over my shoulder so that it was about knee height when I needed to be moving around. I bought some cheap exercise pants, and cut a hole in the seam on the side the tube went to - just pushed the empty bag through when I changed.

Keep us posted, and ask questions about anything you need.

Ah, one warning - at some point, if it has not yet, your scrotum will swell up bigger than you can possibly imagine - I came apart at the seams and called the ER, because no one had warned me about it. It happens, and it will go away after several days. I could not find willie - the cath tube just vanished into swelling. Really messes with your mental state.

DanKCMO

chitown said:

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

Thanks for the words of
Thanks for the words of encouragement everybody!

Dan

steven.sims@cbexchange.com

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

Dr Catalona did my surgery
Chitown

Had my radical on June 15 2004 so I am coming up on six years. Its not that bad. I didnt restrict my diet but at the time noone told me to. The tips on lubing the cathether is a good one as this was the most uncomfortable part of the recovery. You do feel tired and a bit weak but things start to improve immediately and fast. Do not worry I am type A as well and dont do well being down. Just let time pass and take a few breaths. It will soon be just a memory and you will go on with your life with new and wonderful perspectives!\\

I am also in the Chicago area and feel free to contact me anytime!

Steven

randy_in_indy

DanKCMO said:

Thanks for the words of
Thanks for the words of encouragement everybody!

Dan

Dan
Your picture looks like you are in your 30's and way to young to have this beast...Hope you are recovering nicely. Sounds like you did well prior to and now after. Any issues or questions?

Randy in Indy

DanKCMO

randy_in_indy said:

Dan
Your picture looks like you are in your 30's and way to young to have this beast...Hope you are recovering nicely. Sounds like you did well prior to and now after. Any issues or questions?

Randy in Indy

I wish I were in my 30s......
I'm 54 and that picture was taken about 4 months ago. I will take the compliment though.

I had the catheter removed this morning. What a relief! Yes, it was painful to remove, but not as painful as expected and literally just took 2 seconds. Peeing is definitely a bit painful right as I am about to finish up...but not that bad. The pain of peeing is overshadowed by the fact that I pee like I am 18 again instead of the really weak stream I have had the last few years. I am dribbling and leaking a bit too when I get up from a chair or pass gas

I get the post op biopsy results this evening from the doctor.

Dan

lewvino

DanKCMO said:

I wish I were in my 30s......
I'm 54 and that picture was taken about 4 months ago. I will take the compliment though.

I had the catheter removed this morning. What a relief! Yes, it was painful to remove, but not as painful as expected and literally just took 2 seconds. Peeing is definitely a bit painful right as I am about to finish up...but not that bad. The pain of peeing is overshadowed by the fact that I pee like I am 18 again instead of the really weak stream I have had the last few years. I am dribbling and leaking a bit too when I get up from a chair or pass gas

I get the post op biopsy results this evening from the doctor.

Dan

Hang in there Dan. Keep
Hang in there Dan. Keep pushing the fluids and walking. Keep up the kegels.
Let us know the biopsy results!

Larry (age 55)

griff 1

DanKCMO said:

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

3 day
dan, it sounds like you did alright. i go the 23rd of this month for robotic surgery so i am glad to hear what you have to say. i had a ruptured appendex in febuary and my dr. is concerned about the up coming surgery with the past appendex surgery he says everything inside is all stuck together and it will be harder. i guess all i can do is be postive. they are going to look at my bladder next week, my father died of bladder cancer, so i guess they want to make sure no surprises when they go in. anyway good luck. griff

griff 1

chitown said:

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

chitown
are you having robotic? good luck i hate waiting. you end up thinking too much about all this crap. my surgeon has done around a thousand so that is a good feeling and he,s caring i like that, the guy is 6 ft 10 and i nick named him banana fingers. i told him that and we had a good laugh. gotta have humor man. good kuck on the 15th. griff

randy_in_indy

DanKCMO said:

I wish I were in my 30s......
I'm 54 and that picture was taken about 4 months ago. I will take the compliment though.

I had the catheter removed this morning. What a relief! Yes, it was painful to remove, but not as painful as expected and literally just took 2 seconds. Peeing is definitely a bit painful right as I am about to finish up...but not that bad. The pain of peeing is overshadowed by the fact that I pee like I am 18 again instead of the really weak stream I have had the last few years. I am dribbling and leaking a bit too when I get up from a chair or pass gas

I get the post op biopsy results this evening from the doctor.

Dan

Well all join hands and pray for a great Post Op Path report
I never had any pain even when the cath was removed...more of a creepy feeling than anything else...just like when they pulled out the surgery drain hose....creepy..but over in an instant. I only had a slight pain at the end of urination last three drops following a bm in the early first week or two.

Waiting to hear your results.

Randy

BRONX52

DanKCMO said:

I wish I were in my 30s......
I'm 54 and that picture was taken about 4 months ago. I will take the compliment though.

I had the catheter removed this morning. What a relief! Yes, it was painful to remove, but not as painful as expected and literally just took 2 seconds. Peeing is definitely a bit painful right as I am about to finish up...but not that bad. The pain of peeing is overshadowed by the fact that I pee like I am 18 again instead of the really weak stream I have had the last few years. I am dribbling and leaking a bit too when I get up from a chair or pass gas

I get the post op biopsy results this evening from the doctor.

Dan

DAN
GOOD LUCK AND HAVE A SPEEDY RECOVERY. THE LEAKING WHEN GETTING UP FROM A CHAIR AND PASSING GAS IS NORMAL. I THINK THE MAJORITY OF US HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME TO ONE DEGREE OR ANOTHER. LIKE LEWINO SAID, KEEP UP WITH THE EXERCISES. IT WORKED FOR ME---ALOHA--DAN

randy_in_indy

chitown said:

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

Chi Town
You have done all the preparation...you know what is going to happen....it's time to relax and do some fun things with the family and loved ones prior to the 15th. I went on a scuba diving trip prior to mine with the wife...I told my surgeon...I need to get another dive trip in prior to surgery because if might be a while before I go again..did it in Nov before Dec surgery. Already planning one to Panama City for the 4th of July...then perhaps another in Sept...then one I already have booked for a week on a live-aboard Catamaran in the Exuma Cays for a week in Feb 2011. Oh and prior to 6/15 you need to work in a bunch of love making with the partner...as you will not feel like doing that for about 3 or 4 weeks from surgery....hurry you only have 5 more days!!

Randy in Indy

chitown

randy_in_indy said:

Chi Town
You have done all the preparation...you know what is going to happen....it's time to relax and do some fun things with the family and loved ones prior to the 15th. I went on a scuba diving trip prior to mine with the wife...I told my surgeon...I need to get another dive trip in prior to surgery because if might be a while before I go again..did it in Nov before Dec surgery. Already planning one to Panama City for the 4th of July...then perhaps another in Sept...then one I already have booked for a week on a live-aboard Catamaran in the Exuma Cays for a week in Feb 2011. Oh and prior to 6/15 you need to work in a bunch of love making with the partner...as you will not feel like doing that for about 3 or 4 weeks from surgery....hurry you only have 5 more days!!

Randy in Indy

Good advise Randy - though have done all and still have a week
Thanks Randy - done all of that and keeping the partner to a fatigue point!!
Still a darned week left and going crazy on the wait. The anxiety is getting hard.
Interesting I went scuba diving to central America week a ago too, plus lot of hiking. Work is becoming a drag and hard to keep focus. Have worked out the body to a 4 pack, if not six pack, gut and to a super lean frame

So dont know not to do for a week more :-)

chitown

griff 1 said:

chitown
are you having robotic? good luck i hate waiting. you end up thinking too much about all this crap. my surgeon has done around a thousand so that is a good feeling and he,s caring i like that, the guy is 6 ft 10 and i nick named him banana fingers. i told him that and we had a good laugh. gotta have humor man. good kuck on the 15th. griff

griff1
yes.robotic surgery next tuesday 6/15..plan of catheter off a week later and 2 weeks after that start MUSE 3 times a week (for period of 3 months)and then tablets. my surgeon has done over 2000 surgery since 2002 so feel good about it.

i have had 2 sports injury surgeries and realize every surgery is unique..so keeping finger crossed.

thanks for yours and all of the brotherhood's well wishes

chitown

DanKCMO said:

I wish I were in my 30s......
I'm 54 and that picture was taken about 4 months ago. I will take the compliment though.

I had the catheter removed this morning. What a relief! Yes, it was painful to remove, but not as painful as expected and literally just took 2 seconds. Peeing is definitely a bit painful right as I am about to finish up...but not that bad. The pain of peeing is overshadowed by the fact that I pee like I am 18 again instead of the really weak stream I have had the last few years. I am dribbling and leaking a bit too when I get up from a chair or pass gas

I get the post op biopsy results this evening from the doctor.

Dan

dan - great news on recovery
hearing you story makes me feel better...keep us updated and best of luck in continued recovery

chitown

steven.sims@cbexchange.com said:

Dr Catalona did my surgery
Chitown

Had my radical on June 15 2004 so I am coming up on six years. Its not that bad. I didnt restrict my diet but at the time noone told me to. The tips on lubing the cathether is a good one as this was the most uncomfortable part of the recovery. You do feel tired and a bit weak but things start to improve immediately and fast. Do not worry I am type A as well and dont do well being down. Just let time pass and take a few breaths. It will soon be just a memory and you will go on with your life with new and wonderful perspectives!\\

I am also in the Chicago area and feel free to contact me anytime!

Steven

ex-Chitown person
Steven - Lived many many year in Chicago..now in Atlanta.
Glad you are active on this board 6 years after surgery.

I am focussed on the next few weeks and months but can also benefit from your longer perspective and advise

DanKCMO

chitown said:

Good advise Randy - though have done all and still have a week
Thanks Randy - done all of that and keeping the partner to a fatigue point!!
Still a darned week left and going crazy on the wait. The anxiety is getting hard.
Interesting I went scuba diving to central America week a ago too, plus lot of hiking. Work is becoming a drag and hard to keep focus. Have worked out the body to a 4 pack, if not six pack, gut and to a super lean frame

So dont know not to do for a week more :-)

Chitown-hang in there
Chitown,
It sounds like you have gotten yourself into good shape and are used to working out regularly, which should benefit your recovery a lot. Guys like you who work out have bodies that are used to rebuilding and repairing when recovering from exercise.

Hopefully, getting into the best shape beforehand, picking the best surgeon for your surgery and becoming knowledgeable about the disease and treatment will help keep the anxiety to a minimum.

Good luck!

Dan

randy_in_indy

chitown said:

Good advise Randy - though have done all and still have a week
Thanks Randy - done all of that and keeping the partner to a fatigue point!!
Still a darned week left and going crazy on the wait. The anxiety is getting hard.
Interesting I went scuba diving to central America week a ago too, plus lot of hiking. Work is becoming a drag and hard to keep focus. Have worked out the body to a 4 pack, if not six pack, gut and to a super lean frame

So dont know not to do for a week more :-)

You have done everything you can and very well
I predict you will do fine, and recover rather quickly...and become the sites new "poster child" time for me to retire that position. I just filled out my survey from the missed appointment with the doctor last week and find for both incontinence and sexual function I am scoring very high in both areas (a low score on incontinence and High score on sexual function) I'm sure my surgeon is very happy...just like me!


Keep busy...and I know what you mean about work...it becomes a low priority and back seat from now for about 4 more weeks.


Randy In Indy