pain managment experiences post Open RP Surgery -

somemomojo

Hi again,

Surgery is scheduled for 07/23/12. Trying not to worry - succeeding most of the time. I do have a concern. I am a revovering alcholic with 8 years of continuous sobriety - thanks to God. Although I was never a heavy duty drug user I am afraid of narcotic pain managment because of my addicitive personality. This is a paticular concern as I have a sister who is addicted to opate pain medication. She was introduced to it after back surgery and is now quite seriously addicted.

I need no more drama or skeletons to hide in my closets (no more room...lol) Can anyone here give me an idea how severe the pain was after your surgery? Would you have been able to withstand it without pain meds?

Thanks - I do appreciate any feedback anyone may offer. Good luck and good health to all - be brave!

Kurt

laserlight

pain managment
ok this is a complex issue. The level of pain from person to person will vary. The currrent thinking and treatment is that of staying on top of the pain. This method helps in a quicker recovery. I had this surgery, and pain during the first 2 weeks after surgery. The doctor prescribed Oxycontin, but only 1 prescription, no refills. In my pre surgery screening they went over this and explained that if you are having pain it needs to be adressed, in other words donot try and fight it. You need your strenght to recover. Has your doctor expalined the surgery yet. This surgery requires 5 entry points into your lower gut area and one of the incisions will be a big one right above the naval. If the surgery goes ok then the amount of pain will be managable. It would be a good idea to go on line and research this surgery. This surgery for the most part is done to try and reduce pain. A lot of the pain that I had after surgery for about 4 days was that of real bad gas and bloating. This went away in a couple of days. The other thing to remember is that there will be healing time and that took me about 10 to 12 weeks before I was able to return to limited normal activities. With that being said this varys from person to person, and also over health has big factor in this. Good luck with the surgery, I was out and under for about 3 to 4 hours. I went into surgery at 08:30 in the morning and came around by about 14:00 in the afternoon. By the way my name is also Kurt. Hope this helps

somemomojo

laserlight said:

pain managment
ok this is a complex issue. The level of pain from person to person will vary. The currrent thinking and treatment is that of staying on top of the pain. This method helps in a quicker recovery. I had this surgery, and pain during the first 2 weeks after surgery. The doctor prescribed Oxycontin, but only 1 prescription, no refills. In my pre surgery screening they went over this and explained that if you are having pain it needs to be adressed, in other words donot try and fight it. You need your strenght to recover. Has your doctor expalined the surgery yet. This surgery requires 5 entry points into your lower gut area and one of the incisions will be a big one right above the naval. If the surgery goes ok then the amount of pain will be managable. It would be a good idea to go on line and research this surgery. This surgery for the most part is done to try and reduce pain. A lot of the pain that I had after surgery for about 4 days was that of real bad gas and bloating. This went away in a couple of days. The other thing to remember is that there will be healing time and that took me about 10 to 12 weeks before I was able to return to limited normal activities. With that being said this varys from person to person, and also over health has big factor in this. Good luck with the surgery, I was out and under for about 3 to 4 hours. I went into surgery at 08:30 in the morning and came around by about 14:00 in the afternoon. By the way my name is also Kurt. Hope this helps

thanks...
Always a pleasure to meet another "K" Kurt. In my younger wild days I once had a drink in a bar with 4 "K" Kurts...:)a rare situation indeed! Now on to the subject at hand. Did you have open or robotic surgery. My surgeon said there will be one long incision going from just below my naval to approxomately the base of my penis. Hope I'm not describing my surgery using the wrong term. I am under the understanding that it is called an "Open Retropubic Radical Prostetectomy". If I am please forgive me as I'm only 3 weeks into my journey. Thank you for your insight - I can be stoic if I have to be - but I'm thinking I might fail in that department with this. I foolishly started to watch a video of the operation... turned it of within the first 2 minutes - OUCH !

Hope you are having a great day - good luck. Be brave (more for myself than anyone else)and again - my sincere thanks.

Kurt

laserlight

somemomojo said:

thanks...
Always a pleasure to meet another "K" Kurt. In my younger wild days I once had a drink in a bar with 4 "K" Kurts...:)a rare situation indeed! Now on to the subject at hand. Did you have open or robotic surgery. My surgeon said there will be one long incision going from just below my naval to approxomately the base of my penis. Hope I'm not describing my surgery using the wrong term. I am under the understanding that it is called an "Open Retropubic Radical Prostetectomy". If I am please forgive me as I'm only 3 weeks into my journey. Thank you for your insight - I can be stoic if I have to be - but I'm thinking I might fail in that department with this. I foolishly started to watch a video of the operation... turned it of within the first 2 minutes - OUCH !

Hope you are having a great day - good luck. Be brave (more for myself than anyone else)and again - my sincere thanks.

Kurt

I had the robotic surgery, it is the divinci robotic surgery. Keep in mind the pain issue can be managed. It is going to take a little effort, but I think that you will do ok. The best advice is to follow what the hospital and doctor tells you, donot try and second guess. This is major surgery so just go with flow of things

SeattleJ

somemomojo said:

thanks...
Always a pleasure to meet another "K" Kurt. In my younger wild days I once had a drink in a bar with 4 "K" Kurts...:)a rare situation indeed! Now on to the subject at hand. Did you have open or robotic surgery. My surgeon said there will be one long incision going from just below my naval to approxomately the base of my penis. Hope I'm not describing my surgery using the wrong term. I am under the understanding that it is called an "Open Retropubic Radical Prostetectomy". If I am please forgive me as I'm only 3 weeks into my journey. Thank you for your insight - I can be stoic if I have to be - but I'm thinking I might fail in that department with this. I foolishly started to watch a video of the operation... turned it of within the first 2 minutes - OUCH !

Hope you are having a great day - good luck. Be brave (more for myself than anyone else)and again - my sincere thanks.

Kurt

Was not a major problem
Kurt,
I had the same surgery that you're going to have in March 2011. The incision does go as you described--it's about 6 or 7 inches. I had a number of lymph nodes removed as well. I was under for about 6-7 hours. I came out of surgery about 7 in the evening and woke up with no pain in the recovery room. They gave me pain shots periodically if I asked for them until I was released the 2nd day after surgery. I was given oxycodone to take home. I think I took one or possibly two and then did just fine with ibuprofen. Pain was really not a serious issue. It does affect everyone differently and has nothing to do with your ability to stand the pain--some people just have more than others. I ended up throwing most of the prescription away.

The surgery is not pleasant but not horrible either. For me the worse part was the catheter and that was only for about 8 days. Not painful--just a pain! Try not to worry too much about this--it's not fun but you'll get through it!

John

SeattleJ

somemomojo said:

thanks...
Always a pleasure to meet another "K" Kurt. In my younger wild days I once had a drink in a bar with 4 "K" Kurts...:)a rare situation indeed! Now on to the subject at hand. Did you have open or robotic surgery. My surgeon said there will be one long incision going from just below my naval to approxomately the base of my penis. Hope I'm not describing my surgery using the wrong term. I am under the understanding that it is called an "Open Retropubic Radical Prostetectomy". If I am please forgive me as I'm only 3 weeks into my journey. Thank you for your insight - I can be stoic if I have to be - but I'm thinking I might fail in that department with this. I foolishly started to watch a video of the operation... turned it of within the first 2 minutes - OUCH !

Hope you are having a great day - good luck. Be brave (more for myself than anyone else)and again - my sincere thanks.

Kurt

Was not a major problem
Double post

John

VascodaGama

SeattleJ said:

Was not a major problem
Double post

John

Never experienced pain
Kurt

I had open surgery and never experienced pain. Surely I was on medication (intravenous) during two days while recovering in hospital. 48 hours after surgery I was standing and walking in the hospital’s corridor (a squared circular of 350 meters long) pushing a tripod with attached medicine tubes and catheter sac, 4 times a day. I felt good for the physical movements and recovery was fast.

Wishing you good luck and peace of mind.

VG

somemomojo

SeattleJ said:

Was not a major problem
Kurt,
I had the same surgery that you're going to have in March 2011. The incision does go as you described--it's about 6 or 7 inches. I had a number of lymph nodes removed as well. I was under for about 6-7 hours. I came out of surgery about 7 in the evening and woke up with no pain in the recovery room. They gave me pain shots periodically if I asked for them until I was released the 2nd day after surgery. I was given oxycodone to take home. I think I took one or possibly two and then did just fine with ibuprofen. Pain was really not a serious issue. It does affect everyone differently and has nothing to do with your ability to stand the pain--some people just have more than others. I ended up throwing most of the prescription away.

The surgery is not pleasant but not horrible either. For me the worse part was the catheter and that was only for about 8 days. Not painful--just a pain! Try not to worry too much about this--it's not fun but you'll get through it!

John

Thanks....
for the encouragement - it gives me a lot of piece of mind - have only had one other surgery in my life and that was just for a hernia I caused while lifting weights. I will "endevor to persevere" as the old Indian on Josie Wales said...lol - Hope all is well...Be brave!

Kurt

somemomojo

VascodaGama said:

Never experienced pain
Kurt

I had open surgery and never experienced pain. Surely I was on medication (intravenous) during two days while recovering in hospital. 48 hours after surgery I was standing and walking in the hospital’s corridor (a squared circular of 350 meters long) pushing a tripod with attached medicine tubes and catheter sac, 4 times a day. I felt good for the physical movements and recovery was fast.

Wishing you good luck and peace of mind.

VG

thank you
VG - thank you for the encouraging post - this is a stressful time to say the least and you have given me some relief. I sincerely appreciate it - Hope you are well - Be brave!

Kurt

somemomojo

laserlight said:

I had the robotic surgery, it is the divinci robotic surgery. Keep in mind the pain issue can be managed. It is going to take a little effort, but I think that you will do ok. The best advice is to follow what the hospital and doctor tells you, donot try and second guess. This is major surgery so just go with flow of things

Hi again...
Kurt - Pain is pain no matter how you get it - thank you so much for taking the time to offer encouragement - it is sincerely apprecited - hope you are well...Be brave !

Kurt

somemomojo

laserlight said:

I had the robotic surgery, it is the divinci robotic surgery. Keep in mind the pain issue can be managed. It is going to take a little effort, but I think that you will do ok. The best advice is to follow what the hospital and doctor tells you, donot try and second guess. This is major surgery so just go with flow of things

Hi again...
Kurt - Pain is pain no matter how you get it - thank you so much for taking the time to offer encouragement - it is sincerely apprecited - hope you are well...Be brave !

Kurt

dakotarunner

Hi Kurt,
I had RP in '04. It
Hi Kurt,

I had RP in '04. It was probably the easiet surgery I have had. There was some pain, but for me it was not bad. I had to take medication for it orally, as stomach said no to it. I was up and walking the halls less than 24 hours after I got back to the room. Surgery was on a Wednesday, and I was in the car for a 5 hr. home by 10 AM on Friday. The ride did hurt, as road was rough riding, and it took a pill or two to stand the trip. Everyone has a different pain level, so do not let it get in front of you. Each day gets better, much like you have found out in AA (Yes, I am a member of that club too).

You will do fine. Cross one bridge at a time, take one day at a time . You have a lot of friends you can depend on in this matter, just give them a shout. Best to you.

dr

somemomojo

dakotarunner said:

Hi Kurt,
I had RP in '04. It
Hi Kurt,

I had RP in '04. It was probably the easiet surgery I have had. There was some pain, but for me it was not bad. I had to take medication for it orally, as stomach said no to it. I was up and walking the halls less than 24 hours after I got back to the room. Surgery was on a Wednesday, and I was in the car for a 5 hr. home by 10 AM on Friday. The ride did hurt, as road was rough riding, and it took a pill or two to stand the trip. Everyone has a different pain level, so do not let it get in front of you. Each day gets better, much like you have found out in AA (Yes, I am a member of that club too).

You will do fine. Cross one bridge at a time, take one day at a time . You have a lot of friends you can depend on in this matter, just give them a shout. Best to you.

dr

Thanks so much...
Really appreciate the encouragement. I do try to take life as it comes - but sometimes I slip back into the irrational "projecting" mode. Thank God I don't have to live there anymore. Have seen a couple friends slip down a new addition road after surgery and want to make sure I'm not another statistic. Good to meet another friend of Bill - can only imagine where I'd be if he and I never met - but I have a good idea...lol

Thanks again !

Kurt

broganspond

Pain management
My husband just had surgery today. His doctor says that pain medication can hinder his recovery so he is trying not to over use it. I will let you know tomorrow if I remember how it is going. If I forget to get back on, I wish you luck.

dakotarunner

Just a note. I checked back
Just a note. I checked back and see you are getting pretty close to your surgery date. Just want to say best of luck. God and friends are with you.

dr

mrspjd

somemomojo said:

Thanks so much...
Really appreciate the encouragement. I do try to take life as it comes - but sometimes I slip back into the irrational "projecting" mode. Thank God I don't have to live there anymore. Have seen a couple friends slip down a new addition road after surgery and want to make sure I'm not another statistic. Good to meet another friend of Bill - can only imagine where I'd be if he and I never met - but I have a good idea...lol

Thanks again !

Kurt

Pain management – an integrative approach
Hi Kurt or Mo (not sure which you prefer)

Let me extend my belated welcome to the forum. Kudos to you for your positive attitude, continuous sobriety and proactive inquires re your upcoming RP. As others have previously posted, everyone’s tolerance levels for pain are very very different.

I wondered if you’ve considered, either as an integrative approach (in addition to), or as an alternative to Rx pain management, using guided visualization and/or mindful meditation practices to help you through your upcoming surgery and recovery. While my husband did not elect RP as a tx for his T3 PCa, I previously have undergone invasive medical procedures for which I was anxious and fearful. I used professional meditative/visualization audio tapes specifically made for patients undergoing medical procedures and I also used breathing techniques to help me prepare for the procedures and, afterward, during the recovery period. Many of these “tapes” are available free or for purchase and download to an IPhone, IPod or available on CD. Although it took some time and practice, I believe the guided visualizations and breathing techniques helped me tremendously, so much so, that I was able to avoid Rx pain meds--not that I’ve had any substance abuse issues but, I just loathe taking pills of any kind, OTC or Rx, unless absolutely necessary.

I’ve learned that it helps to think of preparing for medical procedures in the same way that a world class athlete thinks when preparing for an Olympic event…you want to train in advance so that both your mind and body are mentally and physically in tip top form in order to have the best outcome.

Sending early wishes for a complete and speedy recovery.

mrs pjd

somemomojo

mrspjd said:

Pain management – an integrative approach
Hi Kurt or Mo (not sure which you prefer)

Let me extend my belated welcome to the forum. Kudos to you for your positive attitude, continuous sobriety and proactive inquires re your upcoming RP. As others have previously posted, everyone’s tolerance levels for pain are very very different.

I wondered if you’ve considered, either as an integrative approach (in addition to), or as an alternative to Rx pain management, using guided visualization and/or mindful meditation practices to help you through your upcoming surgery and recovery. While my husband did not elect RP as a tx for his T3 PCa, I previously have undergone invasive medical procedures for which I was anxious and fearful. I used professional meditative/visualization audio tapes specifically made for patients undergoing medical procedures and I also used breathing techniques to help me prepare for the procedures and, afterward, during the recovery period. Many of these “tapes” are available free or for purchase and download to an IPhone, IPod or available on CD. Although it took some time and practice, I believe the guided visualizations and breathing techniques helped me tremendously, so much so, that I was able to avoid Rx pain meds--not that I’ve had any substance abuse issues but, I just loathe taking pills of any kind, OTC or Rx, unless absolutely necessary.

I’ve learned that it helps to think of preparing for medical procedures in the same way that a world class athlete thinks when preparing for an Olympic event…you want to train in advance so that both your mind and body are mentally and physically in tip top form in order to have the best outcome.

Sending early wishes for a complete and speedy recovery.

mrs pjd

Thank you...
sincerely. That really helped calm down the beehive I seemed to have swallowed since the diagnosis...:) I don't know why meditation did not come to me as I do practice it in other areas of my life. It has been a powerful tool for me. I guess the old cliche' "can't see the forest for the trees" is alive and well in me. Thanks for helping me take the blinders off - I do feel better thinking of meditation as one more tool - even in this fight.

Good luck to you and your husband - as always - be brave!

Kurt

somemomojo

mrspjd said:

Pain management – an integrative approach
Hi Kurt or Mo (not sure which you prefer)

Let me extend my belated welcome to the forum. Kudos to you for your positive attitude, continuous sobriety and proactive inquires re your upcoming RP. As others have previously posted, everyone’s tolerance levels for pain are very very different.

I wondered if you’ve considered, either as an integrative approach (in addition to), or as an alternative to Rx pain management, using guided visualization and/or mindful meditation practices to help you through your upcoming surgery and recovery. While my husband did not elect RP as a tx for his T3 PCa, I previously have undergone invasive medical procedures for which I was anxious and fearful. I used professional meditative/visualization audio tapes specifically made for patients undergoing medical procedures and I also used breathing techniques to help me prepare for the procedures and, afterward, during the recovery period. Many of these “tapes” are available free or for purchase and download to an IPhone, IPod or available on CD. Although it took some time and practice, I believe the guided visualizations and breathing techniques helped me tremendously, so much so, that I was able to avoid Rx pain meds--not that I’ve had any substance abuse issues but, I just loathe taking pills of any kind, OTC or Rx, unless absolutely necessary.

I’ve learned that it helps to think of preparing for medical procedures in the same way that a world class athlete thinks when preparing for an Olympic event…you want to train in advance so that both your mind and body are mentally and physically in tip top form in order to have the best outcome.

Sending early wishes for a complete and speedy recovery.

mrs pjd

Thank you...
sincerely. That really helped calm down the beehive I seemed to have swallowed since the diagnosis...:) I don't know why meditation did not come to me as I do practice it in other areas of my life. It has been a powerful tool for me. I guess the old cliche' "can't see the forest for the trees" is alive and well in me. Thanks for helping me take the blinders off - I do feel better thinking of meditation as one more tool - even in this fight.

Good luck to you and your husband - as always - be brave!

Kurt

somemomojo

mrspjd said:

Pain management – an integrative approach
Hi Kurt or Mo (not sure which you prefer)

Let me extend my belated welcome to the forum. Kudos to you for your positive attitude, continuous sobriety and proactive inquires re your upcoming RP. As others have previously posted, everyone’s tolerance levels for pain are very very different.

I wondered if you’ve considered, either as an integrative approach (in addition to), or as an alternative to Rx pain management, using guided visualization and/or mindful meditation practices to help you through your upcoming surgery and recovery. While my husband did not elect RP as a tx for his T3 PCa, I previously have undergone invasive medical procedures for which I was anxious and fearful. I used professional meditative/visualization audio tapes specifically made for patients undergoing medical procedures and I also used breathing techniques to help me prepare for the procedures and, afterward, during the recovery period. Many of these “tapes” are available free or for purchase and download to an IPhone, IPod or available on CD. Although it took some time and practice, I believe the guided visualizations and breathing techniques helped me tremendously, so much so, that I was able to avoid Rx pain meds--not that I’ve had any substance abuse issues but, I just loathe taking pills of any kind, OTC or Rx, unless absolutely necessary.

I’ve learned that it helps to think of preparing for medical procedures in the same way that a world class athlete thinks when preparing for an Olympic event…you want to train in advance so that both your mind and body are mentally and physically in tip top form in order to have the best outcome.

Sending early wishes for a complete and speedy recovery.

mrs pjd

Thank you...
sincerely. That really helped calm down the beehive I seemed to have swallowed since the diagnosis...:) I don't know why meditation did not come to me as I do practice it in other areas of my life. It has been a powerful tool for me. I guess the old cliche' "can't see the forest for the trees" is alive and well in me. Thanks for helping me take the blinders off - I do feel better thinking of meditation as one more tool - even in this fight.

Good luck to you and your husband - as always - be brave!

Kurt

somemomojo

mrspjd said:

Pain management – an integrative approach
Hi Kurt or Mo (not sure which you prefer)

Let me extend my belated welcome to the forum. Kudos to you for your positive attitude, continuous sobriety and proactive inquires re your upcoming RP. As others have previously posted, everyone’s tolerance levels for pain are very very different.

I wondered if you’ve considered, either as an integrative approach (in addition to), or as an alternative to Rx pain management, using guided visualization and/or mindful meditation practices to help you through your upcoming surgery and recovery. While my husband did not elect RP as a tx for his T3 PCa, I previously have undergone invasive medical procedures for which I was anxious and fearful. I used professional meditative/visualization audio tapes specifically made for patients undergoing medical procedures and I also used breathing techniques to help me prepare for the procedures and, afterward, during the recovery period. Many of these “tapes” are available free or for purchase and download to an IPhone, IPod or available on CD. Although it took some time and practice, I believe the guided visualizations and breathing techniques helped me tremendously, so much so, that I was able to avoid Rx pain meds--not that I’ve had any substance abuse issues but, I just loathe taking pills of any kind, OTC or Rx, unless absolutely necessary.

I’ve learned that it helps to think of preparing for medical procedures in the same way that a world class athlete thinks when preparing for an Olympic event…you want to train in advance so that both your mind and body are mentally and physically in tip top form in order to have the best outcome.

Sending early wishes for a complete and speedy recovery.

mrs pjd

Thank you...
sincerely. That really helped calm down the beehive I seemed to have swallowed since the diagnosis...:) I don't know why meditation did not come to me as I do practice it in other areas of my life. It has been a powerful tool for me. I guess the old cliche' "can't see the forest for the trees" is alive and well in me. Thanks for helping me take the blinders off - I do feel better thinking of meditation as one more tool - even in this fight.

Good luck to you and your husband - as always - be brave!

Kurt

bdhilton

I would cross the bridge
I would cross the bridge when it comes up but I had prostate surgery and I took Tylenol (2x 325mg) every 4 hours as mandated by my surgeon and it worked great…Best of luck…