50 Hours Out of Surgery
I started my procedure at 7:15 Tuesday morning. When I looked at the clock in recovery it was 3 pm. I had a DaVinci XII robotic assisted radical prostatectomy. Before the surgeon had the opportunity to visit, I made two laps around the unit with the assistance of a walker and a kind nurse holding my robe closed. While my midsection initially felt like I had done 1000 crunches, today it is down to about 500 and I haven't had anything stronger than Tylenol for the discomfort. There was a little drama when the Foley catheter failed and fell out and I don't think I've ever curled my toes quite as tightly as when the replacement was installed but I made it through without incident. I woke up with a sore throat from the ventilation and a small twinge in my right shoulder from the inversion but both were resolved by morning. My wife has moved heaven and earth in taking care of me and I can't say enough good things about the entire team at the UC Irvine Medical Center in Orange, CA, from the initial admissions meeting at 5:15 am until I was discharged yesterday afternoon. I found myself humbled, grateful and appreciative of everyone I came in contact with. Take it for what it's worth but I took the time to thank everyone working in the OR just before beginning my surgery. When I stop to consider what all went into treating my cancer, from every position, I couldn't help but be appreciative of my surgeon, my anesthetist, the residents, the nurses, the aides, those folks who prepared my food, those that brought my food, those that cleaned the OR and the unit I stayed in. It took the entire village to remove that inconveniently placed gland and I still have a long road ahead but today is day two and I continue to believe in my choice and all those that made this possible. I am also incredibly grateful to those contributors to these boards. I incurred a debt in drawing on your strength and I intend to repay it for those who will follow. And if you haven't heard it today, "thank you" for being who you are, where you are.
Comments
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Wow I would have freaked out if the catheter fell out. Accidentally pulling it out was my greatest fear until it was removed. I hear you about the 1000 crunches, and thats pretty much what I told the nurses. When I got home, the pain at the waist made it uncomfortable to sit in any position. It is amazing to me how the docs and nurses look at this as a routine procedure, when it's a life-changing event for the patient. And much appreciation for those that have gone before us and paved the way for making it easier.
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Thanks Marlon. Yeah, we can say that I was stoically freaked out about the catheter. Apparently the balloon portion that’s supposed to keep it secure failed, allowing the catheter to fall out. Let’s just say I’d rather never have to experience that again anytime soon.
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Ron, Glad you are on the mend. I agree with Marlon I would have freaked out. I am on the hypochondriac side. I just last month had both RT and RP consult’s at UCI . Did they take any lymph nodes out to check? I am sure traveling from home makes it more challenging, we live right here.
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Good morning Wheel and thanks for the note. My surgeon did take some lymph nodes with the prostate but I won’t have the results from pathology until I see him on the 22nd. My surgeon said all the nerves looked good and he told my wife the procedure was pretty much textbook. I still can’t overstate the quality of care I got at UCI so I’m hoping that helps your confidence. I landed there seeking a second opinion and I knew I was in the right place when I met with Dr.Daneshvar whose first words to me were “We’re not here to treat your cancer, we’re here to cure your cancer.” I can’t begin to tell you what that felt like but I suspect you know. Be well and keep me posted on how you’re doing. You are far from being alone.
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Thanks to you @Old Salt for your contributions to this community. I think I read most of your posts in advance of surgery. A few more hours in and I’m feeling better every minute. The Tylenol/Motrin have been working on any discomfort. Following everyone’s advice, walking has helped enormously. Navigating the catheter while walking came as a little challenging but with some patience I was able to accumulate more than a mile in steps throughout the day. Managing my energy has been important and the sleep cycle is a little disrupted. I’m having to listen to my body more than I have in the past because it’s in charge of this healing and recovery. I’ve been eating more of what I’d call a bland diet with oatmeal for breakfast and remaining meals heavier on proteins like chicken, fish and turkey. Patience is also central when it comes to bathing but I had no issues in showering this morning. Lots of water taken in a sip or two at a time has been important in flushing my body as my urine is clearing up. I’ve been fortunate as my wife is a meticulous planner so the clothes I wore to surgery were loose fitting and warm for the trip home. She also brought me a pillow to hug across my abdomen for the trip home. I know there are going to be bumps ahead but I’m grateful for where I’m at and all those that helped get me to this point…you included. If I can help anyone or answer any questions please don’t hesitate to reach out. You’re not alone.
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Alive and kicking, that is excellent. Let's hope for a fast recovery and an undetected PSA.
Congratulations
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Hi,
Glad things are going well. I do remember the small abrasions I had on my shoulders but could not figure out how they got there until I read later about how they position you for surgery. When I was discharged the next day a doctor came in and pulled the drain out of my side which was really a strange/weird sensation. The ride home was kinda uncomfortable feeling the effects of the surgery, I would of liked an extra day in the hospital just to get back on my feet,but they kick you out quick. Like you said my medical team did an excellent job from start to finish, this was my first time at age 62 having major surgery.
Dave 3+4
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Thanks for sharing Dave. I definitely appreciated the overnight after surgery. I can’t imagine what it would have been like to have the catheter fail after leaving the hospital. When I was going through the discharge paperwork I met a young man (early 20’s) who was being discharged after 45 days of surgery and treatment for cancer. It put a lot in perspective as this was my first surgery at 68 since I had my tonsils removed when I was 6. Cue up ‘Lucky Man.’ Thanks again for your kind words and wishes. All of my best wishes to you for continued health and prosperity.
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Wow , so similar to my experience, except no catheter drama.....
Surgery om 7/11 around 2pm and home by 7:30pm.....amazing. My biggest issues have been 1) extreme neck/back pain. Its been dehabilitating and is interfering with recovery. Tho 3 days later slowly improving. 2) bad acid reflux first night home really messed up my throat after it was already irritated from breathing tube.
I wouldn't need any pain meds if it weren't for my neck/back
Gas discomfort is over with, but still no BM. Urine clearing of blood and is mostly yellow now.
Getting in and out of bed a little tough. But I'm gutting it out. Pardon the pun
How are you getting in and out of bed?
Dr said surgery went well,.. nerves intact. They did take out lymph nodes. So hopefully will get the pathology report next week.
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Sorry to hear about the pain. I haven’t had any issues with gas or acid reflux. I got a stool softener as part of my post-op in recovery so no issues there and I haven’t had any signs of blood in my urine for the last two days. Have you been doing much walking? I’ve gotten up to about 1.5 miles a day, incrementally over 2-3 sessions and it’s been very helpful. I’m still not enjoying sleeping on my back but I’m hoping I can get back to side sleeping once the catheter comes out.
What the physical therapist showed me before leaving the hospital was to, from my back, raise both knees to about a 45 degree angle and then roll in whatever direction I’m going and use the opposite arm to push myself up. I haven’t had any abdominal pain using that method. Hopefully it will help in your case.The catheter comes out tomorrow so it’s moving on to diapers, pads and Keegling (sp?). New territory for me but I’m happy to share my experiences. Thanks for sharing and my best wishes for a full recovery and continued health.
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thanks for the bed tip. Between walking outside and in the house I am at a similar pace as you. Also walking up and dowm stairs.
I agree on not liking sleeping on my back. My back gets sore and I end up sleeping only 2-3 hour stretches then I move to another location that has a different back support.
But at day 3, I already feel more civil. Back soreness diminishing, not taking pain meds today, moving about relatively easily.
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A quick update: The catheter came out on Monday afternoon. I didn't realize that there was a test that went with the removal but that was "fun." Can't say there wasn't some stress at the thought of having to have the catheter installed a third time (second while I'm awake). Fortunately I passed the test and was able to move on to the next round. If I haven't recommended it before (or if it seemed just too obvious), wear loose clothing and bring a diaper with you. The first night was a little awkward and I had to get up about 3-4 times (delirious) to change out. I'm now cleared for keagling so I've been doing those exercises throughout the day and particularly when I stand up. Things continue to 'awaken' from the anesthesia so there are some aches like the aftermath of a zealous workout but nothing of what I considered painful. My surgeon also put me on a 1/2 dose of Viagra to help waken things up down there. I was skeptical at first (an erection is a terrifying thought with a catheter) but it has been helpful, along with the walking, movement and keagle exercises. There's still evidence of bruising from the surgery but considering it was only a week ago I woke up in the hospital, I'm good with bruising. Sanitary wet wipes have been a A little less pain and a little more flexibility in sleeping position which helps. The 'leaking' is annoying/inconvenient but it feels like it's improving even if just slightly. I'm prepared for the long-haul so if it's a life of pads and diapers, it's still a life to be annoyed by pads and diapers. Looking forward to pathology results next week and I'll update after those.
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I am two weeks past catheter removal. What exactly was the test? I had no such thing. At first, I could only sleep for 2-3 hours at a time anyway, because of wetness. Gradually improving and can go longer now if I avoid fluids after 7 PM. Im considering asking for a referral to pelvic floor therapy.
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@Marlon the “test” was to fill my bladder with units of saline until I felt a 7/10 sense of urgency to urinate at which point I then had to, after the catheter removal, urinate until I returned a sufficient amount of the fluid. That was followed with an ultrasound of my bladder. All cleared. Hope that helps.
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Hi,
Sounds like they have a great team at UCI. Right before they put me out my Urologist/surgeon showed me his wrist and said I’m not wearing a watch so I’m going to take my time. I had very little pain and must say it was not as bad as I thought it would be. Hope your surgery goes well….
Dave 3+4
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Thanks for reaching out @BT15. As I close in on my first month post-surgery I continue to be happy with my decision but I honestly owe that gratitude to the UCI team from my check-in the morning of surgery, through prep, explanations, surgery, recovery and checkout. They were my “second opinion” having been told by urologists in Hawaii that I wasn’t a good candidate for surgery despite being non-favorable, intermediate with a 3+4 Gleason. I knew I was in the right place when Dr. D told me they weren’t interested in treating me, they were focused on curing me. The diapers and pads took some getting used to but the incontinence has improved every day and I’m able to do the things I want/need to do. Any discomfort I’ve had as things heal/wake-up have been managed with Tylenol or Motrin. I appreciate the trepidation…I think everyone here has experienced it and these are likely some of the toughest and most personal decisions you’ll make. My calculus was to give myself as many options as possible so I opted for surgery first, retaining the option for radiation should PC make an unwelcomed return. If it helps, I can say with confidence that you are in great hands with UCI. My surgery went 7 hours which was harder on my wife than it was on me. As the date gets closer or if you have ANY questions, please feel free to reach out. I’m no more courageous than you were in asking your questions. You’re going to be OK and you don’t have to walk this path alone. My best wishes to you and your family as they will share this with you. Be well, Ron
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Are you a candidate for AS? I did AS for over a year and then pulled the trigger on surgery (51 at the time) as PSA was rising and biopsy showed higher volumes of 3+3. Some people stay on AS for years based on their condition. Surgery went well for me, recovery was not bad, minimal side effects. I feel finding the best doc you can only increases your chances for best outcome.
Best of luck in your decisions.
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