50 Hours Out of Surgery

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.

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.

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.

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.

Ron

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.

@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.