DaVinci Recovery Question

RonB · September 26

I had a successful prostatectomy via the DaVinci robotic assisted method (7 hours) in July of this year. My first PSA test post surgery was a non-detect and I'll test again next week. The incontinence has all but disappeared with the exception of occasional spotting but I'm wearing a pad so there hasn't been any issues. My question is related to my bladder and intestines as I sometimes have difficulty determining whether i need to urinate or if I need to evacuate my bowels. About a month out of surgery I slipped up and slept on my side which caused me to awaken to a sharp pain in my bladder (about a 3 on the pain scale) but haven't experienced any pain beyond that one occurrence. I've returned to sleeping on my side without issue but I find I'm far more aware of my bladder now than I ever was pre-surgery. My assumption is that the new reconnections are still settling in but wanted to put it out to the group to see if anyone else has had, or is having, a similar experience? Thanks for your time and consideration.

Clevelandguy · September 27

Hi,

I had the Davinci procedure back in 2014 but did not remember having what you have described. At a couple of months out you are probably still healing internally. I think most Davinci patients have some odd feelings after surgery that hopefully disappear over time. I know my ED and urine leakage kept improving to about the year and a half time frame. If your symptoms persist I would make an appointment with your Urologist to check it out. Very impressive on your urine retention.

Dave 3+4

Rob.Ski · September 27

I dont remember any pains after catheter was out. I'm sure no 2 recoveries are the same though. If it comes back, probably should get it checked out.

RonB · September 27

https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1718179#Comment_1718179

Thanks so much for sharing your experience. I suspected the odd feelings were related to the healing process but it's reassuring to hear my experience is a common one.

Josephg · September 27

I would give it about 3 months to complete the healing process. A lot of tissue was disturbed and/or relocated during this surgery, and your body is still getting accustomed to those changes.

RonB · September 27

https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1718189#Comment_1718189

Thank you Joseph. I am likely more conscious of these sensations since my diagnosis and getting adjusted to the new structure of things takes time. I know the seven hours under anesthesia also took some time for my mind and body to get back to "normalcy." Thanks again for sharing your experience and your time.

Marlon · September 27

RonB, I am 3 months past surgery and I still feel odd sensations in the area occasionally.

RonB · September 27

https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1718192#Comment_1718192

Thanks for sharing your time and experience Marlon. How are you doing post-surgery?

Marlon · September 27

https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1718196#Comment_1718196

Continence has improved and I can stay pretty dry most of the time. Just have to keep a spare pad or two handy in case. Therapy has helped improve capacity and resist urges. First post-op PSA test was non-detect which was good news.

lesjanes · October 2

I am almost 3 month out from my DaVinci surgery. I too sometimes have the same sensations as you described. However I am still dribbling which is frustrating because I felt I was turning the corner about 3 weeks ago. Now I feel I am slightly worse (1-2 light pads/day).

My big issue right now is that I either have a stricture or scar tissue in my urethra near my tip. Peeing is a huge issue. First the stream is just plain weak. But it also sprays left at first and as I am near completion , my stream literally take a right hand turn. If I am home I now just sit when I pee. But when at public bathrooms, its just a mess.

I go see my urologist next week and he will perform cystoscopy. God I hope this helps.

RonB · October 2

https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1718285#Comment_1718285

Thank you for sharing your experience and I'm sorry to hear you're having trouble with your urinary tract. I found that early on I had to remind myself to Keegle (sp?) whenever I would stand up but I eventually got into the habit that helped enormously. I'm fortunately down to one mini pad per day and have only had minimal spotting over the last few days. I wish you the best going forward and hope your visit with the urologist is a successful one. Keep the faith and keep us posted. Best regards, Ron B

lesjanes · October 2

Thanks for the encouragement!!

BT15 · October 3

I had surgery Sep 16 and catheter removed Sep 23. I work in an office and went to work for a half day on Sat Sep 21. Then I went to work again Wed Sep 25 and have been going to work every day since then. I still have urine leakage but only need 1-2 pads a day. I have been dry at night since the catheter was removed. But I got a little bit wet sleeping the other night after what was probably too much red wine. The leakage is bothersome. I can’t imagine getting back to golf yet at this point. My stream was super weak at first and urinating was painful for several days after cath removal. But this has been my only issue. Stream is now pretty normal. Erections are happening. I actually woke up with my first one 6 days after surgery when I still had the catheter in. Since then I have had several more. But I’m not ready to do anything with it yet as I still just feel kind of injured down there. They gave me 5mg Cialis to take daily. But I’ve only been taking about every other day. I am 53 yo, 3+4 At biopsy but pathology after prostatectomy was 4+3. Margins were all clean, appears to have been contained in the prostate. Just gotta get PSA in 3 months which I’m sure will be nerve wracking. I’ve read a ton of posts on here and that has helped me tremendously. Thank you to everyone on these boards and I wish us all the best.

RonB · October 3

https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1718301#Comment_1718301

Thanks for sharing your experience and recovery so far. Sounds like you're doing FANTASTIC! I was a little stressed during that first PSA post surgery but was quickly rewarded with a ND (<0.01). My next test is scheduled for later this week and I have my 3-month follow-up with my surgeon in mid-October. Looking forward to seeing him and learning about this next phase of recovery. I hope you continue on the road you're on and look forward to many ND's of your own. Keep sharing your story as I'm sure it will be a beacon to someone out there who just got diagnosed. Best regards, Ron B

lesjanes · October 3

https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1718301#Comment_1718301

Thanks for sharing. Congrats on the erections. Nothing for me yet. But it may take longer for ne since I'm almost 69.

Everything else similar, 4+3 and clean margins. But next PSA test will be nerve wracking.

It's good to be able talk with people going through similar situations.

BT15 · October 3

Les-

I saw a different post of yours where you said you had surgery in July but your dr didn’t prescribe you Viagra or Cialis. Here’s where I think you need to be your own advocate and get some of those pills asap. Yes my doc prescribed Cialis for me but it’s because I was very clear in telling him that keeping erectile function was important to me. Before deciding where I was going to have surgery I asked prospective surgeons about their results with ED and incontinence, and discussed these issues at length. Anyway I think a prescription for daily Cialis or Viagra would be a great thing for you.

-BT

BT15 · October 3

I meant my below post to be a direct reply to you…

lesjanes · October 3

https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1718305#Comment_1718305

My Dr did want to prescribe Cialis, but starting 8 weeks after surgery. So I did start with 20mg of tadalafil. Initial side affects were mild. But then I started to get lightheaded occasionally when getting up and I eventually lost my balance and crashed into the bed table.

Now I am off tadalafil until I see the Dr next week and we can determine a new course of action.

jerrygato · October 5

I am 76 and had my prostate removed on September 16, had the catheter removed on the 23rd. Prior to surgery, my pet scan showed no evidence of cancer outside the prostate. My Gleason score was 4/5. My post pathology shows cancer in my seminal vessels and bladder opening. Has anyone had this same situation. I’m unsure as to when I need to have radiation therapy or what to expect. I will appreciate any insight. Thanks, Jerry

Marlon · October 5

https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1718325#Comment_1718325

jerrygato, it seems unlikely that you would be treated with radiation until you've had blood tests indicating an increasing PSA - that is, there are some prostate cells remaining somewhere in your body, and they are growing fast enough to likely be cancerous. Then they have to determine if and where there is any identifiable growth that can be effectively targeted by radiation. They cant just start blasting away. And the growth if any, is likely to be slow enough that the docs might not be in a rush to treat. Frankly, your age is a consideration, and treatment may not extend your life more than not-treating a slow-growing cancer.

Old Salt · October 5

jerry gato:

It seems to me that you need to get a consult at a cancer center of excellence.

NCI-Designated Cancer Centers - NCI

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