Starting second week after da vinci

novaguy
novaguy Member Posts: 76
edited March 2014 in Prostate Cancer #1
I'm on day 9, and looking forward to catherer removal in two more days. I'm also a little bit nervous because, as annoying as it is to be tethered to this bag, I wonder if leaking and pads will be worse. I'll also be getting my pathology report, so am a little worried what that will say. I went in with a gleason 3+4 and a 5.7 PSA, so that's not so bad, but one thing I've learned with this disease is that statistics go out the window when dealing with ourselves as individuals.

I've appreciated learning from others as to what to expect; that has helped me tremendously through the healing process. I had little or no pain post-op, but the da vinci incisions are still very sore if I cough or go to sleep in certain positions. I also learned some minor things that I don't recall having read about so, for others who are going into surgery, you might be interested in these details.

One problem was the itchy sore skin in my crotch that developed a few days after the surgery. I made the mistake of scratching at night, which felt good but made the skin even more itchy and sore the next day. So I got some of the baby cream they use for baby diaper rash and apply it liberally once/twice per day and that really helps. Just don't get it on the catherer tube because you want to keep that dry. I also use neosporin ointment with pain relief a couple of times a day where the catherer tube goes into the urethra and that keeps that area well healed and pain free.

Keeping the catherer tube attached to the leg when walking around is a problem, and the velcro they give you is useless. I gave up on the day bag and just use the night bag all the time, and tape the tube to my leg with some 3M medical tape, then put a large velcro strap over the tape. That works pretty well, but you might want to shave your leg area to keep the hairs from sticking to the tape when you pull it off. Come to think of it, pulling the tape off the first time was more painful than anything I felt after the robot :-)

Coughing is painful so I minimized the phlegm buildup by taking mucinex a couple of times a day. Not sure if you need a prescription for that, but if you get phlegm you might want to ask your doc about mucinex.

So far my healing has come along very well, and my only problems are tiredeness in late afternoon, and stich pain at night when I roll onto particular positions. Other than that, I'm doing fine, and am glad I went with da vinci rather than open, though I well understand that there are good reasons why some opt for open.

Thanks to all the posters here for valuable info.
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Comments

  • lewvino
    lewvino Member Posts: 1,010
    #2
    You are so right that each
    You are so right that each person is different and statistics mean pretty much nothing with this. I am on day 4 of the catheter. I have only used the 'night bag' so far since it holds so much more urine. I've had no 'itch' yet. Am using the neosporin very liberaly since the tip of the penis gets sore fast. Coughing is not as bad as a feared though I try to hold a pillow to my stomach area when I do cough.

    My wife removed all the 'tape' last night from the port tube that had been in my side. That felt could to get rid of that tape since it was getting pretty soaked with water in the shower.

    Let me know how the removal goes. Looks you have yours for about 11 days or so. My Doc wants me to wear mine for 12 days.

    Larry
  • novaguy
    novaguy Member Posts: 76
    #3
    lewvino said:

    You are so right that each
    You are so right that each person is different and statistics mean pretty much nothing with this. I am on day 4 of the catheter. I have only used the 'night bag' so far since it holds so much more urine. I've had no 'itch' yet. Am using the neosporin very liberaly since the tip of the penis gets sore fast. Coughing is not as bad as a feared though I try to hold a pillow to my stomach area when I do cough.

    My wife removed all the 'tape' last night from the port tube that had been in my side. That felt could to get rid of that tape since it was getting pretty soaked with water in the shower.

    Let me know how the removal goes. Looks you have yours for about 11 days or so. My Doc wants me to wear mine for 12 days.

    Larry

    Larry, thanks for all the
    Larry, thanks for all the informative posts you've made. Catherer comes out tomorrow, I'll let you know. This morning I took a shower and looked down at my crotch area where the itch is. It's worse than an itch. The area is red, the skin is peeling in a way I've never seen it before. It's not just a peel, it's like it comes off like putty leaving it red and raw underneath. Wonder if I caught some kind of fungal infection. I've got a call in to the nurse to see if they want me to do anything before I see the doc tomorrow.

    I've also felt a bit worse the last couple of days. Not much pain, but tired, run a slight fever for a couple of hours a day, and don't have the same energy I had at first. My insides feel bloated as if it's pushing against the incisions from inside and causing me discomfort.

    Glad I'm seeing the doc tomorrow.
  • lewvino
    lewvino Member Posts: 1,010
    #4
    novaguy said:

    Larry, thanks for all the
    Larry, thanks for all the informative posts you've made. Catherer comes out tomorrow, I'll let you know. This morning I took a shower and looked down at my crotch area where the itch is. It's worse than an itch. The area is red, the skin is peeling in a way I've never seen it before. It's not just a peel, it's like it comes off like putty leaving it red and raw underneath. Wonder if I caught some kind of fungal infection. I've got a call in to the nurse to see if they want me to do anything before I see the doc tomorrow.

    I've also felt a bit worse the last couple of days. Not much pain, but tired, run a slight fever for a couple of hours a day, and don't have the same energy I had at first. My insides feel bloated as if it's pushing against the incisions from inside and causing me discomfort.

    Glad I'm seeing the doc tomorrow.

    Glad you said you are
    Glad you said you are calling the Nurses! So far everything looks fine below. I tried the leg bag today for a short outside walk. Didn't like it. The tube popped off and got urine all down my pants leg and on my shoe! Just did my second outdoor walk, A little father this time then this mornings and just carried the night time bag with me. My energy is about the same though the pain is getting less. I'm so glad I went with the Davini rather then traditional Surgery since this was suppose to be less painfull.
  • novaguy
    novaguy Member Posts: 76
    #5
    lewvino said:

    Glad you said you are
    Glad you said you are calling the Nurses! So far everything looks fine below. I tried the leg bag today for a short outside walk. Didn't like it. The tube popped off and got urine all down my pants leg and on my shoe! Just did my second outdoor walk, A little father this time then this mornings and just carried the night time bag with me. My energy is about the same though the pain is getting less. I'm so glad I went with the Davini rather then traditional Surgery since this was suppose to be less painfull.

    The nurse told me to try
    The nurse told me to try lotramin until I see the doc for catherer removal tomorrow, it might be a fungus infection. She said she'd not heard of that with other patients, but I guess it happens. If this is the only problem I have I'll be extremely happy with my da vinci.

    I chucked the leg bag on day one, terrible desing. Been using the big bag all the time, and when I walk around I wear shorts and put the tube and bag into a cloth bag that I carry next to my leg. No one would guess what was in the bag.
  • Toyoungforthis
    Toyoungforthis Member Posts: 10
    #6
    novaguy said:

    The nurse told me to try
    The nurse told me to try lotramin until I see the doc for catherer removal tomorrow, it might be a fungus infection. She said she'd not heard of that with other patients, but I guess it happens. If this is the only problem I have I'll be extremely happy with my da vinci.

    I chucked the leg bag on day one, terrible desing. Been using the big bag all the time, and when I walk around I wear shorts and put the tube and bag into a cloth bag that I carry next to my leg. No one would guess what was in the bag.

    new guy also, day 11 cath out
    Hello guys, Can I join the (Robo surgery recovery club)? I had my cath out today and have pads / diapers on. Leaking like a sieve when standing up or walking around. Not much control right now, but it has only been seven hours since the cath pull. We can help each other through the pad part, I was able to stop my urine stream before the operation and had been doing Kegels for three weeks before the surgery. The cath pull was not bad, and I got all of my instructions for after surgery recovery of the erectile issues and the incontinence.

    They didn't warn me about the leaking real heavy right after the cath pull. Wish they had, the restaurant and the glass of Iced tea (diuretic) after probably didn't help any.
  • novaguy
    novaguy Member Posts: 76
    #7
    Toyoungforthis said:

    new guy also, day 11 cath out
    Hello guys, Can I join the (Robo surgery recovery club)? I had my cath out today and have pads / diapers on. Leaking like a sieve when standing up or walking around. Not much control right now, but it has only been seven hours since the cath pull. We can help each other through the pad part, I was able to stop my urine stream before the operation and had been doing Kegels for three weeks before the surgery. The cath pull was not bad, and I got all of my instructions for after surgery recovery of the erectile issues and the incontinence.

    They didn't warn me about the leaking real heavy right after the cath pull. Wish they had, the restaurant and the glass of Iced tea (diuretic) after probably didn't help any.

    Thanks for the warning about
    Thanks for the warning about leaking. I was just wondering what to wear to the doc's office tomorrow. I think I'll take a few depends pads and lay off any water until after I get home. Do you leak constantly or just when you move around?
  • Toyoungforthis
    Toyoungforthis Member Posts: 10
    #8
    novaguy said:

    Thanks for the warning about
    Thanks for the warning about leaking. I was just wondering what to wear to the doc's office tomorrow. I think I'll take a few depends pads and lay off any water until after I get home. Do you leak constantly or just when you move around?

    I leaked consistently about
    I leaked consistently about two hours after the removal. Moving (walking) and fast movements really did it. I have been sitting for about 20 minutes, got up and started to leak a stream then stopped. Walking I can do short stints but still leak. My friend said it takes a few days to get things back in order after the removal. He had his done in January of 2009 and he is mostly continent, extreme physical conditions he leaks a little.
  • lewvino
    lewvino Member Posts: 1,010
    #9
    Toyoungforthis said:

    new guy also, day 11 cath out
    Hello guys, Can I join the (Robo surgery recovery club)? I had my cath out today and have pads / diapers on. Leaking like a sieve when standing up or walking around. Not much control right now, but it has only been seven hours since the cath pull. We can help each other through the pad part, I was able to stop my urine stream before the operation and had been doing Kegels for three weeks before the surgery. The cath pull was not bad, and I got all of my instructions for after surgery recovery of the erectile issues and the incontinence.

    They didn't warn me about the leaking real heavy right after the cath pull. Wish they had, the restaurant and the glass of Iced tea (diuretic) after probably didn't help any.

    I've heard the longer the
    I've heard the longer the cath is in the longer you will leak at first until you start getting some control back. If you think about it you have had an open pipe for numerous days!
    Everyone says to walk and Kegel. I might be dreaded a week from today when they pull my cath more then the surgery! I've also heard suggestions to limit your fluid intake say after 6 or 7pm for the night. But you need fluids so don't completely eliminate. Also once control starts back to Empty your bladder often. At least that Is what I'm going to start attempting next Monday.
  • wxman
    wxman Member Posts: 19
    #10
    lewvino said:

    I've heard the longer the
    I've heard the longer the cath is in the longer you will leak at first until you start getting some control back. If you think about it you have had an open pipe for numerous days!
    Everyone says to walk and Kegel. I might be dreaded a week from today when they pull my cath more then the surgery! I've also heard suggestions to limit your fluid intake say after 6 or 7pm for the night. But you need fluids so don't completely eliminate. Also once control starts back to Empty your bladder often. At least that Is what I'm going to start attempting next Monday.

    cath removal
    Larry,
    Glad to hear that you are doing well. Will you go back to Dr. Smith for the cath removal?
    How far are you from Vandy? Also do you have another drainage tube? If so, when will that be removed? I plan to get my husband to email you. Right now,we are planning to drive back to Atlanta on Sat. (surgery Thur) We had planned to drive back Fri. after he is discharged, but not sure if that is a good idea.
  • Toyoungforthis
    Toyoungforthis Member Posts: 10
    #11
    wxman said:

    cath removal
    Larry,
    Glad to hear that you are doing well. Will you go back to Dr. Smith for the cath removal?
    How far are you from Vandy? Also do you have another drainage tube? If so, when will that be removed? I plan to get my husband to email you. Right now,we are planning to drive back to Atlanta on Sat. (surgery Thur) We had planned to drive back Fri. after he is discharged, but not sure if that is a good idea.

    Having a good diaper or pad
    Having a good diaper or pad helps. The Depends brand with the plastic outer cover used under a brief works well. This way your husband can stay comfortable through the ride back. Have baby wipes to help with the clean up. this avoids fungal growth and bacteria from starting. I am getting a little better as time goes by. We will see what tomorrow brings.
  • novaguy
    novaguy Member Posts: 76
    #12
    Toyoungforthis said:

    Having a good diaper or pad
    Having a good diaper or pad helps. The Depends brand with the plastic outer cover used under a brief works well. This way your husband can stay comfortable through the ride back. Have baby wipes to help with the clean up. this avoids fungal growth and bacteria from starting. I am getting a little better as time goes by. We will see what tomorrow brings.

    Catherer is out! Nurse took
    Catherer is out! Nurse took it out. First she put a needle into the side tube and drew out the water that filled the balloon. Then she said to take a deep breath and exhale while she took it out slowly. It just felt like a little stinging, or butning, as it came out, but not bad. I then put a pad on, but suprisingly it's still dry two hours later! I went to the bathroom and the stream was weak but I was able to start it and stop it. Could it be that I'm continent? I'm not going to bet on it, maybe the bladder doesn't realize yet what's going on. But I feel really good about that.

    Best news, though, the pathology report came back and showed negative margins, no extracapsular extension, and clear seminal vessicles. But they upgraded it to 4+3=7 and T2c instead of 3+4=7 and T2a. 25% of the prostate was involved. In other words, looks like they got this out just in time.

    I'm going to keep my fingers crossed, and good luck to the rest of you guys!
  • lewvino
    lewvino Member Posts: 1,010
    #13
    novaguy said:

    Catherer is out! Nurse took
    Catherer is out! Nurse took it out. First she put a needle into the side tube and drew out the water that filled the balloon. Then she said to take a deep breath and exhale while she took it out slowly. It just felt like a little stinging, or butning, as it came out, but not bad. I then put a pad on, but suprisingly it's still dry two hours later! I went to the bathroom and the stream was weak but I was able to start it and stop it. Could it be that I'm continent? I'm not going to bet on it, maybe the bladder doesn't realize yet what's going on. But I feel really good about that.

    Best news, though, the pathology report came back and showed negative margins, no extracapsular extension, and clear seminal vessicles. But they upgraded it to 4+3=7 and T2c instead of 3+4=7 and T2a. 25% of the prostate was involved. In other words, looks like they got this out just in time.

    I'm going to keep my fingers crossed, and good luck to the rest of you guys!

    Congrats on your good news
    Congrats on your good news Novaguy! To bad you can't go out and party like a teenager tonight! Don't forget to keep walking and doing kegels!
  • novaguy
    novaguy Member Posts: 76
    #14
    lewvino said:

    Congrats on your good news
    Congrats on your good news Novaguy! To bad you can't go out and party like a teenager tonight! Don't forget to keep walking and doing kegels!

    Thanks. I'm still dry, but
    Thanks. I'm still dry, but haven't really felt the urge to pee. I go to the bathroom and relax, and then I have a weak stream. But when I think of how I was filling the catehrere bag so fast, I wonder why I haven't felt much urge. I hust hope my plumbing doesn't get clogged, that would be worse than not being able to hold it back. I'll do what you suggest and walk more, and drink as well.
  • lewvino
    lewvino Member Posts: 1,010
    #15
    novaguy said:

    Thanks. I'm still dry, but
    Thanks. I'm still dry, but haven't really felt the urge to pee. I go to the bathroom and relax, and then I have a weak stream. But when I think of how I was filling the catehrere bag so fast, I wonder why I haven't felt much urge. I hust hope my plumbing doesn't get clogged, that would be worse than not being able to hold it back. I'll do what you suggest and walk more, and drink as well.

    Keep us updated on how you
    Keep us updated on how you do. Several guys have had blockages and can give you advice if it is that. Don't wait to long though before contacting your Dr. if you aren't peeing soon.
  • Watch.repair.man
    Watch.repair.man Member Posts: 49
    #16
    Great News Novaguy.
    Man that is all great news Novaguy.
    Keven
  • saoco
    saoco Member Posts: 43
    #17
    novaguy said:

    Catherer is out! Nurse took
    Catherer is out! Nurse took it out. First she put a needle into the side tube and drew out the water that filled the balloon. Then she said to take a deep breath and exhale while she took it out slowly. It just felt like a little stinging, or butning, as it came out, but not bad. I then put a pad on, but suprisingly it's still dry two hours later! I went to the bathroom and the stream was weak but I was able to start it and stop it. Could it be that I'm continent? I'm not going to bet on it, maybe the bladder doesn't realize yet what's going on. But I feel really good about that.

    Best news, though, the pathology report came back and showed negative margins, no extracapsular extension, and clear seminal vessicles. But they upgraded it to 4+3=7 and T2c instead of 3+4=7 and T2a. 25% of the prostate was involved. In other words, looks like they got this out just in time.

    I'm going to keep my fingers crossed, and good luck to the rest of you guys!

    good news 4+3is better than
    good news 4+3is better than 3+4,but I am concern with the weak stream let me know how it go
    tomorrow. I have this surgury four years ago and went through everything you could imagine.
    my brother has the same surgury for almost two years and did not have any problem at all.
    a have many friends with pc,and i have a lot ofexperience with it if you need to know anything,I may help you.
  • novaguy
    novaguy Member Posts: 76
    #18
    OK, I think my plumbing is
    OK, I think my plumbing is working. At first I didn't feel an urge, but if I went to the bathroom and just completely relaxed, a weak stream would come out. A while ago, though, I felt twinges of an urge, went to the bathroom and got a stronger stream. Best thing, in between there is zero leakage. I can't believe it! Man, after 2 years of dealing with this disease, and coming up on the short end of the stick on every blood test, biopsy, prognosis tables, etc, I was really expecting the worst. Today was the best day ever, negative pathology report and looks like I'm fully continent! Guess next thing is ED but hey I'm not gonna roll those dice just yet, there's plenty of time.

    Thanks for everyone's listening (well, reading) and sharing your own stories, concerns, and good wishes. I've told myself that no matter what happens, I'd be praise God, so have been praising Him for a lot of not so good outcomes lately, but finally get to praise Him for good things.

    One thing I've learned through all this, the most important thing is to find a surgeon who is highly recommended and has done lots of this kind of surgery. My doctor had done over 400 and is one of the highest rated in my area by patients and other doctors.
  • Toyoungforthis
    Toyoungforthis Member Posts: 10
    #19
    novaguy said:

    OK, I think my plumbing is
    OK, I think my plumbing is working. At first I didn't feel an urge, but if I went to the bathroom and just completely relaxed, a weak stream would come out. A while ago, though, I felt twinges of an urge, went to the bathroom and got a stronger stream. Best thing, in between there is zero leakage. I can't believe it! Man, after 2 years of dealing with this disease, and coming up on the short end of the stick on every blood test, biopsy, prognosis tables, etc, I was really expecting the worst. Today was the best day ever, negative pathology report and looks like I'm fully continent! Guess next thing is ED but hey I'm not gonna roll those dice just yet, there's plenty of time.

    Thanks for everyone's listening (well, reading) and sharing your own stories, concerns, and good wishes. I've told myself that no matter what happens, I'd be praise God, so have been praising Him for a lot of not so good outcomes lately, but finally get to praise Him for good things.

    One thing I've learned through all this, the most important thing is to find a surgeon who is highly recommended and has done lots of this kind of surgery. My doctor had done over 400 and is one of the highest rated in my area by patients and other doctors.

    Excellent news Nova Guy, I
    Excellent news Nova Guy, I am starting to dry up also. The flow max may be contributing to my leaking, No problem starting and I can stop the stream during. Maybe my bladder was traumatized from the catheter.

    I am glad you came up dry, right after the cath was removed, and that your path report was good, CONGRATULATIONS.
  • novaguy
    novaguy Member Posts: 76
    #20
    I shouldn't complain after
    I shouldn't complain after all the good news I've received lately, but wondering if anyone has had the same problems with the incisions after robotic surgery. Just one, really, the one on the lower right side, the largest one where my doc said he took the prostate out. I had the staples removed a couple of days ago, and it's sealed tight, but it's still very tender and warm to the touch. And every now and then, doing nothing, I will get a sharp pain as if someone has just jabbed me with a pin, even though there's nothing there. I asked my doc about it and he didn't think it was a big deal, said it's the internal stitch and it will get better. How long does this take to heal?
  • Toyoungforthis
    Toyoungforthis Member Posts: 10
    #21
    Toyoungforthis said:

    Excellent news Nova Guy, I
    Excellent news Nova Guy, I am starting to dry up also. The flow max may be contributing to my leaking, No problem starting and I can stop the stream during. Maybe my bladder was traumatized from the catheter.

    I am glad you came up dry, right after the cath was removed, and that your path report was good, CONGRATULATIONS.

    Well yesterday and today
    Well yesterday and today have both been better days. Mostly dry unless getting up from a sitting position, and sneezing coughing. Later in the day I get weak and leak a bit. Glad you are dry NOVA GUY that is a plus.

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