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robotic prostrate removal

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User
Posted 22 Dec 2016 at 19:06

Hi I'm a newbie here my name is jenny, I'm 56 years young,  my husband  has just turned 60 & has recently had his prostrate removed by robotic surgery... I would be interested to hear from anyone else who has gone through this procedure.

It has all been such a whirlwind time, from going for a routine check up in August, (if he hadn't been a HGV driver, and had to have check up, we would be none the wiser as he had no symptoms!) to the removal at the end of November.

So anyone who can share experiences would be great... look forward to chatting  - Jenny

If a Jobs worth doing, It's worth doing well.
User
Posted 27 Dec 2016 at 06:50

Hi Jenny, Both yourself and your husband have gone through a major ordeal with the initial diagnosis and his treatment for it.
I had Robotic prostatectomy in November 2016. A week later my catheter was removed and within a day of removal i was crying like a baby to myself and my wife, i even cried on this site too. I received many marvellous replies all of them very inspiring.
I have a manual job which i am still off from, but hope to return to mid January. Incontinence has been my major problem since being diagnosed with prostate cancer, which in the month since having the operation has now become a minor inconvenience. My sex life or urge for it has waned completely. My consultant enquired about my potency since the operation, my reply was it is zero. He prescribed cialas 2.5mg to make the blood flow as he put it and perhaps thats just what it is doing, but nothing else.
I am anxious to get back to work and try to regain my normal life but until i can gain total control of my bladder i will resist the urge to return to work. I have told my employer i have lost a few things since being diagnosed with prostate cancer and the one thing i refuse to lose is my dignity. Maybe i have been fortunate in that they understood this and have accepted my terms i wont know until i return.
There are some marvellous people on this site, their words were inspiring to me as i thought my life had hit rock bottom when i found myself incontinent and had no control over my bladder. But as i said before this has since reduced to a level that i can tolerate. whilst convalescing.
I wish you and your husband a very Happy New Year along with everyone else on this site all of whom have been of great help to me.

User
Posted 22 Dec 2016 at 20:54

Hello Jenny and welcome.

Can't help with surgery advice as our journey is different but there are many on here who know what it's like.

Christmas coming up means the site is likely to be a bit quieter than usual so don't be surprised if replies are slow to come in.

I've bumped you now so perhaps somebody with the knowledge will see and come along and answer you.

How is your husband and how is he coping having had the operation?

We can't control the winds - but we can adjust our sails
User
Posted 22 Dec 2016 at 21:51
Hello Jenny, I had robotic surgery 3 1/2 years ago. Check out my profille.

If you have any specific questions just ask. I wouldn't though want to rush back to work.

All the best for your husband's recovery.

flexi

User
Posted 22 Dec 2016 at 22:21
Jenny

I'm 46. Robotic prostatectomy 2 weeks ago. Catheter removed the other day so wearing my pads and trying to regain continence. Just taking one day at a time at the moment. Starting to think about regular PSA tests and becoming unsettled.

Recovering well though.

W

User
Posted 22 Dec 2016 at 22:37
Hi Jenny

Had mine done in August 2015. Retired now but still do casual LGV/PCV driving but most of it is now school minibus on the longer trips that the regular drivers don't want.

Ensure that your husband's employer's insurers are aware of his situation to see if there are any caveats to his fitness to return to work. The driving should be fine when he can demonstrate his ability to operate the controls safely, particularly in relation to the footbrake. The other crucial part is that due to the surgery he needs to be aware that it will take about six weeks before he can consider manual handling so seek advice from the medical team and his company about this one. Because there was no manual handling involved I was able to resume workplace driving within four weeks. The bit that was hardest to deal with was the incontinence that followed but it wasn't a stumbling block, I just tried different solutions to the problem but stress incontinence can be wearing in a manual work environment. He might be lucky and not have any problem with incontinence which would be great. All of our experiences are different but there has been no problem with LGV/PCV renewals (annual at my age) and still enjoying the driving and motorbike. Don't be afraid to ask anything on this site as the folks are brilliant and very supportive.

Kind regards

Kevan

User
Posted 22 Dec 2016 at 22:52

Hi Jenny
Awful for you both just before Xmas. You can read people's profiles by clicking on their picture. It sounds like it's been a rush for you both. Please phone the nurses on here if you have any questions. They are very very knowledgeable I assure you. It's not a great journey , but my best advice honestly now would be to take it really easy for a good few weeks over Xmas. Above advice very good.
Best wishes

User
Posted 27 Dec 2016 at 13:06
Hi Jenny, welcome to the community, I had the robotic surgery in December 2015, it's tough going like getting used to the catheter , injections everyday for the first 28 days,learning to control your incontinence .

Life is not as you knew it from now on, a new chapter I would describe it, my libido vanished overnight, , if you enjoyed sex then you will need patience with your partner and understanding, it's a long journey.

I was off work for 8 weeks, and did not drive in that time it was too painful although I invested in an inflatable ring from Boots to make driving more comfortable , my undercarriage was very painful from the operation.

Since my operation over 12 months ago my PSA has risen, I have had numerous blood tests and scans, the oncologist believes it has spread to my bones, I am waiting on another scan & blood test to see if this is the case, then a decision will be made on what treatment .

Wishing you & your husband the very best.

James

User
Posted 27 Dec 2016 at 18:35
Jenny

I am now 3 years since DX and just over two and a half years since RARP.

Check out my profile, quite an eventful journey and not the norm. Be patient with his recovery, adapting to a new normal can be frustrating, depressing and alot of fun.

Thanks Chris

User
Posted 28 Dec 2016 at 06:22

Hi Everyone,

I Hope you all had and enjoyed a lovely Christmas.
Thank you all so much for all your replies, I really didn't expect so many :)
It's nice to hear from you all and to realise that we are not 'the only ones' going thro' these big changes to our life.
I have told Husband about this site, so he has joined,, I think it is good even if he doesn't feel like joining in at the moment, at least he can read what everyone has to say and I am sure it will help....
Anyway I know have to leave for work, so thanks once again for all the replies, speak in the new year..

Jenny

If a Jobs worth doing, It's worth doing well.
User
Posted 29 Dec 2016 at 18:37

Hi Jenny,

I'm 66 and had the robotic procedure end August this year. Like your husband, I'd had no symptoms and only my annual check up revealed a jump in my PSA from 2.5 to 4.5, which started the process that ended with surgery. I've been lucky in that the incontinence is only very slight now and I only use one of the thinnest pads during the day, and it's improving every week. As far as ED goes, I started using the Osbon ErecAid vacuum pump regularly from 6 weeks after the op, combined with daily Cialis 5mg., and within 2 weeks was having sex again. I'm not much closer to getting erections without the pump, but am considering trying a 20mg Cialis dose to see if that works. But the pump works just fine and far exceeded my expectations, and it can add a bit of hilarity to the process as well! It's not an easy path, although I think I've had it easier than most, but there can be life after surgery.

Good luck

David

User
Posted 29 Dec 2016 at 19:14

Hi Jenny,

I had the OP 29th Sept 2016, I had the catheter in for 3 weeks, I had no problem with the catheter exept it leaked all the time, when the catheter came out the incontinence was horrible, I was expecting it but nobody tells you what it is actually like, you walk around and you can feel the peeing all the time and you have no control over it, if it had carried on like that I could not have carried on, I am pleased to say that I am now 3 months post OP and almost dry just minor drips and dribbles when I rush around too much, I had lots of advice from people on this site all saying be patient and you must be, don't rush, take things easy it is a major OP not much on the outside but a lot inside, after 3 months I am almost back to normal that is how long my consultant said to take it easy, I had no pain and felt ok but did not want to undo all the work he had done, any questions please ask,

Paul

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User
Posted 22 Dec 2016 at 20:54

Hello Jenny and welcome.

Can't help with surgery advice as our journey is different but there are many on here who know what it's like.

Christmas coming up means the site is likely to be a bit quieter than usual so don't be surprised if replies are slow to come in.

I've bumped you now so perhaps somebody with the knowledge will see and come along and answer you.

How is your husband and how is he coping having had the operation?

We can't control the winds - but we can adjust our sails
User
Posted 22 Dec 2016 at 21:51
Hello Jenny, I had robotic surgery 3 1/2 years ago. Check out my profille.

If you have any specific questions just ask. I wouldn't though want to rush back to work.

All the best for your husband's recovery.

flexi

User
Posted 22 Dec 2016 at 22:21
Jenny

I'm 46. Robotic prostatectomy 2 weeks ago. Catheter removed the other day so wearing my pads and trying to regain continence. Just taking one day at a time at the moment. Starting to think about regular PSA tests and becoming unsettled.

Recovering well though.

W

User
Posted 22 Dec 2016 at 22:37
Hi Jenny

Had mine done in August 2015. Retired now but still do casual LGV/PCV driving but most of it is now school minibus on the longer trips that the regular drivers don't want.

Ensure that your husband's employer's insurers are aware of his situation to see if there are any caveats to his fitness to return to work. The driving should be fine when he can demonstrate his ability to operate the controls safely, particularly in relation to the footbrake. The other crucial part is that due to the surgery he needs to be aware that it will take about six weeks before he can consider manual handling so seek advice from the medical team and his company about this one. Because there was no manual handling involved I was able to resume workplace driving within four weeks. The bit that was hardest to deal with was the incontinence that followed but it wasn't a stumbling block, I just tried different solutions to the problem but stress incontinence can be wearing in a manual work environment. He might be lucky and not have any problem with incontinence which would be great. All of our experiences are different but there has been no problem with LGV/PCV renewals (annual at my age) and still enjoying the driving and motorbike. Don't be afraid to ask anything on this site as the folks are brilliant and very supportive.

Kind regards

Kevan

User
Posted 22 Dec 2016 at 22:52

Hi Jenny
Awful for you both just before Xmas. You can read people's profiles by clicking on their picture. It sounds like it's been a rush for you both. Please phone the nurses on here if you have any questions. They are very very knowledgeable I assure you. It's not a great journey , but my best advice honestly now would be to take it really easy for a good few weeks over Xmas. Above advice very good.
Best wishes

User
Posted 27 Dec 2016 at 06:50

Hi Jenny, Both yourself and your husband have gone through a major ordeal with the initial diagnosis and his treatment for it.
I had Robotic prostatectomy in November 2016. A week later my catheter was removed and within a day of removal i was crying like a baby to myself and my wife, i even cried on this site too. I received many marvellous replies all of them very inspiring.
I have a manual job which i am still off from, but hope to return to mid January. Incontinence has been my major problem since being diagnosed with prostate cancer, which in the month since having the operation has now become a minor inconvenience. My sex life or urge for it has waned completely. My consultant enquired about my potency since the operation, my reply was it is zero. He prescribed cialas 2.5mg to make the blood flow as he put it and perhaps thats just what it is doing, but nothing else.
I am anxious to get back to work and try to regain my normal life but until i can gain total control of my bladder i will resist the urge to return to work. I have told my employer i have lost a few things since being diagnosed with prostate cancer and the one thing i refuse to lose is my dignity. Maybe i have been fortunate in that they understood this and have accepted my terms i wont know until i return.
There are some marvellous people on this site, their words were inspiring to me as i thought my life had hit rock bottom when i found myself incontinent and had no control over my bladder. But as i said before this has since reduced to a level that i can tolerate. whilst convalescing.
I wish you and your husband a very Happy New Year along with everyone else on this site all of whom have been of great help to me.

User
Posted 27 Dec 2016 at 13:06
Hi Jenny, welcome to the community, I had the robotic surgery in December 2015, it's tough going like getting used to the catheter , injections everyday for the first 28 days,learning to control your incontinence .

Life is not as you knew it from now on, a new chapter I would describe it, my libido vanished overnight, , if you enjoyed sex then you will need patience with your partner and understanding, it's a long journey.

I was off work for 8 weeks, and did not drive in that time it was too painful although I invested in an inflatable ring from Boots to make driving more comfortable , my undercarriage was very painful from the operation.

Since my operation over 12 months ago my PSA has risen, I have had numerous blood tests and scans, the oncologist believes it has spread to my bones, I am waiting on another scan & blood test to see if this is the case, then a decision will be made on what treatment .

Wishing you & your husband the very best.

James

User
Posted 27 Dec 2016 at 18:35
Jenny

I am now 3 years since DX and just over two and a half years since RARP.

Check out my profile, quite an eventful journey and not the norm. Be patient with his recovery, adapting to a new normal can be frustrating, depressing and alot of fun.

Thanks Chris

User
Posted 28 Dec 2016 at 06:22

Hi Everyone,

I Hope you all had and enjoyed a lovely Christmas.
Thank you all so much for all your replies, I really didn't expect so many :)
It's nice to hear from you all and to realise that we are not 'the only ones' going thro' these big changes to our life.
I have told Husband about this site, so he has joined,, I think it is good even if he doesn't feel like joining in at the moment, at least he can read what everyone has to say and I am sure it will help....
Anyway I know have to leave for work, so thanks once again for all the replies, speak in the new year..

Jenny

If a Jobs worth doing, It's worth doing well.
User
Posted 29 Dec 2016 at 18:37

Hi Jenny,

I'm 66 and had the robotic procedure end August this year. Like your husband, I'd had no symptoms and only my annual check up revealed a jump in my PSA from 2.5 to 4.5, which started the process that ended with surgery. I've been lucky in that the incontinence is only very slight now and I only use one of the thinnest pads during the day, and it's improving every week. As far as ED goes, I started using the Osbon ErecAid vacuum pump regularly from 6 weeks after the op, combined with daily Cialis 5mg., and within 2 weeks was having sex again. I'm not much closer to getting erections without the pump, but am considering trying a 20mg Cialis dose to see if that works. But the pump works just fine and far exceeded my expectations, and it can add a bit of hilarity to the process as well! It's not an easy path, although I think I've had it easier than most, but there can be life after surgery.

Good luck

David

User
Posted 29 Dec 2016 at 19:14

Hi Jenny,

I had the OP 29th Sept 2016, I had the catheter in for 3 weeks, I had no problem with the catheter exept it leaked all the time, when the catheter came out the incontinence was horrible, I was expecting it but nobody tells you what it is actually like, you walk around and you can feel the peeing all the time and you have no control over it, if it had carried on like that I could not have carried on, I am pleased to say that I am now 3 months post OP and almost dry just minor drips and dribbles when I rush around too much, I had lots of advice from people on this site all saying be patient and you must be, don't rush, take things easy it is a major OP not much on the outside but a lot inside, after 3 months I am almost back to normal that is how long my consultant said to take it easy, I had no pain and felt ok but did not want to undo all the work he had done, any questions please ask,

Paul

User
Posted 05 Jan 2017 at 21:23

hi jenny hope your husband is doing ok I had robotic surgery march 2016 I have no control and looks like I need artificial splinter to sort it but I am one in so many but I remain positive I am 56 and a lorry driver I only went back to work November its hard but I have a wounderfull wife and family around me and that's what keeps me going I hope you both ok and wish you all the best gary

User
Posted 19 Jan 2017 at 20:31
Hi Jenny

Had robotic surgery 4/1/17 in Leicester and I was told it went well .

Had catheter removed yesterday ( what a relief:) apart from a couple of dribbles while sneezing and passing wind and sore end of my Gentlemans sausage it doesn't seem too bad but I do appreciate it's very early days and the nurse has said my 7 holes in my stomach are healing nicely.

I'm 55 and my psa was 3.7 and my gleeson was 3+4 before op . I'm meeting surgeon in march .

All the best to yourselves

User
Posted 20 Jan 2017 at 11:06

Hi, I had the surgery on 29th Sept 2016, had catheter in for 3 weeks, when catheter came out I had no control so you were lucky, I am now about 90% dry I only leak with coughs sneezes etc but it has been hard, we are all different and I think age and the skill of the surgeon pays a big part in continence, my first follow up appointment post OP was good news negative margins PSA undetectable, next appointment March so fingers crossed, all the best,

Paul

User
Posted 23 Jan 2017 at 14:12

Hello Friends out there, I am a guy called John aged 63 and here is my journey so far, going back a little over 16 months before i was diagnosed with a gleason 3+4=7 pt2b pca. to my cost in that time before diagnosis i ignored the fact i was having problems in the dept downstairs i,e interupted sleep pattern through toilet visits, peeing, stop starting, not emptying bladder and errectile difficulties, eventually i visited the doc and he peformed the examination on my prostate, ( i must say i knew nothing about the prostate, what and where it was and purpose of it), he did find somethig not right and made me appointment with consultant with a blood test done beforehand, my psa 4.00, he put me on medication to help me pee and had 3 monthly appointments with psa tests done, and for about 12 month stayed at about 4.00 the the next visit it had jumped to 7.4 this sounded alarm bells and within a couple of weeks i had a biopsy done, this was early Dec 2013 aged 60, recieved phone call on christmas eve sayind the biopsy was positive for pca thought to be confined to the prostate, this after a mri and bone scans. the bad and good. After consultations with my urologist and then a team of consultants i,e urologist, oncologist cancer nurse and surgeon i deceided on surgery over radiotherapy which i was offered, the surgery took place at the Hallamshire hopital Sheffield on the 1st arpril 2014 every thing went fine, a little discomfort did not like the catherter but had to be done, weeks later i recieved the patholagists report which was now pt3a gleason 4+5=9 ,my first post op psa was 0.09. Given my increased pt3a and gleason 9 i was asked if i would be interested in joining the radical trial of which i did, it is a trial to determine when if at all to to give radiotherapy after surgery , as soon as bod has healed from surgery or as soon as future psa tests showed sufficient rises, this is a randomised test done by computer involving thousands of men after surgery who are placed into two groups, immediate or wait for psa rises , iwas placed in the latter, my next psa was 0.12 ,0.12,0.25 and the next was 0.26 at this i was given 20 sessions of radiotherapy to the prostate bed starting April 2015 and ending June, hoping this time it will mop up any remaining cells, now the first psa test afterwards 6 months later was 4.00,ouch next was 6.10, then 8.00 and finally 9.30 when it was decieded i would start Hormone therapy it now being deemed incurable, i was put on Cosodex tablets for one month , after two weeks from starting the tablets i would have an injection of prostap for one month and if ok with side effects then prostap 3 a three monthly injection of which i am on now January 2017 as regards my psa 3 months after starting HRT it was down to 0.07 and at the moment 0.06,GREAT. i know this has been a little long winded but i just wondered if any one was on a similar path.

Edited by member 23 Jan 2017 at 14:35  | Reason: Not specified

 
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