Hi Stephen,
I was also diagnosed at the start of this year - T2b, Gleason 8 - and, like yourself, I elected for RP.
My operation was carried out on 18 March so I am now 9 days post surgery.
The run up to my op was a very nerve racking time so I can understand what you may currently be going
through so I thought I'd drop you a quick reply to let you know how the experience has been for me.
On the day I must admit to being very nervous when I went into the hospital but the staff were very
good and do everything to put you at ease.
When I awoke, it was a bewildering time - a few tubes and leggings inflating & deflating on my legs (but I had been warned about these).
There was hardly any pain - when asked, I put it at a 2 out of 10 and it pretty much stayed this way.
There is plenty pain relief if more is needed.
I was up and about by the day after surgery, it felt good to get a shower and walk about a bit.
This helped me feel more human again.
I had some trapped wind on the evening of Tuesday 19 March - this was helped by walking, gentle
squatting & peppermint tea!
I got out of hospital on Thursday 21 March - I was lucky to be private so could stay in but, in truth, I could
have left earlier.
When back at home, the worst bit was the catheter (!!!) I hated it, everything takes so much longer
with it in.
Nevertheless, I got out walking to the shops etc. - one tip I'd give you is try and get a tube of Instillagel
from the hospital, it really helps.
I was back at the hospital on Monday 25 March for a scan which showed the catheter could come out - the removal wasn't pleasant but I was so, so glad to see it gone. I took great delight in binning the unused catheter supplies that I no longer needed!
It is still early days for me but I have been fully continent at night and just the odd drip during the day. The worst has been getting used to a revised signal from my bladder that its full and the stinging sensation in my penis tip (largely due to the catheter removal trauma)
This is where the Instillagel is a god-send.
Everyone's journey is different and yours may well differ from mine. However, if I'd known what my experience
would be before the op I would have been greatly happier.
Preparations I made were:
a. Purchase of two waterproof mattress covers (one for the bed, one in the wash). Not yet having been needed.
b. Purchase of bed pads (the type for young children 900 x 600mm). Not yet having been used.
c. Purchase of appropriate underwear for use with pads - loose boxers aren't likely to work too well.
d. Purchase of loose fit trousers - handy to cover the catheter.
e. Purchase of an initial batch of pads, type 2 - I reckon i'll be using the type 1 soon
I hope this is of some help.
All the best for your operation!
Edited by member 27 Mar 2019 at 16:06
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