Post RRP - Discomfort in Perineum / Prostate site

The operation is a big one with muscles cut, bits removed and heat used to seal up some areas on the inside where something was chopped off. Your op was only a few weeks ago and I think you will experience some discomfort for several weeks if not months to come especially when you move. I certainly did (mine was back in April/May) and in fact when I was at a classic car do just last weekend I experience a bit of a 'pull' when walking around the displays.

I think that with robotic surgery the outward signs, the entry ports, are so small and they heal up so quickly that it is difficult to relate them to what has gone on inside. This is far greater than you may think...in fact quite radical as the operation name suggests.

Keep taking the pills...it'll all get better in a few months. However, if you do feel the pain is a bit more than expected do get it checked out by your GP. A hernia is easy to come by at this stage and with only slight exertion. So, rest and recuperation are what are required....knock the weightlifting and canoeing on the head for a while http://community.prostatecanceruk.org/editors/tiny_mce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-wink.gif 

Great results BTW...happy days,

Steve

Hi everyone, I am new to this site and found this thread very useful. Thank you for sharing your experiences. I had radical robotic /da Vinci prostatectomy in a private hospital in London about 3 months ago. The great news is clear margin and my PSA now undetectable.  I am rather uncomfortable when I sit down for long periods -especially in my car or hard chairs etc. I was interested to read that others have also had similar experience and am curious to know how long I might expect the discomfort to last; I am 14 weeks post op. Many thanks 

Hi Guys,

I am new to this site but I would like to add my experiences to those already posted on-line. My RP was undertaken in Hong Kong about 12 weeks ago. I am 72 years of age. Post Op I have generally felt fine. I have very little leakage, the wounds have healed well and body functions are almost back to normal. My first PSA reading after the operation was < 0.1 but I did have some initial pain in my penis and scrotum area so I took medication to prevent a possible infection. The pain has almost gone but there is still some residual discomfort.

However, my current problem is a constant pain in my rectum/anus area. This is much better when I am not active and during periods of sleep. I have been concerned why this has not improved after almost 3 months so the advice of others in this forum is comforting. My Gleason score was 8 before the operation which placed me in the high risk bracket and my longer term concern is that cancer will return, possibly in my bones. Any pain that lingers increases the anxiety and further testing may be necessary. I have my next PSA reading in early April. I have agreed with my doctor to review my current issues in about 3 months time. If there is no improvement then I may have another PET scan and an internal investigation of my rectum. 

I would be pleased to hear any advice other sufferers may wish to give.

Regards, John

Mine was about two months, but oddly worse when standing still. Walking was better. I'm afraid I didn't find a magic bullet, just heavy pain killers (under guidance of GP). Be careful to avoid constipation if you go down this route.

Good afternoon everyone,

I wanted to check in again with an update as I am now 6 months post radical prostatectomy.  I am still uncomfortable , especially when seated.  I'm curious to hear from others because six months feels like enough time to heal but welcome feedback from others with their experience.

Enjoy the weekend !

thank you both , it really helps to hear from other people.

Jaime

Also, I had more problems sitting after the Biopsy compared to the RALP. I was very uncomfortable. I have had no problems sitting since the OP.

Hi everyone , I am very interested to read about your experiences. I have just had an undetectable PSA result , so fantastic news. My RP was ten months ago. Thought I would mention that I still get uncomfortable sitting down, especially on firm chairs/seats. The sensation varies - sometimes an ache, other times feels sore, hard to pinpoint.  My Consultant reminded me that ten months is still early in my recovery and did not seem surprised. Hope others find this useful, thank you all for sharing .

Nick , due to having some problems with a stricture I have done numerous TWOCs and never failed. I make sure I am well hydrated before I get to the hospital, listen to the nurses and you should be fine.

My stricture was possibly caused by the catheter getting tugged out after getting stuck, it should just slide out, without any resistance or pain. If it gets stuck I would ask for a urologist to attend.

After three samples of around 200mls I was scanned to make sure I was voiding the bladder. Make sure you have some pads , the hospital will usually give you a few. I always took a waterproof cover for the car seat and a towel just in case of leaks, I never needed them.

Hope all goes well.

Thanks Chris 

David, passing lots of urine down the outside of the catheter, known as bypassing, can be a sign of a blocked catheter. Are you still passing plenty of urine into the bag and does the bypassing reduce when laying down or at night.

You could get the catheter flushed out, but you were probably told do not let district nurses etc change your catheter. 

It can just be the catheter is a position where it is easier for the urine to come out of the penis instead of through the catheter. Best not to mess around with the catheter, you could call the ward that discharged you for advice 

Thanks Chris 

Dennis ,I developed a stricture not long after surgery and had lots of dilatations and had a long period of doing daily self dilatation. The self catheterization could be the cause of the perineum pain either through rubbing, introducing an infection or dragging some debris into the urethra.

Thanks Chris