The journey continues. The bone scan was clear so it seemed logical to opt for DaVinci robotic surgery, rather than RT, partly as a result of some of the positive comments on here, and I have a date for the op in Jan. Also is the possibility if there is any recurrence, I could have RT, whereas RT followed by surgery apparently doesn't work very well. Of course there are all the lingering doubts about the surgery and side effects, but I know I just have to go for it with confidence. Ar least I can spend Christmas with my grandchildren, without worrying about catheters. Plus hospitals don't work so well over Christmas. There are a lot of carol concerts at this time which I like to sing in, and so I had warned a number of people about what was going on. Still seems very unreal, and why me? crops into my mind a lot. No doubt that SW London is a fortunate place to be with St George's and the Royal Marsden not far away. I have a doctor daughter in Praetoria. and a number of friends who are doctors, so I am not short on advice. But I have to be careful not to ask them if I have made the right decision about surgery, as its unfair to put them on the spot. yesterday, I saw the surgeon who will be doing the op, a South African, quite tall, Very straight talking, and I admit rather depressed me, warning that nerves might not be saved, as there is a possibility of T3, although not clear on the MRI, means that he may have to cut the nerves away on the effected side. (We clearly need better MRI machines), having said that he still wants me to have three erections per week after the op, using vacuum devices or injections (Ow), to get some oxygenated blood into the penis. Another depressing factor, my age (69) makes it less likely that I will be continent quickly. This is the major downer, as the sphincter that normally keeps the urethra closed by involuntary automatic control will be cut away, and Ill be left with the lower sphincter, which I have to keep closed my voluntary thought processes. I have no idea how this would work, as I dont normally walk around thinking about my bladder.well the cancelled surgery happened on Feb19th, and the surgeons seemed pleased with what they had done. Interesting they were all hanging around in the corridor on my way in. and I asked them if we could start up a song. Anaesthetist, was very expert, as I had previous problems with intubation, so he used a boogie, and gave me a lumbar block which helped immensely after the surgery; went into high dependancy unit at St George's. where the staff were brilliant, kept a close eye on me. and helped in every way. They had a good banter with each other,and patients and a clinical sense of humour, which I appreciated. Didnt sleep any, but watched the brilliant team work going on on that ward. Most impressed-love the NHS!. Came out the following day, a bit sore, and handing catheters a bit tedious. Two goes at catheter removal, the first ended up in urine retention, an unbelievably painful experience, back at ST GEORGE'S in the evening to be re-catheterised, Then after the weekend anther go, done by a brilliant Macmillan nurse called Dierdre. I took in 3 lits of water, and had only peed 60 ml by the time I left in the evening, anyway it gradually increased until 16 days post-op I am peeing ( and drinking) a lot. I think I was de-hydrated on that Monday before due to taking antibiotics. Now I am not leaking during the day, but I am wanting to get to the loo very often, esp during the night, so no sleep for four nights. I have a consultation with the surgeon coming up on Wednesday, when the pathology will be discussed. Very anxious about that, as obviously, I would hoe its all done and dusted. Dierdre phoned me during the week to check on progress, She has a great sense of humour - I suppose she needs it handing grumpy old men like myself
Edited by member 07 Mar 2015 at 14:35
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