Going Home

A number of care homes have the facility for short-stay patients and are geared up for it.

My sister who lives alone, stayed in one for two weeks  after a hip-replacement and found it was beneficial because of her impaired mobility. Care homes come in all varieties and budgets.

It might be worth investigation whether some/any are funded as part of the treatment.

However, I found returning home wasn't a problem after my prostate op. A taxi home was necessary as my wife doesn't drive. Exercise walking with the catheter in place was a bit strange at first but easily mastered.

If I remember correctly I was able to drive myself back to hospital for the catheter  removal.

I never really became at easy with the anti coagulation syrettes being self administered but that was probably just me, in the event they were no problem.

Best wishes

Dave

Hi Ian,

Yes, it is "doable", and although my wife was with me, if I was single I still would have gone the surgery route. All comes down to preparation.

First thing is to make sure you're fit to leave hospital, try and get an extra night on the ward if you feel you need it.

Second thing is to make sure the discharge nurse gives you a bag of goodies: spare catheter bag, an overnight catheter bag (2 ltr), spare catheter straps, pads, pain killers, discharge notes, clexane syringes

Regards travelling, if you can get a taxi from the hospital straight to home, take it. You may need to plan in a "catheter emptying break" depending on how long it takes you to get home. My journey took nearly 2 hours (taxi and train) and I didn't need to empty it.

At home, I would suggest you go for simple, easy to prepare (and digest) food - buy two weeks worth beforehand.

With regards managing the catheter, I'd recommend a bucket to put the catheter bag in at night (in case you leave the tap open) and go to bed "empty". I didn't need to get up in the night to empty it but set an alarm if you feel you'd need to. Of course, it goes without saying not to drink any tea / coffee in the time leading up to bedtime.

Showering is manageable too. Remember to empty the catheter before you shower, and remove the straps. If you forget, this is where the spares come in. You're soon get into the routine. Baggy trousers are the order of the day.

Main thing is to take it easy - so stock up on books, DVDs etc. beforehand.

If you're given Clexane syringes, these are pretty easy to do as well. You'll be shown how and where to do them before you're discharged from hospital.

If you have friends and family close to you, I would invite them round. I'm sure they'd be pleased to see you and happy to do the odd job.

Best wishes

Flexi

You are right, of course, Lyn -  I wouldn't have gone against requirements. I think it was a month that I wasn't to drive for - it seems a long time ago now (2012 http://community.prostatecanceruk.org/editors/tiny_mce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-undecided.gif)

Thinking about it, I do recall going in by taxi as I've just remembered booking, and waiting for it to come  from the 'hospital end' rather than the local firm- the only time I've done that.

Dave