Waiting for surgery but having second thoughts.

blimey.  a lot in common.  

I was digging garden and DIY, after about 3 months. minimal scaring.  However .  this is a major op. extensive damage . etc.  I was only in overnight.  Golf .. swing can be quite intense. take it very easy.   I still get quite extensive groin aches, the bladder seems to think it's full when it isn't. However flow is far better than it's been for years and I can hold 300ml plus probably more so life is good. For me and I believe others post op. the biggest challenge  was constipation and getting the gut moving again.  it might have been a combination of drugs,  4 hr op etc.   It took me about 10 to 14 days to feel comfortable.

Absolutely no problems since.

I was up and about within 24 hrs.  The catheter awkward at night to get solid sleep, not painful though.  I kept a good flow of water intake, no alcohol or caffeine. Seemed to work for me.  

take care and all the best 

My husband 56 had prostate removed just over 3 weeks nothing was fully explaind said mite have slight incontinence but he’s fully incontinent which was a shock I’ve rang and asked wen will it improve and all they can say dif people dif times please look into it first are whole life has turned upside down my husband will not go out as he leakes through a lot he has gone very depressed so please look into it properly and ask all questions good luck with what you decide my husband regrets havin it done 

Hi Neil,

I was diagnosed as Gleason 9 all indications were it was totally enclosed within the prosate.   I had a radical prostectomy in September 2018 (DaVinci).   Prior to this I consulted with the surgeon and the oncologist, both gave me their views but left the final decision to me, they did not push their preferred options at any time but just gave me the facts.   Radiotherapy would have involved a surgical procedure for me anyway as they told me I would have to have Brachiotherapy which involved inserting radioactive seeds and then a long course of radiotherapy.   In my view the prostectomy surgery just seemed more straightforward and I would be told fairly quickly what the surgeon would have found in terms of spread as he would remove surrounding areas which would be checked for any signs of cancer.  Recovery from surgery is indeed different for everyone, for me it took about a month before I could return to work (office based).   During that time, apart from having a cathetor for a week after surgery progress was nice and steady.   I have had several reviews since surgery and psa remains undetectable so the surgery for me was a complete success even though I am aware there is still a risk of recurrence which is why they do regular monitoring checks.   I do not regret my decision and more than happy to discuss my experience or any concerns you have.

Pauly

Morning Pauly - Thant’s great news, just what I wanted to hear, I just hope my recovery goes as well. 

Hi Neil,

You should be fine, just make sure you follow their advice post surgery and don't overdo things or rush to get back to 100% physical activity.   You say you are fit which really helps with recovery but just take it easy, slow and steady is very effective.   No heavy lifting (a full kettle max) to start with.   Short walks and light meals.    Plenty of rest.  Sleeping with a cathetor was  not easy for me (in fact I hated it) but it's over quickly enough 7-10 days on average.   You may get some leakage but their good mens tenna pads out there which can easily cope, no one will no you are wearing one but you.   I still get the urge to pee far more than before I was diagnosed but it's not really a problem you can't manage and as I said everyone has different experiences anyway.    When do you go in for the op?

Pauly

Hi Neil,

I would add that looking at the other posters on here you have pretty much got the A-Team on these forums commenting and I doubt there are any questions or concerns they couldn't address with you, they are a great bunch and always happy to help with their excellent knowledge and experience.

Pauly

colwickchris - Having just read your story I’d say “been through the mill” is an understatement. It almost looks like what could go wrong, did go wrong - how on earth do clips get left inside you? What a journey you’ve been on! I’m hoping mine might be a little less eventful :-(

I hope all goes well for you think a lot of my husbands problem is his health in general he had a bleed in the brain 2 coils fitted a heart attack 3 years ago and he’s been told he has blockages in his leg I suppose it’s better for him to be incontinent than having cancer just wish things were explained better to us but you have chance to look into everything good luck and speedy recovery 

Hi Neil,

Golf can wait for bit to be honest.    You will know when you are ready, maybe 2 months, maybe 3 or longer.   Putting green and 9 holes chip and putt for a bit with a light bag/trolley to start.   then the driving range for the driver before you get into the swing of things.   Never know avoiding too many wayward drives could actually improve your game!

Bollinge - Thanks for the link John, very interesting.  Seems my guy has over 70 robotic procedures under his belt, I’m hoping he’s got the hang of it by now. Just had a good read of you profile, love your story telling style, had me in stitches :-D