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User
Posted 15 Jan 2022 at 13:47

HI

I am back home after my RALP surgery on the NHS- I would be happy to answer any questions about i- as openly and honestly as I can maybe when i am a bit more recovered.

My immediate issue is the pain from constipation caused by the drugs. So need that to fade perhaps before putting it down. Glad to be home, was in 2 nights, might have been 3 but the ward was closing and wouldve needed a transfer. I did have a drain in- the prostate im told was very larger, took 4 hours.

 

Ask me anything and I will get back to you otherwise expect a fuller account in the coming days.

kind regards

Dave

User
Posted 15 Jan 2022 at 20:03

Dave.

Take it easy but keep mobile, it should help you with the constipation. Keep the fluid intake up.

Hope all goes well.

Thanks Chris

User
Posted 16 Jan 2022 at 23:17
Hi D@ve

Had salvage prostatectomy on 20th Dec as cancer returned after brachytherapy in 2015. They gave me Lactulose to prevent constipation and it worked a treat. Worth you giving it a try - is cheap and available on-line or at Chemists.

ZL

User
Posted 17 Jan 2022 at 10:16

I had RALP at the weekend in Derriford Hospital in Plymouth. Taking lactulose but no movement yet and starting to become more uncomfortable. Urine now clear which is good.

Edited by member 17 Jan 2022 at 10:17  | Reason: Not specified

User
Posted 17 Jan 2022 at 13:42

That is good news Dave

The catheter is a nuisance but it does stop you from being incontinent. Re abdomen swelling, mine was certainly bloated immediately after surgery but 4 weeks on is now back to normal.

 

Ivan

User
Posted 25 Jan 2022 at 21:05

Dave. 

I have had around 12 trial without catheter sessions (TWOC) and never failed one. I made sure I was well hydrated before I got to the hospital, better to leak than have a catheter reinserted.The removal is often described as wierd but mine has not been painful. In the unlikely event of the catheter getting stuck on the way out ask for a urologist to be called.   I usually had a towel and waterproof cover for the car seat, although I leaked into a pad I never leaked enough to wet the seat.

As a permanent catheter wearer I belong to a catheter and urology facebook site where people are always grateful to receive additional suppies. It all saves the NHS money. They will usually pay the cost of postage.

Bypassing when sat on the toilet is very common. 

Hope the recovery goes well.

Thanks Chris

 

 

 

 

Edited by member 25 Jan 2022 at 21:09  | Reason: Not specified

User
Posted 25 Jan 2022 at 21:19

Take the spare catheter bags to your appointment and they'll take them if still sealed.  I also had slight leakage with the catheter in whilst on the loo it's normal.

User
Posted 25 Jan 2022 at 21:48

Dave, my post RARP catheter got stuck on the way out, the senior nurse was called and swiftly removed it. My surgeon is convinced that swift removal caused my stricture. I went back into theatre numerous times to try snd fix it, after each procedure I came out with a urethral catheter and on one occasion a urethral catheter and a suprapubic catheter. Hence my advice if the catheter gets stuck ask for a urologist.

Hopefully your catheter removal will go like a dream.

Thanks Chris

User
Posted 28 Jan 2022 at 21:14

Mel 

It's title is urology and catheter support. It is a private group.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1510962992491866/?ref=share

Let me know if it doesn't work, let me know what you have and I can ask.

Thanks Chris

 

Edited by member 28 Jan 2022 at 21:15  | Reason: Not specified

User
Posted 30 Jan 2022 at 10:53

If it were me Dave I wouldn’t wait till Tuesday. Trust your gut. 

User
Posted 30 Jan 2022 at 10:58

Dave,were you given a contact number when you were discharged from hospital, if so I would be ringing them. You could try ringing the ward you were discharged from and ask them for advice.

Thanks Chris

User
Posted 02 Feb 2022 at 14:01

Good news that you catheter has been removed and that you are now on the next stage of your journey.

 

You do need to bear in mind that you underwent major surgery and should not be doing too much for a number of weeks or months. I am still feeling a  little tired 5 weeks after my surgery, though do have more energy now than when I did the day after surgery.

 

Good luck with the weeks ahead

 

Ivan

User
Posted 08 Apr 2022 at 18:29

Dave, my post op water works were fine for a few weeks.  After a couple of months I started with smelly urine and a slow flow. My post op slow flow was caused by the migration of hem o lok clips and a build up of scar tissue at the joint.At three months post RARP a cystoscopy found the problem.

As regards going into retention there are a few options. They could try and get a catheter in. If the urethra is to tight, they may use the camera with a guide wire to get a catheter into the bladder.  Another  option is to use the camera and guide wire to get a set of dilators through the stricture and then fit a catheter.

I have had all the above done without any anesthetic and they are tolerable.

Most drastic is to have a suprapubic catheter fitted which goes through the tummy wall into the bladder, i did have a shot of morphine for that one and I was still.coming round from a GA.

If you think you are going int retention don't hang about get your self to urology or the emergency department. My flow got down to 0.5mls per second.

Hope you don't need any emergency attention.

Thanks Chris

 

 

 

User
Posted 08 Apr 2022 at 21:42

Originally Posted by: Online Community Member
My main concern is if the dribble dries up and I'm not emptying my bladder what then? I am supposed to be keeping my fluids up but am really hesitant if im not peeing properly.

If you can't urinate at all, go to A&E - don't hang around waiting to see if it sorts itself out as urinary retention can be extremely painful and cause kidney damage. 

I understand the reluctance about drinking but it is counter-intuitive -  you risk becoming dehydrated which can make retention more likely. 

"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard

User
Posted 15 Apr 2022 at 15:38

Originally Posted by: Online Community Member

never really sure if this is helpful to others but anyway an update on me!

went to outpatient appointment for flexible cystoscopy (camera up the penis) to see why i was struggling to pee. They found that the neck of the bladder had become too narrow- practically pinhole size and i wasnt emptying my bladder of infected urine. to cut a long story i got admitted originally with a plan of a supra pubic catheter and sort out the bladder later but after some debate ended up agreeing to surgery for bladder neck incision- to open it out and a regular catheter. 

That's what i had - as an emergency. I asked for the laser cut i had read about with better outcomes but the gadget wasnt available for a day or two. So went with the other type that generates heat, less good i read. Anyway I am back home now after a two night stay- ward was like the wild west. Try with the catheter out in a fortnight then self inserted catheters intermittantly. Drinking loads of water and hoping for no more infections! 

 

what i learned here was that this should have happened earlier- my consultant hadnt been informed of the couple of infections. Also - know your stuff- ask questions and dont be too passive- not easy when youre feeling unwell. Double check things.

 

Anyway- thanks for the support good luck with your own journneys

 

Dave

glad you now know the reason and it has been sorted for you but not what you needed im sure. I agree with your point that we shouldn’t be too passive about any biases issues, post-op or however long down the line. Glad you are also home and hopefully on road to recovery 🙏

User
Posted 15 Apr 2022 at 17:04

Dave , thanks for the update, lets hope it only needs one go, i did self dilatation for a while, get a variety of catheters if you can. I found the tiemann tip catheters were good, they are angled at the end so can be rotated to find the right spot. Be very gentle when you start doing self dilatation.

Thanks Chris

 

User
Posted 16 Apr 2022 at 16:23

Hi D@ve. Sorry to here about the slow flow and UTI. My slow flow made me scared to drink much and I think that is what caused my UTI. Are you drinking cranberry juice (unsweetened)? I hate the stuff but I'm drinking loads of it to try to ward off further infections. Chris

User
Posted 03 May 2022 at 12:00

Originally Posted by: Online Community Member

never really sure if this is helpful to others but anyway an update on me!

went to outpatient appointment for flexible cystoscopy (camera up the penis) to see why i was struggling to pee. They found that the neck of the bladder had become too narrow- practically pinhole size and i wasnt emptying my bladder of infected urine. to cut a long story i got admitted originally with a plan of a supra pubic catheter and sort out the bladder later but after some debate ended up agreeing to surgery for bladder neck incision- to open it out and a regular catheter. 

That's what i had - as an emergency. I asked for the laser cut i had read about with better outcomes but the gadget wasnt available for a day or two. So went with the other type that generates heat, less good i read. Anyway I am back home now after a two night stay- ward was like the wild west. Try with the catheter out in a fortnight then self inserted catheters intermittantly. Drinking loads of water and hoping for no more infections! 

 

what i learned here was that this should have happened earlier- my consultant hadnt been informed of the couple of infections. Also - know your stuff- ask questions and dont be too passive- not easy when youre feeling unwell. Double check things.

 

Anyway- thanks for the support good luck with your own journneys

 

Dave

 

Hi Dave,

In reply to your point about whether its helpful to others I can answer a resounding Yes.

I was diagnosed with PC last week and have been offered the choice of surgery or RT. I'm frantically reading up on the subject before meeting specialists to discuss and ask questions so posts such as yours are really helpful to illustrate the potential issues.

Really hope the flow improves for you.

Gordon

User
Posted 11 May 2022 at 17:43

update on my situation-

Having has bladder neck incision I was hoping the self use catheters would help everything settle down.

Sadly this hasnt worked- another UTI and another retention problem requiring a return to hospital. Camera revealed the opening had almost closed up again only 2 weeks  after the procedure to open it. Thankfully with some shoving it was eventually possible to get a catheter in again to provide relief. Well done team. I am now waiting for another bladder neck incision procedure. Hope this doesnt keep happening though. They'll use a laser next time- i had asked for this last time nut it was urgent and the laser wasnt available.

In better news my PSA down to something like 0.06 and no more cancer treatments needed at this point. Yay.

 

Take it easy

 

Dave

User
Posted 14 May 2022 at 08:19
Good news on your results Dave. Really pleased. Hope they can get the bladder issue fixed for you once and for all. Everything crossed! X
User
Posted 14 May 2022 at 09:30

Dave , apologies if I have already told you the following. 

As you know my stricture kept closing up, after one attempt we decided to try progressive home dilatation. This involved insertion of a number 14 catheter then removing it and inserting a 16, 18 or even a twenty. It did keep the stricture open longer and kept me away from theatre and a full dilatation for a longer period. 

Hopefully your next procedure will sort it.

As always be gentle with the catheters.

Thanks Chris

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User
Posted 15 Jan 2022 at 20:03

Dave.

Take it easy but keep mobile, it should help you with the constipation. Keep the fluid intake up.

Hope all goes well.

Thanks Chris

User
Posted 16 Jan 2022 at 23:17
Hi D@ve

Had salvage prostatectomy on 20th Dec as cancer returned after brachytherapy in 2015. They gave me Lactulose to prevent constipation and it worked a treat. Worth you giving it a try - is cheap and available on-line or at Chemists.

ZL

User
Posted 16 Jan 2022 at 23:38

Hi Dave,

Glad you’re home and recovering.

My OH was given movicol when he left the hospital and had 2 sachets twice a day, I also bought some prune juice. I think it was day 4 before any bowel movement but all was ok. Luckily he didn’t get any constipation pain. 

Best of luck 

User
Posted 17 Jan 2022 at 10:16

I had RALP at the weekend in Derriford Hospital in Plymouth. Taking lactulose but no movement yet and starting to become more uncomfortable. Urine now clear which is good.

Edited by member 17 Jan 2022 at 10:17  | Reason: Not specified

User
Posted 17 Jan 2022 at 11:28

I was given senna tablets ( 2 a day) and Lactulose (took 40 ml a day) to take after my surgery on 21/12/21 and was pleased that 4 days after surgery I had a good evacuation. You do start panicking  when you haven't been for a few days but I found that taking the aforementioned and drinking around 3 litres of water a day did the job. I did want to go at strange times of the night though and for the first couple of days was getting up every 2 hours to have a pee. 

User
Posted 17 Jan 2022 at 13:35

quick update

 

Constipation pain gone and first small meal taken. Its amazing how i have started to value very small things. Feel a bit queasy sometimes. Was taken out in the car and just enjoyed a change of scene and some fresh air. Catheter a nuisance.

Abdomen swelling is reduced and i seem to have a little more colour. small improvements but the right direction. 

User
Posted 17 Jan 2022 at 13:42

That is good news Dave

The catheter is a nuisance but it does stop you from being incontinent. Re abdomen swelling, mine was certainly bloated immediately after surgery but 4 weeks on is now back to normal.

 

Ivan

User
Posted 17 Jan 2022 at 15:41
They pump you full of gas for surgery. With me the gas rose and I had pains around my shoulders. Went around day 3-4.
User
Posted 25 Jan 2022 at 11:25

Movement happened after 3 days and after a day of multiple movements back to my normal 2 a day. Trapped wind gave some pain but soon gone after the wind had been released. Just had catheter out so onto the next phase now of relearning how to pee.

User
Posted 25 Jan 2022 at 11:27

Same here - my right shoulder was painful for several days.

User
Posted 25 Jan 2022 at 19:54

so update-

 

almost two weeks since the op. Feel human again, eating normally and getting gentle exercise. Low energy and not sleeping well. Have an appointment in a week for catheter to possibly come out. That will be a huge relief if its possible.

Tons of catheter bags arrived very late- hope wont be needed- (Can i donate these?!)

Wounds healing, had a bath which went ok.

Some leaks from catheter when sitting on toilet.

Hope everyone else is doing OK.

 

User
Posted 25 Jan 2022 at 21:05

Dave. 

I have had around 12 trial without catheter sessions (TWOC) and never failed one. I made sure I was well hydrated before I got to the hospital, better to leak than have a catheter reinserted.The removal is often described as wierd but mine has not been painful. In the unlikely event of the catheter getting stuck on the way out ask for a urologist to be called.   I usually had a towel and waterproof cover for the car seat, although I leaked into a pad I never leaked enough to wet the seat.

As a permanent catheter wearer I belong to a catheter and urology facebook site where people are always grateful to receive additional suppies. It all saves the NHS money. They will usually pay the cost of postage.

Bypassing when sat on the toilet is very common. 

Hope the recovery goes well.

Thanks Chris

 

 

 

 

Edited by member 25 Jan 2022 at 21:09  | Reason: Not specified

User
Posted 25 Jan 2022 at 21:19

Take the spare catheter bags to your appointment and they'll take them if still sealed.  I also had slight leakage with the catheter in whilst on the loo it's normal.

User
Posted 25 Jan 2022 at 21:38

cheers Chris

 

so multiple TWOC sessions needed? or is that something you do yourself at home?

 

Dave

User
Posted 25 Jan 2022 at 21:48

Dave, my post RARP catheter got stuck on the way out, the senior nurse was called and swiftly removed it. My surgeon is convinced that swift removal caused my stricture. I went back into theatre numerous times to try snd fix it, after each procedure I came out with a urethral catheter and on one occasion a urethral catheter and a suprapubic catheter. Hence my advice if the catheter gets stuck ask for a urologist.

Hopefully your catheter removal will go like a dream.

Thanks Chris

User
Posted 28 Jan 2022 at 17:54

I have a whole box of catheter bags unopened from my husband RALP . Not needed and surgery wouldn’t  t take them back . I’ve tried to find the Facebook site you suggest without success. Can you point me in the right direction please ?

User
Posted 28 Jan 2022 at 21:14

Mel 

It's title is urology and catheter support. It is a private group.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1510962992491866/?ref=share

Let me know if it doesn't work, let me know what you have and I can ask.

Thanks Chris

 

Edited by member 28 Jan 2022 at 21:15  | Reason: Not specified

User
Posted 30 Jan 2022 at 10:24

just a quick question about post surgery wound care..

I had a larger wound with maybe 20 stitches that doesnt seem quite right as if its opening up. It doesnt hurt  but it is weeping a bit- I think it needs looking at. Its sunday morning and I have an appointment at Urology tuesday morning- just wondering if I need to do anything urgently or wait until tuesday.

Difficult to say i know but any thoughts?

thanks

 

Dave

User
Posted 30 Jan 2022 at 10:53

If it were me Dave I wouldn’t wait till Tuesday. Trust your gut. 

User
Posted 30 Jan 2022 at 10:58

Dave,were you given a contact number when you were discharged from hospital, if so I would be ringing them. You could try ringing the ward you were discharged from and ask them for advice.

Thanks Chris

User
Posted 02 Feb 2022 at 13:32

so got my catheter out and infected  wound above my tummy button dressed. Wasnt too painful

Really appreciate the kind nurses.

Just getting used to using the pads now for leaks and doing pelvic floor exercises.

Feeling very creaky and aches and pains today, not sure if thats related but glad to be moving forwards with next phase of recovery..

wishing you all well

Dave

User
Posted 02 Feb 2022 at 14:01

Good news that you catheter has been removed and that you are now on the next stage of your journey.

 

You do need to bear in mind that you underwent major surgery and should not be doing too much for a number of weeks or months. I am still feeling a  little tired 5 weeks after my surgery, though do have more energy now than when I did the day after surgery.

 

Good luck with the weeks ahead

 

Ivan

User
Posted 04 Feb 2022 at 11:46

So after getting severe muscle pain in one leg to the point I couldnt walk i visited hospital.

It was very disabling and worrying. Doc seemed to think it was muscle pain from the op (over 3 weeks ago) and nothing serious medically. Not being able to walk is massive though. Also small signs i may have a urinary infection. So cam home with anti biotics, Naproxen for pain and some gastro protecting meds.

Fingers crossed it improves!  

User
Posted 06 Feb 2022 at 02:52

Hope you are starting to feel better Dave and that all is ok.

User
Posted 07 Feb 2022 at 14:33

Now just over three weeks since my surgery and my main target through all this was to be able to watch my team Plymouth Argyle play at Chelsea on Saturday in the FA Cup just 3 weeks after surgery.  The prospect looked bleak after a week or so but wearing the vivactive underwear I got through it all fine with just two used all day. Leakage hasn't shown much improvement yet but I seem to have a bit more control than at the beginning. I even risked a pint after the game before returning to the hotel to change. I'm now focused on the things I can do which is plenty of walking and getting out to watch games. My comeback to golf will be in the Spring in friendly 9 hole games.

User
Posted 07 Feb 2022 at 14:59

It is good that you are getting out and about and not letting the leakage problem put a stop to that.

Re the incontinence, my surgery was 6 weeks ago ( My catheter was removed 5 weeks ago) and, certainly in my case, it took a little while  for my continence to improve from around 85% ( 6 hours after my catheter was removed) to what it is this week: 95% plus. It seemed to gradually improve as the weeks went by and then last week got a lot better. I am still pelvic floor thrusting so perhaps the cumulative effect of thatt is paying dividends.

 

Ivan

User
Posted 10 Feb 2022 at 10:51

Saw my consultant on Tuesday- he thinks my pubic bone is infected or inflamed. May be connected to muscle pain in my legs- which is easing.. but still very hard to walk unaided.

 

hope antibiotics kick in pronto!

 

take care everyone

Dave

User
Posted 08 Apr 2022 at 17:39

So had my prostatectomy back on Jan 12th. Still waiting for my review next month.

Having problems emptying my bladder- was ok initially but now a dribble.

I am down for a camera to explore this as down at hosp next month as  they couldnt get a catheter in.

My main concern is if the dribble dries up and I'm not emptying my bladder what then?

I am supposed to be keeping my fluids up but am really hesitant if im not peeing properly.

 

Any thoughts?

 

Dave

User
Posted 08 Apr 2022 at 18:29

Dave, my post op water works were fine for a few weeks.  After a couple of months I started with smelly urine and a slow flow. My post op slow flow was caused by the migration of hem o lok clips and a build up of scar tissue at the joint.At three months post RARP a cystoscopy found the problem.

As regards going into retention there are a few options. They could try and get a catheter in. If the urethra is to tight, they may use the camera with a guide wire to get a catheter into the bladder.  Another  option is to use the camera and guide wire to get a set of dilators through the stricture and then fit a catheter.

I have had all the above done without any anesthetic and they are tolerable.

Most drastic is to have a suprapubic catheter fitted which goes through the tummy wall into the bladder, i did have a shot of morphine for that one and I was still.coming round from a GA.

If you think you are going int retention don't hang about get your self to urology or the emergency department. My flow got down to 0.5mls per second.

Hope you don't need any emergency attention.

Thanks Chris

 

 

 

User
Posted 08 Apr 2022 at 21:42

Originally Posted by: Online Community Member
My main concern is if the dribble dries up and I'm not emptying my bladder what then? I am supposed to be keeping my fluids up but am really hesitant if im not peeing properly.

If you can't urinate at all, go to A&E - don't hang around waiting to see if it sorts itself out as urinary retention can be extremely painful and cause kidney damage. 

I understand the reluctance about drinking but it is counter-intuitive -  you risk becoming dehydrated which can make retention more likely. 

"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard

User
Posted 11 Apr 2022 at 14:07
Managed to get the flexible camera thing appointment brought forward so going tomorrow.

hope to better understand the issues and resolve them!

Thanks

Dave

User
Posted 11 Apr 2022 at 16:06

Dave , hope all goes well , it is an interesting experience, I was able to watch the screen as the camera went it and the doctor explained what we were seeing. You should find out quite quickly what the issue is. If the stricture is to narrow they may not get the camera into the bladder. I am sure you will let us know what happens.

Thanks Chris

User
Posted 15 Apr 2022 at 14:58

never really sure if this is helpful to others but anyway an update on me!

went to outpatient appointment for flexible cystoscopy (camera up the penis) to see why i was struggling to pee. They found that the neck of the bladder had become too narrow- practically pinhole size and i wasnt emptying my bladder of infected urine. to cut a long story i got admitted originally with a plan of a supra pubic catheter and sort out the bladder later but after some debate ended up agreeing to surgery for bladder neck incision- to open it out and a regular catheter. 

That's what i had - as an emergency. I asked for the laser cut i had read about with better outcomes but the gadget wasnt available for a day or two. So went with the other type that generates heat, less good i read. Anyway I am back home now after a two night stay- ward was like the wild west. Try with the catheter out in a fortnight then self inserted catheters intermittantly. Drinking loads of water and hoping for no more infections! 

 

what i learned here was that this should have happened earlier- my consultant hadnt been informed of the couple of infections. Also - know your stuff- ask questions and dont be too passive- not easy when youre feeling unwell. Double check things.

 

Anyway- thanks for the support good luck with your own journneys

 

Dave

User
Posted 15 Apr 2022 at 15:38

Originally Posted by: Online Community Member

never really sure if this is helpful to others but anyway an update on me!

went to outpatient appointment for flexible cystoscopy (camera up the penis) to see why i was struggling to pee. They found that the neck of the bladder had become too narrow- practically pinhole size and i wasnt emptying my bladder of infected urine. to cut a long story i got admitted originally with a plan of a supra pubic catheter and sort out the bladder later but after some debate ended up agreeing to surgery for bladder neck incision- to open it out and a regular catheter. 

That's what i had - as an emergency. I asked for the laser cut i had read about with better outcomes but the gadget wasnt available for a day or two. So went with the other type that generates heat, less good i read. Anyway I am back home now after a two night stay- ward was like the wild west. Try with the catheter out in a fortnight then self inserted catheters intermittantly. Drinking loads of water and hoping for no more infections! 

 

what i learned here was that this should have happened earlier- my consultant hadnt been informed of the couple of infections. Also - know your stuff- ask questions and dont be too passive- not easy when youre feeling unwell. Double check things.

 

Anyway- thanks for the support good luck with your own journneys

 

Dave

glad you now know the reason and it has been sorted for you but not what you needed im sure. I agree with your point that we shouldn’t be too passive about any biases issues, post-op or however long down the line. Glad you are also home and hopefully on road to recovery 🙏

User
Posted 15 Apr 2022 at 17:04

Dave , thanks for the update, lets hope it only needs one go, i did self dilatation for a while, get a variety of catheters if you can. I found the tiemann tip catheters were good, they are angled at the end so can be rotated to find the right spot. Be very gentle when you start doing self dilatation.

Thanks Chris

 

User
Posted 16 Apr 2022 at 16:23

Hi D@ve. Sorry to here about the slow flow and UTI. My slow flow made me scared to drink much and I think that is what caused my UTI. Are you drinking cranberry juice (unsweetened)? I hate the stuff but I'm drinking loads of it to try to ward off further infections. Chris

User
Posted 30 Apr 2022 at 10:30

self catheterisation isnt too tricky now i have the hang of it.

Hoping the bladder starts to work better soon getting leakage. Am doing the pelvic floor exercises. Anything else i can do? I guess it takes time 

 

Dave

 

User
Posted 03 May 2022 at 12:00

Originally Posted by: Online Community Member

never really sure if this is helpful to others but anyway an update on me!

went to outpatient appointment for flexible cystoscopy (camera up the penis) to see why i was struggling to pee. They found that the neck of the bladder had become too narrow- practically pinhole size and i wasnt emptying my bladder of infected urine. to cut a long story i got admitted originally with a plan of a supra pubic catheter and sort out the bladder later but after some debate ended up agreeing to surgery for bladder neck incision- to open it out and a regular catheter. 

That's what i had - as an emergency. I asked for the laser cut i had read about with better outcomes but the gadget wasnt available for a day or two. So went with the other type that generates heat, less good i read. Anyway I am back home now after a two night stay- ward was like the wild west. Try with the catheter out in a fortnight then self inserted catheters intermittantly. Drinking loads of water and hoping for no more infections! 

 

what i learned here was that this should have happened earlier- my consultant hadnt been informed of the couple of infections. Also - know your stuff- ask questions and dont be too passive- not easy when youre feeling unwell. Double check things.

 

Anyway- thanks for the support good luck with your own journneys

 

Dave

 

Hi Dave,

In reply to your point about whether its helpful to others I can answer a resounding Yes.

I was diagnosed with PC last week and have been offered the choice of surgery or RT. I'm frantically reading up on the subject before meeting specialists to discuss and ask questions so posts such as yours are really helpful to illustrate the potential issues.

Really hope the flow improves for you.

Gordon

User
Posted 03 May 2022 at 12:17

cheers Gordon-

flow improving!

I wasnt given a choice except surgery or not. It can be overwhelming to see all the info out there and try figure out whats best for us!

Happy to answer an questions you might have about the surgery..

cheers

Dave

User
Posted 11 May 2022 at 17:43

update on my situation-

Having has bladder neck incision I was hoping the self use catheters would help everything settle down.

Sadly this hasnt worked- another UTI and another retention problem requiring a return to hospital. Camera revealed the opening had almost closed up again only 2 weeks  after the procedure to open it. Thankfully with some shoving it was eventually possible to get a catheter in again to provide relief. Well done team. I am now waiting for another bladder neck incision procedure. Hope this doesnt keep happening though. They'll use a laser next time- i had asked for this last time nut it was urgent and the laser wasnt available.

In better news my PSA down to something like 0.06 and no more cancer treatments needed at this point. Yay.

 

Take it easy

 

Dave

User
Posted 14 May 2022 at 08:19
Good news on your results Dave. Really pleased. Hope they can get the bladder issue fixed for you once and for all. Everything crossed! X
User
Posted 14 May 2022 at 08:51

Thanks! looks like they're going to have another go at the bladder neck incision- with the laser this time.. Don't think Ill have to wait too long.

 

All the best

User
Posted 14 May 2022 at 09:30

Dave , apologies if I have already told you the following. 

As you know my stricture kept closing up, after one attempt we decided to try progressive home dilatation. This involved insertion of a number 14 catheter then removing it and inserting a 16, 18 or even a twenty. It did keep the stricture open longer and kept me away from theatre and a full dilatation for a longer period. 

Hopefully your next procedure will sort it.

As always be gentle with the catheters.

Thanks Chris

User
Posted 14 May 2022 at 09:51

Cheers Chris-

 

i had been using the self catheterisation but after a few days couldnt get it up as it were.. it had narrowed again-  the progressive dilation thing sounds interesting. Certainly something new seems to happen.

 
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