New diagnosis - rabbit in headlights - - Page 4Localised cancer

User

Posted 28 Mar 2022 at 18:58

thank you, sent you a pm.

Originally Posted by: Online Community Member

I did message you to see how things were going but your in box was full. How are YOU feeling ? My husband said when he was recovering it was all about him and no one asked about me his carer!
Im hoping he is doing okay too.

User

Posted 28 Mar 2022 at 19:29

Interestingly enough, the catheter only started making my "tip" sore after a couple of days of having the catheter in and I found that letting the tubing just dangle down (no underwear and my modesty covered with a long dressing gown) and using a fair bit of instillagel ensured that I was not bothered with that sore "tip" feeling. You (or your husband or both of you!) needs to ensure that the gel is pushed into the hole. Instantaneous relief is then guaranteed.

I think you will find that once the catheter is removed, notwithstanding the fresh challenges that will bring, your husband will feel better within himself.

All the best for Thursday (cough, cough out!)

Ivan

User

Posted 28 Mar 2022 at 21:06

thanks Ivan, yes he’s looking forward to getting rid. Keep you posted x

Originally Posted by: Online Community Member

I think you will find that once the catheter is removed, notwithstanding the fresh challenges that will bring, your husband will feel better within himself.

All the best for Thursday (cough, cough out!)

Ivan

User

Posted 31 Mar 2022 at 18:45

Catheter is out, OH is relieved, so now we are in true recovery mode. Today feels like we’re over another hurdle and we’re both looking forward to sleeping better. Results and first PSA early May. Onwards and upwards 🤞

User

Posted 31 Mar 2022 at 18:50

That is great news and now that the catheter is out your husband can start feeling "normal" again. Pulled out on second cough?

Ivan

User

Posted 31 Mar 2022 at 19:00

Great news - hopefully your husband will enjoy regaining some mobility and will be able to get some light walking to help recovery. I hope he is relatively dry but do not despair if not, I think most men are at least a little incontinent to begin with but improve over time. I seem to have been really fortunate, 1 week since catheter removed and no damp patches so far. regards GG

Edited by member 31 Mar 2022 at 19:01 | Reason: Typo

User

Posted 31 Mar 2022 at 19:50

Originally Posted by: Online Community Member

That is great news and now that the catheter is out your husband can start feeling "normal" again. Pulled out on second cough?

Ivan

🤣🤣🤣 you know the drill Ivan! What a great team they are.

User

Posted 31 Mar 2022 at 19:56

Originally Posted by: Online Community Member

That’s great news GG. He was feeling restricted with the catheter in and a UTI too. He’s looking forward to some light walking and working on the continence. Thank you for your message x

User

Posted 31 Mar 2022 at 22:24

Think it was about 10 weeks before I was fully continent although was never a major issue. I'm now 2 years on from my operation and lfe in all respects is back to normal. Have a look at my profile if you would like to know more. Good luck

User

Posted 01 Apr 2022 at 13:24

Originally Posted by: Online Community Member

thanks Mikew we can live in hope 🤞

User

Posted 01 Apr 2022 at 17:26

As you all said, the first 7-10 days is the hardest. You were right! Physically, mentally and emotionally draining. Today, minus the catheter is a different story. We both got more sleep too 😀. Slowly slowly and all that. Wounds healing well, squeezy app prompting pelvic floor exercises, a gentle walk, and an afternoon nap (him not me!). This time last week was a whole lot different x

User

Posted 01 Apr 2022 at 17:45

Once the catheter is out you do feel you have started a new chapter and are moving forward.

Re incontinence, mine improved to about 70% continent after the first day and then took a number of weeks to improve further. Walking certainly made me leak quite a bit. I wore the incontinence pants for the first month ( though could have got away with wearing the pads) and then reverted to wearing the pads. My continence slowly improved after about 4 weeks and then incrementally seemed to improve daily to where I am today: 99.99% continent with leaks only occurring when I lift something really heavy.

Ivan

User

Posted 01 Apr 2022 at 19:36

Originally Posted by: Online Community Member

Once the catheter is out you do feel you have started a new chapter and are moving forward.

Ivan

thanks Ivan, really useful to know. Only short walks currently and no leakage and a dry night, so let’s see how we get on in the next week or so. We’re under no illusion, it’s going to take time. He just feels so much better in himself. Wishing you well.

User

Posted 12 Apr 2022 at 20:39

Just popping in to update..... 3 weeks post surgery today. All going well. Continence has been good since catheter was removed. Wearing a level 1 or 2 pad just in case. Small leakage on Saturday eve. Just a reminder that muscles can get tired and it’s early days! He drove for the first time yesterday and all good. Wounds healing nicely, stitches not dissolved yet. He still feels slightly bloated and tummy swollen but definitely going down.

No real curveballs post catheter removal apart from the severe side effects to the taladafill which he stopped and will re-start next week on half dose (2.5mg). Let’s hope he can tolerate 🤞

So he is concentrating on recovery, increasing the walking distances and resting. Religiously doing his pelvic floor exercises (squeezy app is good). So far so good. Next big hurdle is result day on 5th May. It’s little steps and finding out what his limitations are without doing too much and going backwards.

User

Posted 13 Apr 2022 at 07:23

Good to hear Jayney and that is "only" 3 weeks after surgery.

Onwards and upwards

Ivan

User

Posted 13 Apr 2022 at 12:48

Originally Posted by: Online Community Member

Good to hear Jayney and that is "only" 3 weeks after surgery.

Onwards and upwards

Ivan

Thanks Ivan, onwards and upwards. Hope your recovery is going well. X

User

Posted 13 Apr 2022 at 14:17

Yes Tadalafil can cause side effects. I switched to half dose and that was much better. Also, I found the body adapts, so after a few days the effects were much less.

User

Posted 13 Apr 2022 at 14:25

Good to hear JaneyP. Your OH and I are on a similar schedule. I too remain almost completely dry ( trying to retrain my bladder and had one slight leak when I held on for just too long ), wounds have healed well and no significant pain, I am walking regularly and able to drive short distances. I still suffer tiredness / fatigue though so am listening to my body and not rushing back to work yet. My results date is May 6th so got a PSA test booked ahead of that.

hopefully our respective stories can encourage others who are considering surgery.

regards, GG

User

Posted 14 Apr 2022 at 21:16

Originally Posted by: Online Community Member

Yes Tadalafil can cause side effects. I switched to half dose and that was much better. Also, I found the body adapts, so after a few days the effects were much less.

thanks that’s useful to know. He’s due to restart on Tuesday x

User

Posted 14 Apr 2022 at 21:21

Originally Posted by: Online Community Member

hopefully our respective stories can encourage others who are considering surgery.

regards, GG

so good to hear GG. Yes OH knows when he needs a siesta! Don’t rush back if you don’t need to and undo all your good work. Listening to your body is definitely the best theory. Keep doing what your doing. So far so good..... we’re hoping for a good outcome on 5th May 🤞 he has his PSA booked for 3rd 🤞 wishing you well x

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