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Opting for surgery

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User
Posted 06 Jul 2022 at 08:55

Hi folks,


I had the diagnosis yesterday and radical surgery seemed the best option offered.  All a bit scary though, but I would rather get the cancer out.  Any pre/post-surgery advice please?  Stuart.

User
Posted 07 Jul 2022 at 09:03
Definitely start the pelvic floor exercises, as suggested already.

In my case, I got my bike out and started a serious exercise regime. I'm 64 years old and the first outing on the bike (first in almost 5 years) was 10k and I thought I was going to pass-out. I was in A-Fib, my heart rate stayed above 120 for over an hour and my blood pressure dropped though the floor. A week later I was doing 40km without any problem.

I also walked everywhere I could do so reasonably, rather than taking the car. I stopped drinking alcohol and eating takeaways and other crap.

I also started doing 100 squats and crunches every morning to augment the pelvic floor workout.

In the 6 weeks or so prior to the op I lost about 5kg and I've kept that going in the 5 weeks since surgery, losing another 2kg so far (my cholesterol also dropped from 7.2 to 5.5 and continues to fall).

I will never know whether this helped my recovery but it certainly boosted my mental health and I've kept this going since. I was dry at night from day one post-op and after 10 days I was, and remain, completely dry.

Good luck with your surgery!
User
Posted 06 Jul 2022 at 18:47

Do your pelvic floor exercises and if you are not sure you are doing them right, google a physiotherapist that specialises in them. Worth it. Get a waterproof mattress protector as you might leak with the catheter, bin bags as the make it easier to put the TED stocking on (put a bin bag on your foot, slide the TED stocking over and remove the bin bag through the hole at the foot). Get some dark coloured cotton joggers and when you leave hospital ask for instalagel

User
Posted 06 Jul 2022 at 17:13

I'm just bumping your post up, it seemed to get lost in the moderation process. I'm sure someone will be along soon with some answers. Whilst we are waiting you may as well be doing some pelvic floor exercises though.

Dave

User
Posted 06 Jul 2022 at 18:06

Bumping your post up too, Wytesdw. 


More experienced guys will soon come along bringing some advice and thoughts. In the meantime, put into your mind the fact that many different options and solutions are available these days, and what is more, an ever increasing number of new techniques headed to  curation, treatment and relief in general too.


I wish you the best,


Lola.

User
Posted 06 Jul 2022 at 18:21

Hi Stuart, 


Dave makes an excellent suggestion, to start pelvic floor exercises now as they will be vital post surgery. Also, depending on your level of fitness, it may help to do some extra exercise beforehand, I found it helped me both physically and mentally. 


It's worth buying a waterproof mattress protector for the bed as a precaution. 


Hopefully more people will add to the list. 


Good luck, Kev.

Edited by member 06 Jul 2022 at 18:22  | Reason: Typo

User
Posted 06 Jul 2022 at 21:47
Sorry you are here Stuart, but lots of great advice on what to expect and what you need in preparation. Do you have a surgery date yet? My husband is nearly 4 months post op so happy to help with any questions. As others have said start your pelvic floor exercises now. The sooner the better, download the squeezy app, it’s a great reminder.
User
Posted 18 Jul 2022 at 14:44

"Why did people go for surgery ?"


I didn't like the sound of the RT side-effects and it looked like the cancer was entirely confined within the prostate so surgery should eliminate it completely - I'll get a good idea whether that's happened when I have the follow-up with my surgeon tomorrow 🀞🏻


It was also likely that the very poor flow rate I've suffered with for more than 35 years would be improved and that has certainly been the case. RT wouldn't have done that.

User
Posted 18 Jul 2022 at 15:26

I chose surgery because, I wanted to 'get it out', RT would still be an option in case of re-occurance whereas RP after RT can be problematic, brachytherapy was not an option due to a previous TURP and RT can lead to problems in future years hence another reason why not my first choice. I should also say that my in-depth conversations with the specialist nurse helped in my decision making. 


Good luck


 

User
Posted 18 Jul 2022 at 19:01

It was the specialist nurse who attended my consultations at the hospital  (and hence knew my story) and worked with the Urology team. But the PCUK nurses are wonderful. 


RP after RT, I meant salvage surgery. Some surgeons won't touch it.  If you are at UCLH, then you are in good hands. 

Edited by member 18 Jul 2022 at 19:02  | Reason: Not specified

User
Posted 21 Jul 2022 at 07:32

I am opting for surgery as I'm 55.  I think of it as my prostate has cancer, not me - so get it out.  There could be complications for me with radiotherapy and discussing all the options it seemed like surgery at my age came out as the best choice.  Everyone has a different journey.


My grandchildren and 1 and  2 years old and surgery gives me the piece of mind that I'll be around for longer.  I don't want to 'live with cancer' on active surveillance monitoring how it is growing, hence 'get it out'!


All the very best with your journey (and you have a brilliant BMI by the way!)

User
Posted 22 Jul 2022 at 13:05

I found out that I have prostate cancer in March and chose surgery as I was 56, now 57, and I wanted to get rid of it and have the best recovery I can whilst still relatively young. My BMI was high but I lost about a stone and a half in weight before surgery so felt fit.


I had the RALP operation on the 12th of July, today is the 22nd and I have an appointment to have my catheter removed on the 27th. I am self employed and went back to work at home three days ago without any issues at all. I had expected to maybe work short days but haven't felt that to be necessary.


For me I think the decision to go for surgery has been vindicated so far. The entire NHS team were excellent, I am healing well and have no pain or real discomfort at all other than where the catheter goes in. My solution for that is to stick with loose pyjama shorts while it's in.  I did buy some Instillagel but it hasn't made much difference. I will just have to live with the discomfort for a few days. Having a shower is a great feeling and helps psychologically.


I was keen to get out of hospital after one night but didn't push myself much for the first couple of days at home. I am fortunate to have the support of my wife and 18 year old daughter who have been wonderful with their managing of my catheter. I've been fed a healthy diet of salads, sultana bran and protein rich food that I am sure has helped my healing.


The biggest struggle has been with constipation, you can't push but I stuck with the sickly Lactulose solution and things started to move after four days. Having dropped what resembled a babies arm πŸ˜Š this morning I now feel much better. I found that I could bend enough to get my own compression socks on and off after a week and have been fine with injecting myself with blood thinner each evening.  


Only you can decide what is best for you but I would say surgery possibly gets you over the hump quicker if you can take it and I have found some very good advice on this site that has no doubt made my recovery so far much each easier.


Definitely buy a bucket for the night bag and catheter draining. Best couple of quid you will ever spend. Don't over eat but eat the right things. Go to bed earlier and keep yourself clean. Make sure you take your laxatives and injections and keep on top of your pain control. Take the chance to watch as many Marvel Avengers and Underworld films as you can while your family feel they have to indulge you.


Wish you well with you own decision, I am sure it will be right.


 


 

Edited by member 22 Jul 2022 at 20:30  | Reason: Not specified

User
Posted 22 Jul 2022 at 17:33
I'm not sure seeing Kate Beckinsale in tight leather is a good idea while the catheter is in. 😊
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User
Posted 06 Jul 2022 at 17:13

I'm just bumping your post up, it seemed to get lost in the moderation process. I'm sure someone will be along soon with some answers. Whilst we are waiting you may as well be doing some pelvic floor exercises though.

Dave

User
Posted 06 Jul 2022 at 18:06

Bumping your post up too, Wytesdw. 


More experienced guys will soon come along bringing some advice and thoughts. In the meantime, put into your mind the fact that many different options and solutions are available these days, and what is more, an ever increasing number of new techniques headed to  curation, treatment and relief in general too.


I wish you the best,


Lola.

User
Posted 06 Jul 2022 at 18:21

Hi Stuart, 


Dave makes an excellent suggestion, to start pelvic floor exercises now as they will be vital post surgery. Also, depending on your level of fitness, it may help to do some extra exercise beforehand, I found it helped me both physically and mentally. 


It's worth buying a waterproof mattress protector for the bed as a precaution. 


Hopefully more people will add to the list. 


Good luck, Kev.

Edited by member 06 Jul 2022 at 18:22  | Reason: Typo

User
Posted 06 Jul 2022 at 18:47

Do your pelvic floor exercises and if you are not sure you are doing them right, google a physiotherapist that specialises in them. Worth it. Get a waterproof mattress protector as you might leak with the catheter, bin bags as the make it easier to put the TED stocking on (put a bin bag on your foot, slide the TED stocking over and remove the bin bag through the hole at the foot). Get some dark coloured cotton joggers and when you leave hospital ask for instalagel

User
Posted 06 Jul 2022 at 21:47
Sorry you are here Stuart, but lots of great advice on what to expect and what you need in preparation. Do you have a surgery date yet? My husband is nearly 4 months post op so happy to help with any questions. As others have said start your pelvic floor exercises now. The sooner the better, download the squeezy app, it’s a great reminder.
User
Posted 07 Jul 2022 at 09:03
Definitely start the pelvic floor exercises, as suggested already.

In my case, I got my bike out and started a serious exercise regime. I'm 64 years old and the first outing on the bike (first in almost 5 years) was 10k and I thought I was going to pass-out. I was in A-Fib, my heart rate stayed above 120 for over an hour and my blood pressure dropped though the floor. A week later I was doing 40km without any problem.

I also walked everywhere I could do so reasonably, rather than taking the car. I stopped drinking alcohol and eating takeaways and other crap.

I also started doing 100 squats and crunches every morning to augment the pelvic floor workout.

In the 6 weeks or so prior to the op I lost about 5kg and I've kept that going in the 5 weeks since surgery, losing another 2kg so far (my cholesterol also dropped from 7.2 to 5.5 and continues to fall).

I will never know whether this helped my recovery but it certainly boosted my mental health and I've kept this going since. I was dry at night from day one post-op and after 10 days I was, and remain, completely dry.

Good luck with your surgery!
User
Posted 07 Jul 2022 at 09:16
Great post and advice maximum πŸ‘
User
Posted 09 Jul 2022 at 22:47

The pre-op exercise and weight loss is great, but post-op I was encouraged to eat a good diet fairly high in protein to help promote recovery.

Edited by member 09 Jul 2022 at 23:19  | Reason: Not specified

_____


Two cannibals named Ectomy and Prost, all alone on a Desert island.


Prost was the strongest, so Prost ate Ectomy.

User
Posted 15 Jul 2022 at 09:32

Originally Posted by: Online Community Member
Sorry you are here Stuart, but lots of great advice on what to expect and what you need in preparation. Do you have a surgery date yet? My husband is nearly 4 months post op so happy to help with any questions. As others have said start your pelvic floor exercises now. The sooner the better, download the squeezy app, it’s a great reminder.


Thanks, good shout on the App and pelvic floor reminder.  The specialist nurse did say start now!  Seeing surgical team on 26 July to discuss options.

User
Posted 18 Jul 2022 at 14:04

Hi all


Good discussions and good luck to all those having had surgery and those about to


Im 70 and have localised intermediate cancer I am pretty fit with good BMI (24.5 I think) I have the choice of RT/Hormone or Surgery and need to decide SOON I had diagnosis on 14/6/22 and have consulttaions on both options


How did people choose surgery?


I dont like idea of surgery ED is aproblem for me as I feel I might get depressed about not feeling "like aman" but I realise that is very common .


I checked  this charity's very good  guides and see  that RT/Hormone therapy comes with lots of side effects -fatigue/hot flushes/lack of energy and mood swings which Id find depressing -possibly more as it would be a years treatment 


2 doctors I ve consulted in N Middx hospital have said surgery would lead to a good prognosis for me 


Why did people go for surgery ?


 

User
Posted 18 Jul 2022 at 14:44

"Why did people go for surgery ?"


I didn't like the sound of the RT side-effects and it looked like the cancer was entirely confined within the prostate so surgery should eliminate it completely - I'll get a good idea whether that's happened when I have the follow-up with my surgeon tomorrow 🀞🏻


It was also likely that the very poor flow rate I've suffered with for more than 35 years would be improved and that has certainly been the case. RT wouldn't have done that.

User
Posted 18 Jul 2022 at 15:26

I chose surgery because, I wanted to 'get it out', RT would still be an option in case of re-occurance whereas RP after RT can be problematic, brachytherapy was not an option due to a previous TURP and RT can lead to problems in future years hence another reason why not my first choice. I should also say that my in-depth conversations with the specialist nurse helped in my decision making. 


Good luck


 

User
Posted 18 Jul 2022 at 16:58
THanks Max Rn B (like the Who) and Peter

I can understand the "Get It Out " thought process Ive spoken n to someone with that same idea
By RP I understand you to mean follow up surgery *( Restorative?) I was told by UCLH that that would be fine but "more difficult" Id hoped they would say it was "problematic" then that would make decision easier

I think I can handle a catheter but I hear different experiences from people-some people need pads for longer periods, some people recommend waterproof mattress cover duvet. Obviously its best to have all theses eventualities talked about but its a bit daunting

Peter Was that the Prostate Cancer nurse?

Rod
User
Posted 18 Jul 2022 at 19:01

It was the specialist nurse who attended my consultations at the hospital  (and hence knew my story) and worked with the Urology team. But the PCUK nurses are wonderful. 


RP after RT, I meant salvage surgery. Some surgeons won't touch it.  If you are at UCLH, then you are in good hands. 

Edited by member 18 Jul 2022 at 19:02  | Reason: Not specified

User
Posted 19 Jul 2022 at 13:55

Thanks Eric59


Im considering surgery as Ive said .


Im lucky (apparantly ) with having  a long uretha so incontinence will be reduced With ED because of position of cancer may not be able to save nerves so might not get erections back . Interested if physiotherapy help here or was that for incontinence?


Rod 


 


 


 


s 

User
Posted 21 Jul 2022 at 07:32

I am opting for surgery as I'm 55.  I think of it as my prostate has cancer, not me - so get it out.  There could be complications for me with radiotherapy and discussing all the options it seemed like surgery at my age came out as the best choice.  Everyone has a different journey.


My grandchildren and 1 and  2 years old and surgery gives me the piece of mind that I'll be around for longer.  I don't want to 'live with cancer' on active surveillance monitoring how it is growing, hence 'get it out'!


All the very best with your journey (and you have a brilliant BMI by the way!)

User
Posted 22 Jul 2022 at 13:05

I found out that I have prostate cancer in March and chose surgery as I was 56, now 57, and I wanted to get rid of it and have the best recovery I can whilst still relatively young. My BMI was high but I lost about a stone and a half in weight before surgery so felt fit.


I had the RALP operation on the 12th of July, today is the 22nd and I have an appointment to have my catheter removed on the 27th. I am self employed and went back to work at home three days ago without any issues at all. I had expected to maybe work short days but haven't felt that to be necessary.


For me I think the decision to go for surgery has been vindicated so far. The entire NHS team were excellent, I am healing well and have no pain or real discomfort at all other than where the catheter goes in. My solution for that is to stick with loose pyjama shorts while it's in.  I did buy some Instillagel but it hasn't made much difference. I will just have to live with the discomfort for a few days. Having a shower is a great feeling and helps psychologically.


I was keen to get out of hospital after one night but didn't push myself much for the first couple of days at home. I am fortunate to have the support of my wife and 18 year old daughter who have been wonderful with their managing of my catheter. I've been fed a healthy diet of salads, sultana bran and protein rich food that I am sure has helped my healing.


The biggest struggle has been with constipation, you can't push but I stuck with the sickly Lactulose solution and things started to move after four days. Having dropped what resembled a babies arm πŸ˜Š this morning I now feel much better. I found that I could bend enough to get my own compression socks on and off after a week and have been fine with injecting myself with blood thinner each evening.  


Only you can decide what is best for you but I would say surgery possibly gets you over the hump quicker if you can take it and I have found some very good advice on this site that has no doubt made my recovery so far much each easier.


Definitely buy a bucket for the night bag and catheter draining. Best couple of quid you will ever spend. Don't over eat but eat the right things. Go to bed earlier and keep yourself clean. Make sure you take your laxatives and injections and keep on top of your pain control. Take the chance to watch as many Marvel Avengers and Underworld films as you can while your family feel they have to indulge you.


Wish you well with you own decision, I am sure it will be right.


 


 

Edited by member 22 Jul 2022 at 20:30  | Reason: Not specified

User
Posted 22 Jul 2022 at 17:33
I'm not sure seeing Kate Beckinsale in tight leather is a good idea while the catheter is in. 😊
User
Posted 22 Jul 2022 at 17:43

Originally Posted by: Online Community Member
I'm not sure seeing Kate Beckinsale in tight leather is a good idea while the catheter is in. 😊


I've just been reading the other thread, where Lyn told us she likes to wear stilettos, cover her self in jelly and ice cream on public transport (never let the truth get in the way of a good story). Certainly cured my ED.

Dave

User
Posted 22 Jul 2022 at 18:25

I'm afraid that that even Kate and Scarlett Johansson combined appear to have insufficient superpower to overcome ED at this stage.  More than happy to keep checking though.

Edited by member 22 Jul 2022 at 18:44  | Reason: Not specified

 
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