Advise post RP

His case isn’t typical as he was in hospital 2 weeks as bowel got perforated during surgery and the urethra join to bladder was tricky so still got catheter in….(coming out next week) .but, this is what I can tell you on how he is now. Still got a week of injections, 28 days like you.

Age 62; considered very healthy and active prior to RARP.

WOUNDS: healed really well but Steve says he can still feel them ‘knitting’, not painful just aware.

MOBILITY: he is fine walking around, light chores (oh yes!!), went for first walk yesterday outside, about a mile steadily. The main thing restricting him is the catheter, if that wasn’t in still we would be walking a couple of miles and building it up.

He was told, absolutely no lifting, although you feel well, there is risk to damage internally, I think the advice was for 6 months.

Re mobility he was told to take it at the pace you feel comfortable at, listen to your body, if you feel shattered, then slow down and build it up.

Driving - common sense here, ok when you feel you can safely do an emergency stop. We are thinking 6 weeks post op to give it a go.

We cleared our calendar with no plans until 8 weeks post op as we didn’t know how things would be. We are off to centreparcs with the family early March. Before that I’m sure we will have a few gentle walks and a visit to the pub!! But not being too ambitious.

One of the things we don’t know about yet which may affect how quickly life gets some normality is the bladder control once catheter out…..how are you doing in that respect?

Debbie

Hi Steve. 

Had my robotic surgery (here in Ireland they tend to use “RALP” two weeks ago and I have a slightly different experience so think it might be no harm for you to have some variety! I’m 61. Was in good health before and just stayed the one night. In hospital. Discharged with a catheter - came out after 7 days and only on paracetamol for initial discomfort which I no longer need. I have been up and about for at least part of each day since the catheter came out. I’m walking the dog as we speak (Sorry Suzy!). Building up stamina by walking a bit more each day. I will be fit for work by 12th with any luck. I certainly feel things going in the right direction. I’m not lifting and will take advice before but want to get back to the gym in time - no rush though - walk before run etc. feel I can drive soon but will take advice. It’s probably core development that might take a while to get into but I am walking a lot! Things can go well but everyone’s situation unique so my advice is listen to your body as well as the nurses but don’t overdo anything. 

hope that helps!

Hello Steve,

Welcome to the forum. Its a shame you've had to find us mate, but I'm glad you have.

I had the same op a year ago.

I hope this link helps: 

https://prostatecanceruk.org/prostate-information-and-support/treatments/surgery

Best of luck and I hope you have a smooth and speedy recovery.

Adrian

Edited by member 31 Jan 2024 at 11:52  | Reason: Changed links

Steve , just to elaborate on the good advice on the catheter.

I have had around 12 trial without catheter and never failed. Mine usually took around three hours. I usually drank plenty of water before getting to the hospital, I find that if i am well hydrated before getting to the hospital the water they give me to drink at the TWOC passes through me far quicker. It is better to leak a bit than have a catheter put back in because you failed the TWOC. The removal is frequently described as weird, it should be pain free. If it gets stuck on the way out ask for a urologist to attend, my surgeon is convinced a swift removal after getting stuck caused my post op stricture issues.

As already said make sure you have some pads, the hospital will normally give you some, but as a work colleague used to say better to be looking at some than looking for some. I took a towel and cover for the car seat in case of a "major" leak but it never happened. I also had a urine bottle in the car in case of an emergency. The towel is useful if stuck in a traffic jam with a coachload of people at the side of you😀. You could take a spare pair of trousers and pants, again i never needed them. Elasticated waist trousers make it very easy to change the pad in a hurry. 

Once the catheter is removed remember to contract those pelvic muscles as you are  going from sitting to standing up, this is when lots of us experienced a leak.

Thanks Chris