Radical prostatectomy.

Hi Ian.

Welcome to the forum mate

There are countless conversations on prostatectomies. On preparing for the op. Having the op. Immediate problems after the op. Long term side effects of the op. The list goes on and on and on......

You can use the forum search box for specific prostatectomy issues. 

Here's a link to my surgery experiences.

https://community.prostatecanceruk.org/posts/t30214-Almost-a-year-on-after-RARP

Best of luck mate. 👍

I am coming up to two yeas post RARP. Like yourself I was apprehensive but in all honesty it was not an issue. Like AJW I was discharged the follow day with a supply of strong painkillers and antibiotics but found I didn't need the painkillers - I was sore but not in pain. 
Don’t touch alcohol and I found going caffeine free helped as both irritate the bladder. I actually found a ginger and lemon tea more enjoyable during the early stages of recovery but am back to my tea (decaffeinated). 

I was told not to lift anything heavier than a cup of tea for the first two weeks and to gradually build things up for six weeks while the body repairs itself. Buy some comfortable, baggy jogging bottoms  - they’re comfortable when wearing the catheter. Shorts walks are a must to keep the body active but don’t try to do too much - you’ll feel fine but remember you’ve had major surgery.

The catheter was an issue as it was sometimes uncomfortable and I ended up sore at the tip of my penis. The District Nurses dropped off a gel which relieved this, and I’m aware others in this forum have bought similar from the chemist. For me, the catheter was in for 12 days and it was pure joy getting it out. 

I recommend downloading the Squeezy app to regain control of your bladder. We’re all different and I’m aware of others in the forum who have been virtually continent immediately after the catheter was removed. I took several weeks to achieve that.

Once the catheter was out I was prescribed Sildenafil to get blood flowing back where it’s needed, and three months later was prescribed a vacuum pump to further aid recovery. ED is a very common side-effect if the operation and although my procedure was nerve-sparing I still need the Sildenafil and a constriction ring to be able to have, and enjoy, penetration. 

If you have any concerns/issues post-op, contact your specialist nurses. Mine were brilliant and they never made me felt I was being a nuisance.

The waiting is the worst part. You’ll find the operation is very straightforward and will be not as bad as you fear. 

Hi Ian, I’m 5 weeks post RARP yesterday. No regrets so far.

Obviously everyone is different but for me the pain was manageable from day 1 and I have been pretty much pain free for a good couple of weeks now. Use your prescribed painkillers (I was told paracetamol as a base every four hours) but try and stay off the stronger stuff unless you really need it as can make you constipated.

Try and get up and walking as soon as possible, but don’t overdo it, your body will let you know I found. I was recommended not to walk outside whilst the catheter was in so just build it up slowly, regular movement helps with the constipation as well. On that note take the laxatives for as long as they recommend, I think I did for a couple of weeks. They are quite gentle but it will be sore and you won’t want to push so it makes life easier for you.

The catheter is a pain to manage but not the end of the world and you get used to dealing with it. Like others I found I was sore by the time it was due out and it was a real relief to be rid of it! You can get a gel that numbs you and helps with the discomfort.

Expect to have some incontinence when the catheter comes out. For me I’m down to one pad a day now and feels like things are improving. Download the Squeezy app and get started on the pelvic floors now, I think it’s helped me a lot. Just wait for the catheter to come out before resuming them post op! I’d also recommend to take as long as possible away from work, you are having major surgery and it’s very clear for me the more i’m stressed or tired the worse the incontinence. You will have been through a lot mentally and physically, take the time to recover. You will have ups and downs and there’s always the next thing to worry about (histology, first post op PSA test etc) so don’t be hard on yourself.

Early days for ED and nothing to report yet for me but that’s to be expected. Find out if you are a candidate for nerve sparring surgery. I’ve been prescribed with 5mg Tadalafil to help so something to ask about.

Hope all goes well for you mate.

Hi

I chose Davinci robot RP and believe it was my best option. I didn't like the possible side effects of radiation, and with two grown up children, didn't need the prostate!

Secondly If something remains and grows back Chemo/radiotherapy is still available as a follow-up treatment.

There's also several other lesser known treatments, eg ultrasonic, but would have meant me forking out thousands as wasn't available in my NHS health region.

The Op was frightening but went well and suprised me how little pain was experienced and how quickly I healed.

As other have said, expect to leak - You have to learn to control it all over again. Something which we last learned as an infant.

Some 18 months on, I'd have liked to have been totally dry, but still have a little leakage - Irritating but something easy to live with.

ED is also a side effect - I got tablets, a Pump and rings prescribed - Works well for me and the pump was certainly a new experience - Just make it fun.

Would I choose it again? - Yes, I believe my cancer was removed.

good luck

Andrew