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Suggestions For Post-Op Success?

Prostate Cancer | Last Active: Nov 2 12:15pm | Replies (3)

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@retireditguy

There's another very recent thread that asked a similar question. If you haven't already, be sure to read: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/surgery-in-2-weeks/ Also, this blog has a good search function so it's easy to search it and find a lot more good stuff about kegals, penile rehab, etc. That said, here's a few thoughts for your consideration. Just remember I'm not a medical professional and you should be running everything past your care team and following their instructions. Pre-Op -- start kegals. Lots of good videos (I watched Michelle Kenway videos on youtube for Kegals for men). I didn't use a PT which wasn't ideal, so I do agree with others on this website that a knowledgeable PT is the gold standard since Kegals are hard to do correctly. I don't know if it helped or not, but I lost some weight as it just seemed logical that it might help as I was 12 lbs overweight for my height, so I was able to drop about 8 lbs before surgery. I was already a regular gym rat, but I kept up my workouts right up to the surgery. I also got all the post-op supplies; including a plastic bucket to hold the catheter overnight bag (which helped a lot), got some velcro breakaway pants from Amazon which were very convenient while the catheter was in and well worth the money. A big disposable pad for the bed was also helpful for me in relaxing and not worrying about a little spillage if the tubing pulled apart while sleeping. Also, I modified my diet per the provider instructions and tried the non-stimulative laxative for a few days more than a week before surgery so I knew if I tolerated it well and generally figured out what worked for me and how it'd affect me while I was still healthy before surgery. I think that helped me use the laxative with confidence when I needed it after surgery. I religiously followed all my doctors instructions pre surgery. Post-Op: Again, I religiously followed all my doctors instructions post surgery. For example, his instructions for laxative and diet after surgery worked well for me as I was never constipated after surgery, but rather had easy bowel movements (which is a big deal as you don't want to be straining when you have a catheter and you're recovering from surgery). Similarly, I strictly followed his instructions to me to alternate tylenol and ibuprofen after surgery and my pain level never got above a 2 on a scale of 10. But even with all that prep, the week with the catheter was still very unpleasant. I failed to plan for penile rehab before surgery so I didn't start that for a little while after surgery (I don't remember exactly when). When I became aware of it and asked my care team, then I started Penile Rehab with a low dose nightly tadalafil. You'll definitely want to talk to your doctor about penile rehab since he may prescribe tadalafil or sildenafil or something else. BTW, both are available very cheaply using Goodrx free coupons (or very very cheaply mail order at Mark Cuban's Cost Plus Drug Company (although I haven't personally used Cost Plus yet and you have to set up your account before the prescription is sent to Cost Plus). Best wishes.

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Replies to "There's another very recent thread that asked a similar question. If you haven't already, be sure..."

Great advise here . Never knew about Cost Plus Drugs, I wonder if they ship to Canada . Despite the Government health care here and cheaper drugs , the Pharma's have found a way to over charge us ! Going into surgery , yes , try and be in the best shape you can be . Talk to your doctor about being "surgery ready" and the best shape for recovery going forward . I found Suana's helped me recover . Long hikes , even with catheter in I was going on 3-4 km hikes( very slow though) . Its one heck of a big operation , but with preparation it becomes easier . God Bless to all ! James