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Aquablation: Post-surgery expectations
After decades of pills to (partially) manage BPH, I am scheduled for aquablation at Mayo JAX in mid-Feb. Has anyone had that procedure done? What was post-surgery like? What were your experiences regarding regular vs. retrograde ejaculation?
My expectations are high. My general health is good+ (71 yo), my prostate is enlarged but not massive, my PSA's suggest no cancer concerns. The surgeon expects a low-risk procedure (no incisions I believe) and a quick recovery (unless something unexpected pops up). I appreciate it's impossible to predict surgical outcomes with certainty - I would like to hear of others' experiences to help set my expectations.
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In my recent discussion with the surgeon regarding blood in my urine after not seeing it for weeks I was advised that it could take 6 mos. to a year to see the final results. In the meantime in this call he advised me to stop the Tamsolusin. I did and now urinating is more painful and not with the flow I was getting - geeze. One step forward and two back. I am hopeful that my prostate is adjusting to being weaned from the med and will lose the pain and regain the flow. Getting old is not for the feint of heart.
Thanks @cpmorris1001, what hospital did the procedure - and physician?
I'm in Colorado. The medical team that took care of me was from Boulder Community Health. They were all amazing. My urologist is Dr. Perez. I've been very impressed with him as we have navigated through this process. I would certainly recommend the entire team.
Where and what hospital? I’m scheduled for an aquablation on Tuesday, 2/4 at Sutter Urology in Roseville, CA. How are you doing today? Do you feel like you can get up and go anywhere?
Day 6 Post-Surgery: Feeling Good and Moving Forward
Hey @rstark
I’m now six days out from surgery, and things are going really well. For a little background—I’m 66, a retired engineer, and my prostate was 45ml. I had my procedure done at Boulder Community Health, and let me just say, the staff there was absolutely amazing. They took great care of me, and I’m super grateful.
I spent one night in the hospital with a three-way catheter while my bladder was continuously irrigated. Honestly, I think that process made a huge difference because I haven’t had any major bleeding issues.
Yesterday (day 5) was a big one—I had no leakage and didn’t see any blood in my urine. Best of all, I was able to pee standing up! I never thought that would feel like such an accomplishment, but here we are. There’s still a little discomfort when I go, but it’s way better than those first couple of days.
I’m still wearing diapers, mostly as a precaution, but I haven’t had any leakage for two days now. If today goes well, I might ditch them tomorrow!
Now, to answer your question: Do I feel like I can get up and go anywhere?
Absolutely! If anything, I feel almost too normal. I have a 10lb weight restriction, and I actually have to remind myself not to lift anything heavier because I feel so good. As for urgency, there’s plenty of time to make it to the bathroom, so I’m not too worried about accidents.
Tomorrow, I’m planning to take it up a notch and go for a slow, three-mile hike. I’ll take it easy, but it feels great to be at this point already.
If you have any questions, feel free to ask! I’m happy to share my experience from a patient’s perspective.
Hey @cpmorris1001, thanks for replying so quickly. I was told I would be going home with a catheter for 3 nights, and then removal before the weekend. Sounds like you had something different than what they plan for me. I was also told I would likely go home the same day (evening) as the procedure. Did you go home with a catheter, or did they remove it before you left the hospital?
I'm 68, in good health and work out/swim regularly. I retired from public school admin in 2019. My prostate was 38ml per a TRUSS almost 2-years ago. I really don't want to be home-bound for any stretch of time, so hearing about how you're feeling is encouraging.
I've been a performing trombonist for almost 50 years - working mainly studio and small ensemble gigs these days. The doc told me to wait about 2 weeks before picking up the horn again, but he also said I would have a 25lb weight restriction (my horn is about 3 lbs). I haven't taken a break from playing for more than a couple days in the last 20 years. I'm hoping I can pick it up again sooner than his recommended 2 weeks.
No one has advised me about getting diapers. It sounds like I should order some to have around for a few days . . . Anyway, I'll write back after I get home from the procedure next week. I appreciate having someone to communicate with who is kinda in the same boat . . . Thanks for your willingness to share your experience - hope your hike goes well. R